ICL puts pizzazz in summertime
—Photo courtesy NANCY DOOLEY/Idaho Conservation League A group of hikers enjoys a summer adventure at Roman Nose Lake.
-- Photo courtesy NANCY DOOLEY, ICL Karen, a Summer Adventure Series guide, at Fault Lake.
-- Photo courtesy NANCY DOOLEY, ICL A challenging Summer Adventure Series hike at high altitude.
SANDPOINT — Summer is simply not summer without at least one excellent adventure. The Idaho Conservation League has several to choose from, beginning this Saturday.
The ICL Summer Adventure Program has enjoyed a successful run for the past decade, offering North Idaho residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation in some of the most spectacular natural settings anywhere.
"With 10 excursions planned for this summer and fall, ICL’s hike series offers something for every ability and interest. Featured outings include four different kayaking tours on area lakes, a fishing and hiking jaunt into the Selkirk Mountains, a Leave No Trace hike and a birding excursion," according to an ICL press release.
Family-friendly treks to pristine alpine lakes, challenging day hikes into the mountains and a wander through Sherwood Forest round out this year's menu of a la carte adventures.
Lake Pend Oreille will be the site of Saturday's kick off event, a kayak excursion between Sam Owen State Park in Hope and Pearl Island. The island is a bird sanctuary where paddlers can observe the avian population and the remains of eagles' nests. Matt Davidson will lead the outing.
A new adventure is on tap nearly every week through September, with a Sherwood Forest Wander with naturalist Shane Slater capping off the season on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Upper Priest Lake, Harrison Lake, Big Fisher Lake, the Pack River and the Clark Fork Delta will provide kayakers with plenty of paddling time and hikers with a wealth of unique vistas.
"The Idaho Conservation League is a statewide non-profit working to protect Idaho’s clean air, clean water and stunning lands. The group has been operating for more than 40 years and has offices in Sandpoint, Ketchum and Boise," according to the release.
Each adventure features an experienced guide, and each one is free of charge. ICL requires participants to register in advance at idahoconservation.org or by calling 208-265-9565.