Sandpoint, ID

The first question always is: where are we going to celebrate the 4^th? What I mean is, will we do the City Beach fireworks put on by the Lion's Club, or maybe we'll try Hope, or Hayden Lake, or Garfield Bay this year. While Sandpoint has what many believe to be the premier display, plus there is the cool factor of being able to walk about downtown and get a beer or a slice, there are a dozen other venues within twenty miles that offer the rocket's red glare all around Lake Pend Oreille and outlying areas.

Sandpoint City Beach - Early before July 4th 2009

Nope, the decision made, Sandpoint became the choice, but where to park our party? Some people like to take in the pyrotechnics from their boats offshore. From past experience, the tiny gnats have made me appreciate an on-shore location. So, across the water at 41 South is pretty cool, and from a distance, the far away view from off Lefaye's Way and Forever View is awesome. My friend's, Gary and Laura Peitz, had parked their travel van at City Beach and extended the invite, so the final destination was selected.

Going across the Long Bridge is always inspiring with the majestic mountain and lake views, at least when there isn't construction and delays. However, it was especially heartening this year. We now know that our current economic woes were affecting people even to last summer, and combined with the high gas prices, there were fewer boats on the lake, and summer 2008 numbers were way down compared to the previous few years. As I drove across the bridge the numbers of out-of-state license plates was the first good sign. The readily apparent increase of boats on the water was another. In my mind, even though it was early on Independence Day, the beginnings were auspicious.

We had gone to see Jesse Colin Young the night before at the Panida, and had put on the Concert after the concert at Kaye Delanius' home. She was back in town to visit and spruce up her 2^nd home here. So, we were moving kind of slow. Even so, downtown was hopping, and there were already several hundred people at City Beach by the time we plopped down around 6pm. Again, the guitars came out and the singing kept the children entertained. Speaking of entertainment, thanks so much to the hilarious drunks at Trinity at the Beach. Trinity did a very good job of serving good drinks fast, but the floor show of the unnamed inebriated fellow was infinitely better than the cocktail.

The first deafening boom of the initial fireworks went up around 9:45pm, though from our vantage point, we could see pretty cool bursts all around the lake, on Sunnyside and Oden Bay, across to Highway 200 leading out to Hope.

There is always a small delay between the first burst and the proceeding deluge. I was told this is so people can get situated and train their cameras for the onslaught. While last year's fireworks were somewhat disappointing, this year lived up to the great years past.

The oooos and aaahhhs from the crowd was as pleasing as the illuminations. The delighted squeals of the children were added to the crrraccckks and kaaaaboooooms and baaannngggs that were followed by reds and blues and greens. At times when the phosphorus lighted the crowds, reflecting off the water and smoke in the air, every soul on the beach was clearly visible, then the light would die down, and all was dark again. Our eyes, normally adjusting to darkened situations, could not recover in time, and pitch black was the rule, until the next blaze in the sky once again took our collective breaths away.

The crowd has swelled to roughly several thousand right before the beginning of the event, so that leaving was a massive moving of lemming-like humanity. Most had parked some place other than at the beach. Parking at the beach has some convenience, but leaving can take hours, or at least it seems like hours.

As I drove back home across the Long Bridge the areas all along Lakeshore Drive and Bottle Bay Road had several large fireworks launches, the missiles colliding with open air, showering their umbrellas of pretty pink and white, yellow and stardust. Most surprising was the gigantic display taking place in Sagle right down Highway 95. Seemed just as big as the Sandpoint show, and I almost drove out there to check out that party. Maybe I'll go there next year.

All of this took place under a three quarter full moon. The temperature during the day was in the mid 90s, but cooled down to the 70s but the time the show started. My friend went to the Oregon coast this weekend, and he told me they skipped the fireworks because the fog was so thick. Temps there were in the 40s-50s and the wetness of the fog made life outside just not comfy.

The next day the temperatures had dropped to the high 80s, and the forecast was for high 70s to 80s for the next several days. We who live here sometimes forget to notice the wonderfully temperate weather, and take the striking beauty for granted. As I drove to Dover Bay to host an open house at Marina Town, one of the waterfront developments there, I noted that, with the exception of one Canadian speeder, all the people from Alberta and Washington, Montana and British Columbia, and all other points from afar, drove with that wonderful rubbernecking tourists are known for. They had the right idea. Look at this gorgeous place, this land of mountains and big lakes, rivers and beautiful landscapes. I saw over a dozen cases of allowing the random car to move into traffic, stopping for the multitude of pedestrians and cyclists. Good manners have been the rule this weekend. People take on the mantel of kindness and courtesy here in Sandpoint, regardless of big-city attitudes left behind. On the 4^th, children asked "please" and said "after you," and "thank you, sir." This is paradise for so many more reasons than startling scenery.

Loved being in Sandpoint this weekend, and as I write this report, sitting on a balcony on the Pend Oreille, as boat after boat cruises by, I can think of no better place in the world to be than Sandpoint and North Idaho.

Sandpoint is ROCKIN' again this summer. It seems like the 4th is the real kick-off each year.

I am sitting up at SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN in the COLDWELL BANKER RESORT REALTY office enjoying the beautiful weather while dozens of SANDPOINT locals wander by mingling with the hundreds of tourists who have shown up to enjoy this incredible weather (sunny, 80 degrees with low humidity). It doesn't hurt that, yet, another wedding is on tap for this afternoon at the top of the Great Escape chairlift. That makes for quite an eclectic scene. Hikers, mountain bikers, bridesmaids...I love it!

(Look close...you can still see some snow up on the Ridge)

(Chair lift rides all summer up to the top of the Great Escape Lift.)

This morning was the annual 4th of July Parade in Downtown Sandpoint, combined with the Saturday Farmer's Market. The town was cordoned off as the parade marched through our streets...American flags waving proudly at every corner.

The Farmers' Market is ever popular with organic, fresh produce combined with crafts of all kinds and the ever-present live music. Today, Brother Music, was entertaining the crowd with slide guitar and wonderful Robert Johnson inspired blues. Last night, legendary, Jesse Colin Young performed in downtown Sandpoint at the Panida Theater and Monday Kracker shows up at the same venue. I would call this pretty "big-time" entertainment. Music and entertainment abound year-around in SANDPOINT, but summers are always special.

The 4th of July, traditionally kicks off the Summer Sandpoint Real Estate Blitz (as I call it). It is hard for visitors to resist the beauty of this area if they are lucky enough to find themselves here in North Idaho, and we always see a burst of real estate activity...both in the Sandpoint Valley and up here on the mountain. One would think winter is the time for SCHWEITZER ski-condo sales but that is not really the case. Moving in can be problematic in the Winter here at Schweitzer, as one can imagine at this altitude, making Summer the reasonable time to buy.

Enjoy your 4th of July! In honor of Independance Day, I leave you with these thoughts from JFK in 1946 at age 29:

"The American character has been not only religious, idealistic, and patriotic, but because of these it has been essentially individual.

The right of the individual against the State has ever been one of our most cherished political principles.

The American Constitution has set down for all men to see the essentially Christian and American principle that there are certain rights held by every man which no government and no majority, however powerful, can deny.

Conceived in Grecian thought, strengthened by Christian morality, and stamped indelibly into American political philosophy, the right of the individual against the State is the keystone of our Constitution. Each man is free.

He is free in thought.

He is free in expression.

He is free in worship.

To us, who have been reared in the American tradition, these rights have become part of our very being. They have become so much a part of our being that most of us are prone to feel that they are rights universally recognized and universally exercised. But the sad fact is that this is not true. They were dearly won for us only a few short centuries ago and they were dearly preserved for us in the days just past. And there are large sections of the world today where these rights are denied as a matter of philosophy and as a matter of government.

We cannot assume that the struggle is ended. It is never-ending.

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. It was the price yesterday. It is the price today, and it will ever be the price.

The characteristics of the American people have ever been a deep sense of religion, a deep sense of idealism, a deep sense of patriotism, and a deep sense of individualism.

Let us not blink the fact that the days which lie ahead of us are bitter ones.

May God grant that, at some distant date, on this day, and on this platform, the orator may be able to say that these are still the great qualities of the American character and that they have prevailed."

I am working with a few clients here in SANDPOINT, IDAHO who find themselves in the, all too, familiar plight of being upside-down on their mortgages and not knowing where to turn. This has been the recurring theme of our economic crisis for the past six years and one of the major stumbling blocks to a housing recovery.

Making homes affordable, especially with current homeowners, remains the hurdle that our nation needs to address. Fannie Mae does have a program out there (the Home Affordable Modification Program) that takes a stab at helping these homeowners and, while this has been discussed often on AR, it is important to keep the information out there in hopes that this program gets adequately utilized. There are some hoops to jump through, to be sure, but it is certainly worth the effort to explore the options.

The Home Affordable Modification Program provides tools to mortgage lenders and homeowners coping with financial hardship and declining home prices. Home Affordable Refinance includes new refinancing flexibilities for homeowners whose loans are owned by Fannie Mae. Key features include:

• Borrowers refinancing an existing Fannie Mae loan are not be required to buy new or additional mortgage insurance if the loan at the time of the refinance is more than 80 percent of a home's value. In addition, Fannie Mae can refinance loans up to 105 percent of a home's value. This could allow a homeowner to take advantage of lower interest rates that reduce monthly payments, or refinance into a more sustainable mortgage.
• Brokers using Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter® platform will be able to process an application to refinance any existing Fannie Mae loan, allowing for greater lender origination capacity and easier refinancing for borrowers.

What Borrowers Need to Know:

• To qualify, your mortgage loan must be owned by Fannie Mae.
• You must have a solid payment history on your existing mortgage. (This can be negotiated if the homeowner has made a concerted and verifiable attempt to make timely payments)
• The expanded refinance flexibility ends in June 2010.

Home Affordable Modification

Loan servicers participating in the program may reduce interest rates, lengthen the payment time frame or take other steps, such as principal forbearance, to bring the monthly payments down to as low as 31 percent of the borrower's gross (pre-tax) income.

What Borrowers Need to Know:

Certain eligibility requirements, including attesting to a financial hardship, may apply.

• To modify a loan, it must be for your primary residence.
• The amount you owe on your mortgage must be less than or equal to $729,750.
• The program is for mortgages originated prior to January 1, 2009.

Borrowers can find out if their loan is owned by Fannie Mae in one of two ways:

• Call your current mortgage lender or,
• Contact Fannie Mae. Call 1-800-7FANNIE or visit http://www.fanniemae.com/homeaffordable.

Sandpoint, North Idaho, & Eastern Washington
Wineries & Wine Bars

North Idaho Restaurants

Schweitzer Restaurants

North Idaho Bars

Idaho Cuisine

First, Gary Lirette is the author of the book Passion for Wine published by Hastings House. So, wine holds a special place in this writer's life. While there are many great areas of wine production in the world, it is our opinion that neighboring Washington State makes the best wine on the planet. Travel the awe-inspiring landscape of Northern Idaho and its narrow, far-north "Panhandle" and you will find a loop of 16 wineries; four of the wineries are located Idaho's borders, the other 12 are in Washington. Political boundaries are insignificant in this area, since all lie near the two-state border in the far northwest of Idaho, and the far northeast of Washington.

Ignore the border for a fabulous wine-touring opportunity that combines fine wine tasting with extraordinary travel through the rolling wheat fields of The Palouse, the beautiful and popular lakes areas of Coeur d'Alene Lake and Lake Pend Oreille just east of Spokane, WA. This may be one of the most spectacularly beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest!

Scenic highways abound in Idaho's Panhandle, leading visitors to viewpoints, through river canyons and rolling wheat fields as far as the eye can see. Other roads run alongside Idaho's largest, deepest and arguably, most beautiful lake -- Coeur d'Alene. The lake's namesake, the City of Coeur d'Alene, is a popular visitor's destination and home to Coeur d'Alene Cellars and nearby TimberRock Winery in Post Fallsl. Lake Pend d'Oreille, to the north, is a visual treat in its own right, featuring the quaint town of Sandpoint at its northern end... another popular travel destination and the location Idaho's northernmost winery... Pend d'Oreille Winery.

Wineries

Camas Prairie Winery in Moscow, ID
Tasting Room & Wine Bar
Tues - Sat: 12 noon - 6:30 pm

Coeur d'Alene Cellars in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Tues - Sat: 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Otherwise by appointment. Please call.
208-664-2336

Pend d'Oreille Winery in Sandpoint, ID
Mon - Thurs: 10 - 6
Fri & Sat: 10 - 7
Sun: 11 - 5

TimberRock Winery in Post Falls, ID
Please call for an appointment.
208-777-9669

Other Wine Shops, Wine Bars, and Tasting Rooms

Barrel Room No. 6
Coeur d'Alene Cellars Tasting Room, too
503 Sherman Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID
208-664-9632

Enoteca The Wine Shop Inc.
(10 minutes from Coeur d'Alene & Spokane, WA)
112 E. Seltice Way, Ste. Post Falls, ID 83854
208-457-9885

Moscow Food Co-op
221 E. 3rd
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-8537

Old Post Office Wine Cellar
& Wine Gallery - A Wine Shop, Deli & Wine Bar
245 SE Paradise
Pullman, WA 99163
(Just east of Post Falls, ID)
509-338-WINE (9463)

Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine (Specialty Grocer)
476534 Hwy 95 N
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-263-1352

Wine Company of Moscow
113 E. Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-6502

Sandpoint Wine Bars

Enoteca at Ivano's Ristorante
Pretty nice wine bar in the restaurant. As their commercials say, have a taste, buy a glass, bottle, or case.
102 South First Street
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
(208) 263-0211

Coldwater Creek
Really don't like the new digs as much as the old wine bar at the Cedar Street Bridge. It was homey, warm, and typically North Idaho with big, overstuffed leather couches and chairs. Plus, they are a little overpriced, and maybe a bit snobby. The new large upstairs wine bar is more antisceptic than. They have an ever-changing wine list, hors d‘oeuvres, a large fireplace and a great atmosphere. Love their artichoke dip. They also have live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
311 First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-1912

Dulce (Currently closed, but we hope it opens again)
Dulce is a nice addition to the Sand Creek Grill. While it can be simply for relaxing before or after your meal, it does just fine on its own. They pair wines with appetizers or sushi, and have a pretty nice assortment of desserts and coffee's. Sit by the fire, relax, and enjoy. Super nice..
105 South First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 255-5736

Cafe Trinity (Eclectic Southern & New Orleans Cuisine)
Okay, loved it when Chef Gabe used to be there. Before that he was chef at Beyond Hope when we lived on the Hope Peninsula. Then he became the instructor for the local Culinary program, that I helped start. So I kinda like him personally. But now he has left to work at Chimney Rock up on Schweitzer. Their menu features Southern-inspired food, such as gumbo, éttoufé and Po'Boy sandwiches, as well as steaks and fresh seafood. Well, I am from New Orleans, and they do it well. First year they were open they were Sandpoint's best new restaurant. Now they have kept some of that Southern flair, but have tempered their menu to Tapas, with Sushi from Oiishi. Whether you are having dinner on their nice deck overlooking Sand Creek, or sitting at the dining bar and exhibition kitchen, you will enjoy a taste of the South in beautiful North Idaho. Serving lunch and dinner..
At City Beach in the Best Western
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-255-7558
http://www.cafetrinitysandpoint.com/

Three Glasses (Incredible Concert Events)
Once a superlative wine bar and restaurant in the cellar area behind First Street, this venue is the lovingly portrayed efforts of John and Darcy Peters, my neighbors from the Hope Peninsula. Now they feature great bands every weekend, plus other popular events.
202 1/2 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-0230

Stage Right
A nice little excursion right next to the Panida Theatre on First Street in Sandpoint. Offering primarily Northwest wine, Stage Right replace Wine Sellers by the Lake. Besides having divans and sofas, offering perhaps one of the most comfortable places to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, they also have live music and comedy on certain nights. This is the place to go before and/or after a show at the Panida, but also one of a great bevy of new and existing wine bars in Sandpoint.
302 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-8116

As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com

To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:

www.SandpointID.net

www.RealEstateSandpoint.net

www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com

www.SkiSchweitzer.net

www.RealtySandpoint.com

So, mountain bikers and hikers have long known how totally outrageous North Idaho is for the sports for some time. But in 2005, when the NORBA National Championship was held at Schweitzer Mountain, the rest of the world found out our little secret. There are so many great runs and trails, it is hard to quantify. However, we will try to do just that in this web. Hiking in and around Sandpoint and North Idaho can vary from simple flat trails, to full-fledged mountain and rock climbing that could satisfy even the most X-treme athletes. Mountain biking in Sandpoint and the surrounding North Idaho area is much the same, with challenging verticals, to flat, easy trails. So read on my young peddler or mountain stumper, and gain the energy of North Idaho trail knowledge.

Priest Lake is awesome - You can get permission to leave your car at Elkin's Resort. Go North toward Beaver Creek. Shoreline trail head is 8 miles of beautiful single track one way. When in doubt, go right (opposite coming south). It's faster to come back on single track than road. Bring your camera - views are awesome, and plan to take a dip at one of the secluded beaches along the way. This is also a fantastic area for snowmobiling during winter months.

Schweitzer Mountain - Schweitzer Mountain was home to the NORBA National Championship in 2005. A phenomenal ski resort during winter, you can hop the ski lift during summer and never hit all the trails in a week.

Lookout Pass in Wallace - Take I-90 from Coeur d'Alene to Exit at the ski area, ride the railroad grade into Montana, follow to Avery. Approx 26 miles and max 2% grade. Excellent family ride (bring water!). Lookout Ski Area has maps and info on miles of great rides in the area.

Silver Mountain - Ride the gondola up the mountain for miles of trails. Rough - not recommended for light duty bikes or hybrids. Check Silver Mountain for evening events all summer to end your day.

Sandpoint has had the Long Bridge as a bike path for many years; the 2-mile long level bike ride begins on one end at the Old Power House. Now the path includes four miles on the south end in Sagle flowing gentle hills following Highway 95. On the other side a second bicycle path begins at Larch and Fifth in Sandpoint, going two miles west to Dover. Like many bike and walking paths it was built on old railroad tracks. There is another ½ mile that extends from Larch to Boyer then west E. Mountain View Drive and then down to Sand Creek, where riders can cross the Popsicle Bridge over Sand Creek. This network of bike paths was developed by North Idaho Bikeways, a group that formed in 1994. Click to see a map of the trails.

Besides the ones mentioned above, there are many, many roads and trails for bikers and hikers in and around Sandpoint, Bonner County, and North Idaho. We are surrounded by state and national forestlands in the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, and there is a secret trail not far from my house that I only divulge the location to my closest friends. Since I want to keep those two secret, here are a few good ones, but if you look just a bit you can find dozens more.

The Farragut State Park trail map shows 32 miles of marked singletrack. However, if you ride all the trails (marked and unmarked) your bike computer will indicate 54 miles if you try not to ride the same trail. Some of the single track runs along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Be sure and pick up a trail map at the park entrance to ensure you ride all the singletracks.

Farragut State Park: North Perimeter - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.

Farragut State Park: Northside Loop - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.

Green Bay: Mineral Point Loop - Cool, challenging singletrack follows the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille for much of the ride. Located 12 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Tread: 2.7 miles of gravel road, 4.3 miles of singletrack. Basically an easy ride where you can start and finish at Garfield Bay along Lake Pend Oreille, with a swimming beach, marina and dining opportunities at the Captain's Table, or a stop during the ride at the fine, undeveloped Green Bay cobblestone beach.

Gold Hill Trail - One of Sandpoint's most popular trails, Gold Hill lies just east of Contest Point on Bottle Bay Road, south of Sandpoint. All of the items that are hazards (switchbacks, berry vines, punji stumps) also make this one of the finest, most pure mountain bike trails. The difficulty is sustained and technical, but not impossible. It's a real climb, but never a grunt, and it's predominately singletrack, almost completely in the forest. This is a ride to work at and to perfect, for most. It can also be connected to larger loops coming down Forest Road 2642 through Garfield or Green Bay. The trail has 8.4 miles singletrack and 3.4 miles forest road.

Schweitzer Mountain trails - As mentioned above, this was home to sanctioned regional and national mountain bike races, including the NORBA National race series, Schweitzer's great trail system has something for every level of rider. There are brutal climbs and technical rock descents, like the exhilarating Butt Slide Rock and Moffit's Edge. Intermediate rides for mortals exist too, mixing woods, ridges and crumbling granite on swooping, leisurely rides. And on almost all rides, you'll get those big, in-your-face views of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountain ranges. Below are just a few ride options; check the trail map to see more. You'll also be able to get more local knowledge and a hard-copy map once you arrive at the mountain village, which is 11 miles from Sandpoint.

Here are the rest of the trails:

Bike Trips and Trails in North Idaho

North Idaho Biking is where you'll find biking trails, bicycle stuff, fat-tire mountain biking, cycling, biking tours, bike rentals, the Route of the Hiawatha, the Centennial Trail, the Rails to Trails, and biking thru dark tunnels, high trestles and along and over beautiful rivers for miles and miles! Have fun and be safe. Take your bike or rent a bike.

Route of the Hiawatha at Lookout Pass 744-1301 - This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha bike route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Biking through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between North Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or "Taft" Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the North Idaho Montana state line. One of the greatest places to go biking in the whole world

Silver Mountain 783-1111 800-204-6428

Centennial Trail - The Centennial Trail runs from the Washington State line to Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This beautiful trail is primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the satisfaction of one of the most scenic biking trail systems in North Idaho country.

Biking Tours and Mountain Biking

LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION

I-90, Exit 0, Mullan, North Idaho

744-1301 (888) 512-0764

THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA BIKE TRAIL - The Route of the Hiawatha trail is the pearl of all rail-to-trail projects in the country. Over 15 miles of railroad track has been converted into a beautiful biking and walking trail with a downhill grade. There are ten tunnels and seven trestle bridges up to 230 feet high. The 1.7 mile long St. Paul Pass tunnel is a best part of the trail. Start your ride at Lookout Pass Ski Area where mountain bike rentals, including helmets and lights, and an optional return shuttle service are available. Fees go toward maintaining the trail, constructed as part of the "Rails to Trails" program, which converts unused railways to trails.

Nearest City: Wallace, North Idaho

Location: North Idaho, 12 miles East of Wallace- I-90 Exit 0

Directions: Lookout Pass Ski Area, I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line

Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes - 72 miles from Mullan to Plummer through the historic Silver Valley, into the Chain Lake Region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, through Heyburn State Park, and the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. It starts at I-90 exit 68, Mullan business district see MAP There are twenty trailheads between Mullan and Plummer for access to the 72-mile trail. Check out this article about it.

POST FALLS PARKS & RECREATION

408 Spokane Street, Post Falls

773-0539

Q'EMILN RIVERSIDE PARK AND BIKE TRAILS - The Q'emiln (pronounced Ka-mee-lin) Park is a 78.5 acre city park located on the south bank of the Spokane River with a sandy beach, boat launch, and group picnic facilities. Forty acres of hiking trails established by the Bureau of Land Management and Washington Water Power Co. wind through four miles of the Spokane River gorge near the town of Post Falls. This is an excellent place to view wildlife and have a picnic.

Nearest City: Post Falls, North Idaho

Location: North Idaho, W. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: 12201 W. Parkway Dr., at S. end of Spokane St. bridge

COEUR D'ALENE RANGER DISTRICT

Fernan Office 769-3000

2502 Sherman Ave Coeur d'Alene

BERNARD PEAK LOOP MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 18.5 mile loop on gravel road, single and double track, with views of the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille.

Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho

Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: From I-90 in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, head north on Highway 95 to Athol Idaho. At the light in Athol Idaho go east or right on Highway 54 for 4 miles and you will come to the navigation circle. Head south here on Goodhope Road for about a mile to Twete Road. At Twete Road take a left and drive past the gravel pit to the end of the road and the trailhead.

NOTE: If you want to just downhill it and drive to the top you can by continuing south on Goodhope Road for 1 more mile (2 miles total) to Bunco Road. Take a left on Bunco Road and travel 2 more miles to the entrance into the National Forest and the end of the pavement. There's a big parking lot here for snowmobiles in the winter, just head past it and up the hill on FSR #332. At the top of the hill (~4.2 miles) you will come to a side road FSR #2707. Take a left and follow it up the hill making sure to stay to the left at the forks up ahead (~.25 miles). It's about 2 miles to the top, but make sure you stay to the left on the way up. The road is rough and the vegetation is thick, so don't go up the last section if you like the paint job on your car.

MT. COEUR D'ALENE MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOP - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 8.1 mile loop on a gravel road with outstanding views of the lake and the Coeur d'Alene area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho

Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane

Directions: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive east on Interstate 90 to Exit 22 (Wolf Lodge Bay). Drive south on Idaho Highway 97 for 2-1/2 miles to Beauty Creek Road No. 438. You'll pass the trailhead for Mineral Ridge; go a bit further. Take a left (east) on Road 438 for 3/4 mile to the Beauty Creek Campground and trailhead.

Canfield Mountain BIKE Trail 1562 - The Canfield Mountain Trail System has more than 32 trail miles in the system. It was designed for motorized trail bikes and mountain bikes, however it is open for all uses (i.e. hiking, etc...) except for ATV's. The trail system was designed, so that the entire network can be accessed from an old logging road FS Road #1562. The trails are a mix of logging roads and single-track and range from 0% to 35% grades. The trails are marked with numbers and there are maps at trail junctions, indicating where you are in the system.

Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho

Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane

Directions: From the Nettleton Gulch Parking Lot to the highest point in the trial system (West Canfield Butte, 4162ft.), you can travel approximately 4 miles and 2000ft. in elevation gain. Trails can be smooth, well-groomed logging roads or steep single track with ruts, loose rocks, roots, drop-offs and other obstacles. Single-track trails receive annual maintenance in the Spring, but because of the motorcycle use, they're usually pretty rough (which makes for some fun downhill). Also, for you pet owners, dogs are allowed on the trail system.

SOUTH FORK COEUR D'ALENE RIVER BIKE TRAILS - About twenty trails in the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River area between Kellogg and the Montana border are described in a brochure from the Forest Service. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers to alpine lakes or through former railroad tunnels. Contact the forest service to get a copy of the brochure and inquire about current trail conditions.

Nearest City: Cataldo

Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: Obtain map from CDA River Ranger District.

PALOUSE RANGER DISTRICT

1700 Hwy. 6

Potlatch, Idaho

BEASON MEADOWS BIKE TRAIL #228 - This mountain bike trail near Potlatch passes through a variety of vegetation as it climbs from the stream bottom, crosses draws, a drier ridge top and then descends back to the stream environment. The first mile is located is part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout. The junction is located adjacent to East Fork Meadow Creek. Trailhead facilities include five parking spaces and an interpretive sign explaining the trail system.

Nearest City: Potlatch

Location: North Idaho

Directions: The trailhead is located in Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Trail #228's junction with Trail 224-B. Giant White Pine Campground is located on the White Pine Drive Scenic Route and has a small campground and trail access. North on Highway 95 to the Potlatch "Y". Turn right on State Route 6 through Potlatch, Princeton, and Harvard. A couple of miles past Harvard pass the sign for Laird Park and continue on Route 6 to White Pine Drive.

CHELSEY CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #19 - From its start the Chesley Creek Trail follows the main watershed divide between Big Creek, Meadow Creek, and Prospect Creek. The trail head is located adjacent to Chesley Creek Road #1960. The trail terminus is at the intersection of the trail and Big Creek Road #370.

Nearest City: Potlatch

Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area

Directions: Access #1: Chesley Creek Road #1960. The legal description would be NW Sec. 5, T42N, R3W. Access #2: Adjacent to the Big Creek Road #370 near Prospect Peak.

CLEVELAND GULCH MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #333 - This 2.5 mile trail begins along the North Fork of the Palouse River Road and intersects with Strychnine Ridge Trail near Little Bald Mountain. The trail is steep and crosses Cleveland Gulch several times along its lower segment. Several panoramic views of the Upper Palouse drainage will open to your view as you hike along this trail. The trailhead is located at the mouth of Cleveland Gulch. Trail Terminus is at the junction of trail #333 and Strychnine Ridge Trail #319

Nearest City: Potlatch

Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area

Directions: Access #1: Mouth of Cleveland Gulch on the Old North Fork Palouse River Road. Access #2: Trail's junction with Strychnine Ridge Trail #319.

MIZPAH CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #345 - Mizpah Creek Trail is one of the steepest trails on the Palouse and opens up to a panoramic view at several points along the route after the hiker has gained elevation. Huckleberry picking is a favorite pastime near the Slate Creek terminus. Deer, elk, and bear frequent this area in summer. The trail begins at the end of Mizpah Mine Road #345 along Mizpah Creek. The trail ends at its intersection with Baby Grand Road #1433.

Nearest City: Potlatch

Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area

Directions: Access #1: End of the Old Mizpah Mine Road, an old access route from the Palouse River Road #447 to an old mine site. Access #2: Baby Grand Road #1433

SANDPOINT RANGER DISTRICT

1500 Hwy. 2 Sandpoint

263-5111

STRONG CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - Awesome views are in store from this trail in the Idaho panhandle. For mountain bikers, this ridge top single track trail is one of the premier rides in the area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, near Sandpoint

Directions: From Sandpoint take Idaho Hwy. 200 east to Hope.

SANDPOINT DUFORT ROAD LOOP BIKE PATH AND TRAIL - This scenic bike path takes you along the Pend Oreille River. The roads on this route are well traveled and heavy mixed traffic will be encountered. A small stretch of Lakeshore Drive has a gravel surface. The sloughs along the river provide excellent opportunities to view water fowl. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, S. of Sandpoint

Directions: Take the bike path across the long bridge and turn left (across Hwy. 95) onto Lakeshore Drive, past Springy Point campground and residential areas into open farmland along the Pend Oreille River and the Morton Slough Game Preserve Turn left onto Dufort R

GREEN BAY-MINERAL POINT MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike and hiking trail is a 7-mile loop of trail and road riding that follows the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, 12 miles SE of Sandpoint

Directions: Park at Garfield Bay and ride up Green Bay cutoff Road. Take a right on Green Bay Service road (next to the red firehouse) and ride to the Lost Lake Loop trail, do that and then pop back out to the Mineral Point trail head. Ride the single track to the Green Bay parking lot and then up the steep access road and back to Garfield Bay.

JERU CREEK ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE ROAD - If combined with Pack River Road, this mountain bike trail near Sandpoint is a 16.8 mile ride north of Sandpoint for intermediate and advanced levels. Once on the ridge, there are great views of the Selkirk Crest and the Pack River valley. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, North of Sandpoint

Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north 13 miles to Pack river Road 231. Turn left and go 8 miles to Jeru Creek Road 293.

JOHNSON CABIN-GRANITE CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Lake Pend Oreille is a 16 mile round trip ride on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille for both intermediate and advanced levels. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, East of Sandpoint

Directions: From Clark Fork take Johnson Creek Road 278 and follow 16 miles to the trailhead for Johnson Cabin Trail # 606

SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT - Explore alpine meadows or the rugged mountain terrain by mountain bike on trails at Schweitzer Mountain. A vast trail system offers something for every ability level. Colorful hillsides explode with wildflowers and nearby Lake Pend Oreille becomes a valley of sparkling, sunlit glass. The high speed quad chairlift runs daily and lift tickets are available at the Plaza Cafe. Bike rentals are available at the Alpine Shop located in the Schweitzer Village.

10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. Sandpoint

263-9555 (800) 831-8810

Nearest City: Sandpoint

Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north approx. 2 miles to the Schweitzer Road and turn left. Take this road to Boyer Avenue. Turn right onto Boyer and follow the signs to Schweitzer - 9 miles

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

610 Bunker Ave Kellogg

783-1111

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS - The gondola takes you to the top, where can ride 30+ miles of everything from rolling single track over varying terrain. While there are trails suited for a variety of levels, intermediate to advanced level skills are recommended. All trails lead back the Gondola Village -- where you can jump on for another lap.

Nearest City: Kellogg

Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola

SILVER MOUNTAIN-BIG CREEK BANZAI BIKING TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Silver Mountain Ski Resort is 14.8 miles, one way, on a variety of track types from paved road to gravel road to single and double track. Trail is shared with horseback riders and hikers.

Nearest City: Kellogg

Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene

Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola

FARRAGUT STATE PARK

13550 E. Hwy. 54 Athol

683-2425

FARRAGUT STATE PARK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS - There are two mountain bike trails in Farragut State Park. The Shoreline Trail, along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille is 3.5 miles, one way, on wide-track single track and a paved pathway. The Northside Loop is 4.7 miles of single trackpassing through grasslands and timber.

Nearest City: Athol

Location: North Idaho, 20 miles North of Coeur d'Alene

PRIEST LAKE RANGER DISTRICT

32203 Hwy 57 Priest River

443-2512

PRIEST LAKE LAKESHORE TRAIL #294 - This is a popular and well used trail in this area. It is an easy hike and parallels Priest Lake and is crossed by 5 streams. Many views of the lake are offered. This trail passes through dog hair stands of timber and also through hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches, isolation and wind protection. Nearest City: Priest Lake

Location: North Idaho, North of Priest River, Idaho

Directions: Go to Nordman. East on Forest Rd. 1339. North to end of pavement, right to Beaver Creek boat launch.

Trail has two main access points: # 1, Road 2512 above Granite Creek, # 2, Tule Bay at the Beaver Creek boat launch. Trail also has spurs to Rd

UPPER PRIEST LAKE NAVIGATION TRAIL - This excellent mountain bike trail near Priest Lake is up to 9.4 miles, one way, on single track in the old growth forest next to Upper Priest Lake. Riders share the trail with hikers and joggers. A few dispersed campsites exist along the trail with developed campgrounds located at the north end of Upper Priest Lake (Navigation campground) and the south end of the lake (Plowboy Campground). Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Nearest City: Priest Lake

Location: North Idaho, 10 mi. N. of Nordman MAP

Directions: N. on Hwy. 57 to Nordman, east on Forest Road 1339. North to Beaver Creek campground (12 miles). Trail has two main trailheads - one off Road 1341 at Beaver Creek Campground, the other is located on Road 1013 a mile past Hughes Meadows turnoff. Trail can be reached via Plowboy Trail 295

Looking for a cool bike ride? Try the Chafe 150, June 13, 2009

Another great local club is the Pend Oreille Pedalers Bicycle Club

Hiking & Climbing

The Centennial Trail, a 23 mile paved trail from Spokane, Washington through Coeur d'Alene, is ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride. Q'emlin Park, known for its natural climbing walls, also offers 14 miles of marked trails, as well as a city beach, public boat launch, and shady picnic facilities. Just two blocks from I-90 Exit 5 is Falls Park, where you can venture onto a platform overlooking a narrow canyon and view the Post Falls dam, with its dramatic 40 foot roaring waterfall. Also at the park, enjoy interpretive trails, a playground, picnic facilities and a stocked fishing pond for the kids, with wheelchair access. North Idaho is a region known for its secluded mountain lakes, clear blue streams and excellent fishing hotspots. If you are looking for a wilderness adventure, stop at the trailhead and hike up into the mountains to fish the cool waters of a mountain lake. The clear air and challenging terrain make for a truly rewarding experience. You can use a fly rod and/or regular tackle while fishing most of these lakes.

North Idaho is world-famous for huckleberries, succulent berries that can be found ripening at the 3,000 to 4,000 foot elevation beginning in mid-July. As summer progresses, huckleberries ripen at higher and higher elevations, and are still available for picking even after Labor Day. Huckleberries are great for making pies, desserts, and jellies, and are found in a variety of forms at the local restaurants if the harvest has been good. Hundreds of acres of National Forest weave through the mountains of North Idaho, providing the perfect growing environment for these wild delicacies. To find your own huckleberry patch, contact a Forest Service ranger station or the Idaho Department of Land for tips on getting started.

WALKING JAUNTS

The Pedestrian Long Bridge is perfect for a walk or bike ride; reach the bridge via the bike path on the south edge of the city limits. You can always expect dazzling views of the lake and Selkirk Mountains. Other possibilities are Travers Park on the 1900 block of West Pine Street, and City Beach downtown, where the city keeps bike paths open for walking and bicycling. The paved path to Dover along Highway 2 is another fine path for bicyclists or walkers. For a bit more adventure along the lake side right from downtown, follow the rough road on the north side of the City Breakwater, which leads past the city water treatment plant on north and east two miles to Ponderay. This road is only an unmaintained track, but offers solitude along the lake.

How About Snowshoe Hiking?

Strapping on a pair of snow shoes and making first tracks in fresh snow on a sunny winter day is as good as it gets for North Idaho outdoor recreation. If you're a novice or enjoying an outing with younger family members, the Centennial Trail is ideal. Park at the trailhead on Northwest Blvd. at I-90 Exit 11 in Coeur d'Alene and hike a flat trail along the Spokane River, through Coeur d'Alene City Park along the lake. Another popular route is beginning at Silver Beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene Road -I-90 Exit 15 at Sherman Avenue, with parking and year 'round restroom facilities and an stunning view with no changes in elevation.

Another trail in Coeur d'Alene is Tubbs Hill. It's short loop trail (3.2 miles) accessible from downtown that winds through a 120-acre natural park jutting out from the shore of Lake Coeur d' Alene. Start your hike at the south end of 3rd Street by the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Tubbs Hill is also accessible from 11th Street.

Falls Park in Post Falls is right in town, perfect for when you have a few hours to enjoy snowshoeing, maybe not an entire day. Exit 5 off of I-90, south a block to 4th Ave. and west two blocks. The park has family friendly trails and scenic overlook platforms to best view the wide open gates of the hydroelectric plant at the Spokane River falls.

For more advanced snowshoers, the following offer a backcountry hike. The winter wonderland scenery of North Idaho makes it worth your while. Don't forget to bring a camera!

Gold Hill-2 miles south of Sandpoint on US 95. turn east on Bottle Bay Road, 4.8 miles to the trailhead located on the right.
Length-3.7 miles one-way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-3400 feet
Elevation gain/loss-1200 feet
Panoramic views

Trail to Chimney Rock-a popular climbing destination. Getting to the trailhead in winter may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. From Sandpoint-north on US 95, 13 miles to Pack River Road -turn west onto Road 231, then 16 miles to West Branch Road 2653. Turn left and then a half mile to trailhead at bridge.
Length- 5 miles one way
Difficulty-last 2.5 miles are most difficult
Highest elevation- 6720 feet
Elevation gain/loss 1820 feet
The first 2.5 miles are along an old road, the last 2.5 miles are somewhat steep.

Moose Lake-from Sandpoint head east on Hwy 200 then 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road, turn left onto Road 275 then 16 miles to Lighting Creek Road 419, turn left and then 1.5 miles to Moose Creek Road 1022, turn right and 2 miles to the trailhead. This is also a trailhead for Blacktail Lake Trail 24 and Lake Estelle Trail 36.
Length- 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-6160 feet
Gain/loss-1240 feet

Depending upon snow conditions, accessibility may be limited to the backcountry areas. There are no restrictions to snowmobiles for both Moose Lake and Chimney Rock.

As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.

Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com

To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:

www.SandpointID.net

www.RealEstateSandpoint.net

www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com

www.SkiSchweitzer.net

www.RealtySandpoint.com