Off The Beaten Path TRAILS AND ACTIVITIES TO TRY THIS WINTER! — BY COLIN ANDERSON —
WHILE THERE MIGHT not always be snow on the ground in town, the mountains that surround our Inland Northwest communities always offer plenty of deep stuff from Thanksgiving through the spring thaw. You’ve more than likely tackled at least a few of the ski hills within 90 minutes of Downtown Spokane and perhaps taken snowshoes out on some of the area trails where bikes are usually found. These are just the tip of the iceberg for outdoor recreation across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. While there are posted and unmarked trails all over the region, below are some of our favorites. Nordic – Trails along Priest Lake, Idaho Many in our area flock to this beautiful body of water for summertime fun and relaxation, but it’s just as beautiful and even more peaceful once the snow falls. There are several great trails for beginners and children along the lake. Priest Lake State Park’s Indian Creek Unit provides 8.7 kilometers of groomed terrain and circles the park’s visitor center area. There are picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and The Park’s visitor center and store are open on weekends for fresh coffee or hot chocolate. Hanna Flats is another beginner to moderate area with 10 additional kilometers of single-track trail. The Hanna Grove Nature Trail offers views of old growth forest and information placards along the trail. Those looking for a bit more of a challenge can go off trail up some of the hillsides for a few additional calories burned.
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Snowshoeing – Gold Hill Trail No. 3, Sandpoint, Idaho Not far from Downtown Sandpoint, this moderate hike is the perfect day trip, whether it’s your first time on snowshoes or you’re a seasoned pro. The trailhead is easy to find by taking Bottle Bay Road off of Highway 95. The trail is used heavily in the summer but is less visited in the winter time. You’ll find an elevation gain of 1,200 feet as you make your way up through pine forest. You’ll find panoramic views of Sandpoint, the Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille as you ascend, and the best views are from the top. The trail measures about 3.7 miles in length, so plan on starting early so you can finish off your day with a hot chocolate or bite to eat and local craft beer in nearby Downtown Sandpoint. Downhill – Red Mountain Resort, Rossland, British Columbia The secret is only beginning to get out about this gem of a mountain located a stone’s throw across the border in British Columbia. Part of the famous ‘Powder Highway’ Red added nearly 1,000 new skiable acres in 2013, bringing the total ski boundary area to 4,200 acres. There are 110 marked runs with a nearly even split of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert terrain, giving every skill level plenty to explore. Its relatively isolated location keeps lift lines to a minimum. There is a wide range of ski-in/ski-out condos for rent on the mountain, but you can also find additional hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation