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Fall
Weather
At
the end of the summer, the real beauty of North Idaho starts to
show. Our fall climate is just what you would expect, warm days and
cool nights. The average daytime temperature is 61° with the nights
cooling off to the mid 40's. As the days grow shorter, Mother Nature
starts to work her magic. The trees start their annual display of
color that continues until late November. Rainfall picks up in the
fall months with the average being 3 inches per month. Fall is a
beautiful time to be outside, come and join us!
Activities
Take
a Hike
North Idaho's parks and back country are laced with trails, many leading
to lakes or streams, and most offering magnificent viewpoints.
Here is just a sampling that are easily accessible to walking and hiking
enthusiasts:
Centennial Trail is
a paved, comfortable course for walkers, runners,
cyclists and skaters. From the Washington state line the trail
roughly follows the Spokane River through Post Falls, along Northwest
Boulevard through City Park and downtown Coeur d'Alene. The
eastern end of the trail hugs the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene with
numerous picnic tables, exercise stations, and rest stops all the way to
Higgins Point - a climb that is worth the extra effort to view Beauty
Bay.
Tubbs Hill features outstanding viewpoints, woodland habitats and
historical focal points. The self-guided walk follows a two-mile
loop, beginning and ending at the south end of the parking lot between
McEuen Park and the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Allow about two hours
for the hike and wear comfortable shoes as the trail is rocky and steep
in some area.
Mineral Ridge Trail is 3.3 mile path that is an outdoor classroom in the
forest. There are 22 stations numbered along the trail identifying
features found naturally at Mineral Ridge. The trail climbs 735
feet to an elevation of 2,875 feet, for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur
d'Alene and surrounding mountains. The trail begins at Beauty Bay
and is accessed off of Highway 97.
Q'emiln Trail in Post Falls is home to Marmots, Osprey and other
wildlife. The set of 14 trails starts at South City Park and winds
through four miles of the Spokane River gorge. A map at the
trailhead marks the route.
Horse
Rides, Hay Rides and Sleigh Rides
There's no better way to catch the true flavor of the West than from the
back of a horse. A variety of rides are offered throughout North
Idaho. They range from gentle mountain trails for beginners to
authentic "trail boss guided" evening rides complete with
western suppers and classic carriages and sleighs for special occasions
year round. Rider Ranch (10 minutes from Coeur d'Alene) offers a
day of life on a working ranch, riding and a family barn night complete
with an open fire BBQ. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (15 minutes
from Sandpoint) has cabin rentals along with year round equine adventures.
Other area businesses offering dude-ranch style services, guided rail
rides, overnight stays or hourly rides are Hidden Creek Ranch
(Harrison), Bridal Path Manor Bed & Breakfast (Hayden Lake),
and Mountain View Ranch (Athol).
Pick
Huckleberries
The mountains of the Coeur d'Alenes are known for their abundance of
huckleberries, a round, purple berry native to North Idaho.
Sunlight enhances production, so the best berry picking is usually found
along abandoned logging roads, in areas where timber has been harvested
or terrain where forest fires have occurred. When venturing into
the forest, remember bears like berries too. High in
carbohydrates, they are one of the primary food sources for grizzly and
black bear. If you encounter, or see the presence of a bear, it is
best to retreat and not infringe on the bear's "berry
territory." The huckleberry is a low erect shrub ranging from
one to five feet tall. By mid June berries on south facing lower
slopes are ripe. Good picking as late as October on North slopes.
Watch
the Eagles
Beginning in late November, migrant populations of bald eagles arrive at
Wolf Lodge Bay at the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene as well as numerous
locations on Lake Pend Oreille. Waters are rich with salmon that
have spawned and died, offering the eagles an abundant winter food
source. The eagles, which can easily be viewed from I-90 near Wolf
Lodge area or Hwy 2 between Sandpoint and Hope, normally depart the
area in late January.
The following link will take you to the Fall
Calendar of Events of one of our wonderful local WEB SITES
fyinorthidaho.com
Fall Events
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Summer
Fall
Winter
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