Adventure Series hikes announced

SANDPOINT — In its ninth summer, the Idaho Conservation League Adventure Series in North Idaho features day hikes of varying difficulty, paddle trips on both Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d’Alene and campsite and trail maintenance volunteer opportunities.

Whether you are new or native to the Panhandle, this adventure series is a great way to explore and gain new appreciation for Idaho’s spectacular peaks, lakes, streams and wildlife.

The hiking series kicks off June 27 with a hike up Lookout Mountain in the Selkirks. This scenic, one-way seven-mile hike near the north end of Priest Lake features phenomenal views of Priest Lake, Lions Head and the Selkirk Mountain range.

The other 14 outings offered this summer and fall include easy family hikes to alpine lakes, more strenuous hikes to peaks in the Selkirk Crest, as well as a birding hike to  Harrison Lake with Rich Del Carlo. ICL is also offering three paddle trips this year — one through the stunning Clark Fork River Delta with Kathy Cousins from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Cousins is the project leader of the massive restoration project taking place in the delta. She will give a tour of the project while participants enjoy beautiful vistas and likely waterfowl sightings. Additional paddle trips include an open water trip with ICL staffer, Susan Drumheller to Pearl Island off of Hope in Lake Pend Oreille and a paddle with Kootenai Environmental Alliance and ICL member, Julie Delsaso to Cougar Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The outings are free and open to all but space is limited and registration is required. To sign up for a hike, kayak trip or volunteer opportunity, or for more information, visit www.idahoconservation.org or contact the Idaho Conservation League’s Sandpoint office at (208) 265-9565.

2015 List of Outings Sponsored by the Idaho Conservation League

• Saturday, June 27 — Lookout Mountain –Stunning views of Priest Lake and the Selkirk Mountains await you on this 7-mile through hike led by ICL Public Lands Associate, Brad Smith. The hike will take you past Lookout Lake to the top of the mountain and down to Lion Creek where a shuttle car will be waiting.

• Thursday, July 2 — Be Bear Aware, An ICL After Hours Event – Learn more about bears, how to traveling safely in bear country and get the opportunity to practice with an inert bear spray canister at this unique event at the Sandpoint Ranger Station.

• Friday, July 10 — Pearl Island Paddle – Join ICL’s Community Conservation Associate, Susan Drumheller on an open-water tour to Pearl Island in Lake Pend Oreille. The group will paddle 3 miles from the boat launch in Hope, to the island for a picnic before returning. Pearl Island was donated to Idaho Department of Fish and Game as a sanctuary for nesting eagles.

• Sunday, July 12 — Beehive Lake – ICL’s intern, Jenny Van Ooyen will lead this 9 mile round trip hike to one of the loveliest lakes in the Selkirks. The route takes you along retired logging roads, single track and granite slabs before ending at the lake.

• Sunday, July 19 — Chimney Rock – Hike to what is arguably the best-known feature of the American Selkirks in this long, 13 mile round trip hike with the husband and wife duo, Kathy and Larry Nolan. Gaze in awe from its base or venture to the saddle for jaw dropping views of the Selkirk Crest and Priest Lake.

• Saturday/Sunday, July 25/26 — Upper Priest Lake Campout and Volunteer - The Forest Service and ICL are partnering for a fun volunteer opportunity on beautiful Upper Priest Lake. Paddle to the upper lake and join in the work of sprucing up campgrounds facilities. Dinner, breakfast and great camaraderie provided.

• Sunday, Aug. 2 — Kayak Tour on the Clark Fork Delta – Explore the Clark Fork Delta with Idaho Fish and Game Mitigation Biologist, Kathy Cousins.  Learn about the ongoing restoration project and soak in the stunning views of the Green Monarchs, Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountains.

• Saturday, Aug. 8 – Two Mouths Lake – Hikers will travel on old logging trails, over streams, and up and over a rocky knob to two exquisite lakes. Danya Rumore, ICL’s previous intern will led this 8 mile round trip hike.

• Sunday, Aug. 16 — Trout and Big Fisher Lake Hike n Run - Can’t decide if you should go for a run or a hike? Here’s your chance to do both!! Sandii and Jim Mellen are leading a fun run or hike to Trout and Big Fisher Lake. Hike with Sandii to Trout Lake or run to Big Fisher Lake with Jim, or try a combo of each.

• Sunday, Aug. 30 — Birding Hike to Harrison Lake – Expert birder, Rich Del Carlo will lead a birding hike to one of the easiest to access, high alpine lakes in the Selkirks. Expect to hear or see alpine species like the olive-sided flycatcher, hermit thrush and possibly lots of raptors too.

• Friday, Sept. 11 — Pyramid and Ball Lakes – This family friendly hike takes you to two great lakes in the Selkirks. Led by longtime hiker, John Harbuck.

• Saturday, September 12 — West Fork Mountain – ICL staffer, Susan Drumheller will lead you through old-growth cedars, past a beautiful lake and up to the peak for awesome 360 degree views of the Selkirks on this 9 mile round trip hike.

• Sunday, Sept. 13 — Kayak on Lake Coeur d’Alene to Cougar Bay – ICL and the Kootenai Environmental Alliance are co-hosting this beautiful paddle on Lake Coeur d’Alene to Cougar Bay. Julie Dalsaso will lead this moderately easy paddle.

• Sunday, Sept. 20 — Beehive Lakes Scramble – Rick Price will lead intrepid hikers on this difficult cross-country, 12 + mile hike. Strong hikers will see three of the prettiest lakes in the Selkirks as well as amazing views of the Selkirk Crest.

• Sunday Sept. 30 — Fisher Peak – ICL’s Adventure Series will end with a long, 14 mile hike through beautiful forests to Fisher Peak for views of the Kootenai Valley, Parker Peak and Creston, B.C. ICL staffer, Nancy Dooley will lead the closing hike of the season.