Cover photo courtesy of Jean Arthur

Rattlesnakes, scorpions, dagger-sharp yucca and plenty of prickly cacti: What’s not to love about the American Southwest? In March, my daughter and I took a girls’ trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California’s Mojave and Sonoran deserts, where early spring brings warm days around 70 degrees and cool nights in the low 40s. I didn’t have high expectations, assuming there would be few visitors to such an arid and barren region, forsaken of life—a wasteland of the American West that curiously only became a national park in 1994.  

Expectations dashed, I encountered spectacular and lush “gardens,” oases and well-maintained trails and campgrounds. I followed a trail to a giant heart-shaped rock just north of White Tank Campground. At Heart Rock, a dozen families and couples patiently waited their turn for a snapshot and generously offered to take a photo for the visitors in front of them—something about nature brings out generosity, curiosity and kindness in humans despite, or perhaps because of, the sharpness of the flora.  

Heart Rock is less than a mile from White Tank Campground, where campers enjoy near silence despite the busy trail thanks to the Flintstones-looking rocks that tuck away campsites. Neighbors for the night include great horned owls hoot-hooting, tortoises and 15 camper vehicles. White Tank, named for white quartz monzonite, is a first-come, first-served site. Campsite reservations are hard to come by at Recreation.gov even though the park has nearly 500 sites. Only two campgrounds have running water, Black Rock and Cottonwood.  

Stargazing at 3,800 feet elevation and among billion-year-old rocks reminds me that the heavens look the same to me as they did to the earliest human inhabitants, minus the occasional satellite and airplane. The people of the Pinto Culture who arrived at the end of the Pleistocene era, some 11,700 years ago, saw this generous sky. They resided in what’s now called the Pinto Basin in the southern half of the park, near where the amazing Cholla Cactus Garden sustains thousands of teddy bear cholla.  

When I was there, shooting stars outlined Sirius, the brightest star in March’s night sky. Orion’s Belt makes an appearance that time of year, as does the Milky Way, which undoubtedly showered the Uto-Aztecan language tribes with light. They are the Serrano and Cahuilla peoples who arrived after the Pinto peoples and resided in small villages, surviving on acorns, pine nuts and mesquite beans as well as jackrabbits and other small game.  

Among the Joshua Tree surprises are the numerous oases tucked among the granite Pinto gneiss, monzogranite that extruded from deep within the earth, forming stained-glass-looking blocks and cracks in heaps around the land. Plants eke out a living by rooting between fissures to find the meagerest of soil. 

The native culture was one that thrived in the Oasis of Mara, where desert fan palms shaded them and their pottery and basketry elegantly held water and food. With my cooler of meals and 5-gallon jugs of water, it’s hard to fathom how humans survived. Ingenuity, curiosity and kindness, I imagine.  

But the plants. Just why is it that many desert plants have spines instead of leaves? Some obvious reasons, of course, include plants’ protection against predators, but I learned from park literature that cacti evolved to conserve water. During a ranger talk, I also learned that many desert plants have leaves with a hazy or dusty-looking appearance, white hairs protecting them from the sun. The spines collect dew when fog occludes the area, allowing droplets to drip to roots. The spines cloak plants with a humid air layer, reducing moisture evaporation. The spines break wind flow, also reducing evaporation.  

I conserve water too on a walk through the Hall of Horrors near the Ryan Campground. Aptly named, the rock formations hide lizards and scorpions and even kids. One family played hide-and-seek, allowing their grade-school-aged children to squeeze between boulders. The rock formations also attracted a youth group on a climbing trip, international visitors waddling through duff and me wondering at the wonderful trees named for the biblical figure, Joshua. Apparently Mormon settlers thought the Yucca brevifolia trees reached toward the sky like Joshua stretched in prayer. 

I look up synonyms for “desert” and find the words incongruent with my experience: barren, desolate, forsaken, abandoned, jilted. Instead, Joshua Tree, the Sonoran, the Mojave, bloom with imagination, fortitude and friendliness. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, dagger-sharp yucca and plenty of cacti: There’s lots to love about Joshua Tree National Park.  

Jean Arthur’s winter pursuits include xc ski touring with her Labrador retrievers, looking for Yellowstone’s wolves and dreaming of spiny desert landscapes. 

Joshua Tree National Park Passes and Services 

Joshua Tree National Park has no gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores or hotels and has very limited cell service. Resupplies are available in the gateway communities of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. Park passes are available at entrance gates and at visitor centers.  

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What’s more tiring, skiing, or hearing about skiing? Your wife’s been bragging about her Kootenay winter vacations for years … and winter’s here again. She keeps reminding you, “Last year it snowed two feet the week I went to Whitewater Mountain Resort!” Enough already. Next she’ll be on about how they kept the grassroots vibe even though they added a new lift in 2023, boosting to 3,247 skiable acres—and she still never crosses a track until noon on a powder day. 

Then there was the year she decided to start ticking off her “bucket list” and go cat skiing. And then again the next year when she went heli-skiing, because there are more backcountry operations around Kootenay Lake than anywhere else in the world, and the terrain is “unmatched.” This winter she wants to try ski touring, and you just know it’s going to be the same endless gloating at the end of each day. 

But that’s no reason to stay home. Spokane, along with its international airport, is only three hours from Nelson, and a winter vacation poses its own restorative effects, even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. Visiting the serene shores of Kootenay Lake is easier than getting to Mexico—plus, you won’t get a sunburn. Not to mention the Canadian peso is an all-time bargain right now. But what does a man of more discerning tastes do to keep occupied? 

Ever been to a hot spring in the winter? It’s the quintessential Kootenay way to unwind: soaking in the contrasting benefits of hot and cold. Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is just a short trip up the road from Nelson, with developed pools that are a natural delight, and rejuvenating waters that work magic to peel back big-city stresses. 

A walking tour of Nelson is likewise especially storybook in winter, highlighted by Victorian architecture and dozens of curated murals. Getting around by foot is quick and quaint, offering time to escape into one of many warm independent bookstores, or dozens of cafés—many of which roast their own beans and are award winners. Locals here have coffee for blood. 

But maybe breweries are more your thing. There are three in Nelson, and one up in picturesque Kaslo, just an hour up the road. The slow, winding drive along Kootenay Lake is mesmerizing in the winter, with views of snowcapped mountains reflecting off a glassy lake that never fully freezes. You can also take the world’s longest free ferry across the lake to Balfour, for an extra scenic cruise. 

But if you don’t have a rental vehicle, because the frequent shuttles from Spokane are just as quick and easy and Nelson itself is decidedly walkable, you can still keep busy right in town. There are more restaurants per capita in the Queen City of the Kootenays (that’s Nelson) than even San Francisco and Manhattan. It’s a culinary scene that foodies around the world flock to, crammed into four ornate city blocks.

 

Only 30 minutes north of the Washington border, Nelson’s architecture is a throwback to the turn of the century: a mix of American-style Italianate brick façades reminiscent of old Seattle, and granite-blocked civic buildings with distinct Victorian influences. There are over 350 heritage buildings surrounding downtown’s Baker Street, all built between 1895 and 1924—edifices that make the town distinct in the Canadian Mountain West.  

Like the stately Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, which will take you back to the frontier years, as will a visit to the S.S. Moyie Sternwheeler up in Kaslo: the oldest intact passenger vessel of its kind in the world. While you’re up there, Kaslo’s Langham Cultural Centre showcases contemporary and traditional exhibits year-round: a cosmopolitan amenity in an impossibly cute village framed by diamond peaks overlooking a placid lake.  

Art’s also on tap all winter long at Nelson’s Oxygen Art Centre, as well as at a plethora of galleries and artisan studios. As the undisputed cultural capital of the Kootenays, there are always shows at the Capitol Theatre, featuring local and national talent, performing dance, theater and musicals. Music, by the way, pulses winterlong at venues like Bloom Nightclub and Spiritbar; Nelson is also a sleeper hub for electronic artists the world over. 

But if you want to keep it simple, there are, of course, plenty of pubs and that Canadian staple, the good, old hockey game. The Nelson Leafs are a Junior A championship team that seldom disappoints. Which is perfectly in keeping with the area at large. Not everybody loves sliding on snow, and we get that—but everybody loves winning. The wife might have just bagged her best day on snow ever, but visit Nelson and Kootenay Lake along with her and it’s bragging rights for all. 

Traveling to Nelson, BC, This Winter? 

Why Not Take the Shuttle? 

Skip the drive and hop on the Kootenay Charters shuttle servicing Nelson, Castlegar and Rossland direct from the Spokane Airport. For complete details on departure dates and times, just scan here. Book now at Kootenaycharters.com/spokanewintershuttle or reach out with questions at info@kootenayCharters.com or (250) 365-2871. 

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Story sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau—Republic, Washington’s much-loved Winterfest returns for 2026 with family-friendly fun and community spirit packed into the second weekend of January. The celebration is set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, Jan. 9–10, with a Friday night light parade to kick things off and a full slate of creative events and contests on Saturday. While this year’s specific schedule is still being finalized and may change, many activities that have been crowd favorites in recent years are expected to return.

In past Winterfests, the light parade down Clark Avenue included locals and visitors alike decking out floats, vehicles and winter gear in colorful lights. Saturday’s lineup historically begins in the late morning and offers free participation in a host of community contests and activities. Fun highlights from previous years have included outhouse races, where teams build and race decorated outhouses down a snowy course; the crowd-pleasing K-9 keg pull that spotlights strong and spirited pups on leashes; boisterous tug-of-war matches; and other outdoor contests that get everyone cheering.

In addition to these lively competitions, Winterfest weekend in years past has also featured safety-manned kids’ zones, creative challenges like chili or snow-sculpture contests, and even whimsical events like Sasquatch calling and book walks. While organizers continue to shape this year’s roster, these activities show the playful, small-town energy that Republic brings to winter celebrations.

Visitors can bundle up and enjoy indoor and outdoor warming spots around town, explore local shops and eateries, and use Winterfest as a jumping-off point for winter recreation in Ferry County—whether that’s snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or a scenic snowshoe or stroll on the nearby Ferry County Rail Trail. Be sure to check official event updates as January approaches, since times and offerings may shift from year to year. Find details about the event at Republicwa.com.

Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic mountain town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.

Looking for winter adventures around Republic? Check out our guide to cross-country and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Sno-Parks and trails. If snowmobiling is your passion, give our guide to over 200 miles of snowmobile trails around Republic a read.

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Uncrowded and Untamed, Republic-Area Snowmobile Trails Showcase Washington’s Wild Side

Republic sits in that sweet spot for Inland Northwest snowmobiling: far enough from the I-90 corridor crowds to feel like you’ve escaped, but close enough to make a long weekend realistic out of Spokane and North Idaho. In winter, the mountains in and surrounding Ferry County in the Colville National Forest offer different riding options in every direction from town, including over 200 miles of groomed routes, rolling terrain and long tours that are well suited to families and mixed-skill groups—especially riders who want scenic mileage without committing to big, avalanche-prone alpine slopes.

The small Western town of Republic makes an excellent basecamp for exploring different trail systems too. Instead of driving to a single trailhead and being locked into one loop system, you can stage from town and check out several different Sno-Parks and trail networks close to town, tailoring each day to the group, the snow conditions and the vibe you’re after. Most of the trails are on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service with Sno-Park facilities and grooming provided by Washington State Parks.

Pick Your Staging Area: Five Go-To Snowmobile Options Near Republic

Before heading out on the snowy trails, make sure you have a Washington State Sno-Park Permit, which is required at all state Sno-Parks and helps make the facilities and grooming possible (find permit info here). Once you have your permit, make sure to have all of the supplies you’ll need to be self-sufficient for a day out in the winter backcountry.

If you want the simplest “show up, unload, and ride” option closest to town, start with Hall Creek Sno-Park, which provides access to 38 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, including loop options. The Sno-Park, just off of Highway 20 east of Republic, includes a vault toilet and parking suitable for trucks and trailers.

For longer day rides and a bigger network feel, look to Empire Lake Sno-Park north of town, with 57 miles of groomed trails with several loop options and additional ungroomed routes. It’s a go-to choice for groups who want to lay down some miles exploring this mid-elevation terrain with several lakes and frequent wildlife sightings.

Farther east off of Highway 20 over Sherman Pass, the Albian Hill Sno-Park offers a 32-mile groomed route that traverses the Kettle Range mountains all the way to Boulder Creek Road and the Bulldog staging area. This higher-elevation, one trail route typically holds snow throughout the season and makes an excellent out-and-back adventure of any length, especially if you’re trying to keep a group together.

And if your crew is willing to roam a little farther west of Republic, another classic network is the Bonaparte Sno-Park. Featuring 52 miles of groomed trails, it’s the kind of place that can turn into a full day of exploring spurs, viewpoints, and out-and-back routes without feeling like you’re stuck doing the same lap over and over.

One more option worth knowing about is Scatter Creek Staging Area, a smaller, more flexible access point south of town that’s open seasonally as snow cover allows. It’s also notable because no Sno-Park permit is required there (parking availability depends on conditions, and grooming is not guaranteed at staging areas). This is a lower elevation area that also has winter wildlife closure areas that are not open to snowmobiles, so ride responsibly.

Download maps for each of these trails systems at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau website here. The site also includes links to the trail grooming schedule for each area so that you can time your trip around ideal conditions.

Staying Safe and Having Fun Snowmobiling around Republic

Snowmobiling always comes with real risk, and conditions can change fast. But the Republic area tends to shine for riders who want to keep things fun and limit exposure to avalanche terrain and challenging riding. Many of these routes follow forest-road style corridors and lower-angle terrain that can feel more approachable than steep, high-consequence mountain zones. It’s a good fit for family groups, newer riders building confidence, and anyone who’d rather make the day about views, fresh air, and steady cruising than about hunting down powder in aggressive terrain.

Make Republic Your Snowmobiling Basecamp

The best way to do this trip is to give yourself at least two ride days so you can sample different systems. Make it a choose-your-own-adventure: one day ride a shorter network to warm up and dial in the group, then spend another day on a longer system where you can stretch the mileage. Because the Sno-Parks are spread around the region, you can also chase the best snow. If one side of the range got wind-scoured or warmed up at lower elevations, pivot to another staging area instead of forcing it.

Back in town, Republic’s small, friendly main-street energy makes the off-sled hours feel like part of the experience, not just downtime. It’s easy to fuel up, grab a hot drink, swap route ideas with locals, and plan the next day—without the resort-town crowds or traffic. That’s what Republic delivers best—wild Northeast Washington scenery, uncrowded trail time, and an authentic winter sledding experience you can’t fake.

Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.

(Sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau)

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Plan Your Winter Escape to Backcountry Ski, Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski, or Fat Bike on the Trails around Republic, Wa.

The small northeast Washington town of Republic, surrounded by mountains, trails and several Sno-Parks, is the kind of place where close-to-town winter adventures come steeped in solitude that may feel like you’re 1,000 miles from nowhere. A cross-country ski outing on the Ferry County Rail Trail or up at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park at the top of Boulder Pass will greet you with such a still, snowy quiet that you may swear you can hear snowflakes falling. And you’re bound to see more snowshoe hare tracks than other humans on a backcountry ski tour in the Kettle Range up at Sherman Pass (the highest all-season pass in Washington).

Even though it’s only a 2.5-hour drive north from Spokane, Republic, the county seat of sparsely populated Ferry County, has held onto its western mountain-town roots as a mining and logging hub. Historic buildings line the stoplight- and chain store-free main drag, housing small businesses that serve the local community and visitors alike. With a couple of hotels, local restaurants, coffee shops, a bakery and even a local craft brewery, it’s a welcome alternative to crowded resort towns and an easy place to settle into as a base camp for winter adventures.

Some of the Best Winter Adventures Around Republic

The Republic area has the winter adventure bases covered, whether you’re into snowshoeing, backcountry or Nordic skiing, snowmobiling or fat biking. For human-powered winter sports, there are several options.

The Ferry County Rail Trail offers a flat, non-motorized pathway for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat biking, depending on the snow conditions. Portions of the trail are groomed throughout the winter for cross-country skiing.

Up in the nearby Kettle Range Mountains, two mountain passes, Boulder and Sherman, offer backcountry and cross-country skiers and snowshoers easy access to a winter wonderland. The Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park at Boulder Pass features six miles of groomed Nordic-ski trails. Skiers with backcountry-touring gear and snowshoers have endless possibilities for exploring the open forests of the recently burned mountain slopes on both sides of the pass.

At the Sherman Pass Sno-Park, there are options for mellow snowshoe hikes and challenging peak ascents. Backcountry skiers willing to earn their turns have access to some of the best backcountry slopes in the Inland Northwest. Avalanches are possible in the mountains around Sherman Pass, and all skiers and snowshoers should come prepared with appropriate avalanche training and safety gear. A Washington Sno-Park permit is required at both trailheads.

2026 Winter Events in Republic and Ferry County

Republic and Ferry County also host several unique winter events that are worth planning a trip around.

Republic’s Winterfest celebration for 2026 is set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, Jan. 9-10. The event features a Friday evening light parade and multiple creative events and contests on Saturday, including outhouse races, a K-9 keg pull, tug-of-war and other family-friendly activities.

Nordic and backcountry skiers should have the Altai Skis Backcountry Ski & Hok Festival on their radar. Happening Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8, 2026 (pending Forest Service approval as of December 2025), the event offers a chance to demo backcountry ski-touring gear from Ferry County-based Altai Skis and explore the local backcountry terrain with others. The weekend-long event takes place up at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park near Curlew in the Kettle Range.

Another Nordic ski event popular with both locals and skiers from around the region is the annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day, which takes place on a weekend in January or February, depending on snow conditions. Participants can try out cross-country ski gear and take free ski lessons. Follow the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners on Facebook for this year’s ski day details.

Winter Road and Snow Safety

 Mountain passes around Republic including Boulder and Sherman passes may experience winter storm conditions, and visitors need to come prepared for varying road and trailhead conditions. Check out our backcountry winter guide to the Republic area for more trail and terrain suggestions for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Because the high peaks of the Kettle Crest include some avalanche terrain, be aware of avalanche risks in the area and go prepared when exploring backcountry terrain on skis, splitboard, snowshoes, or snowmobile.

Where to Stay in Republic in the winter

Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic mountain town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.

(Sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau)

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A short drive north from the Spokane area, Colville is a captivating small town that blends natural beauty, rich history and vibrant community spirit. Tucked in the heart of the Colville Valley, it’s surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged mountains—an ideal setting for all types of outdoor pursuits. Hiking, mountain and road biking, fishing, camping, hunting and birdwatching are just a few of the fall adventures that draw visitors to this corner of the Inland Northwest. 

One of the biggest highlights is the nearby Colville National Forest. Spanning more than 1.1 million acres, the forest offers incredible scenery, diverse wildlife and the kind of solitude that’s hard to come by in busier destinations. Trails wind through mountains and forests for hikers and bikers, while quiet lakes invite fishing, paddling or a peaceful picnic. Scenic day trips include three waterfalls within a short drive of town and the Selkirk Loop, a world-class international driving route. 

Colville also offers a strong sense of history and culture. The Stevens County Historical Society Museum highlights the area’s Native heritage and pioneer past, while annual events bring the community together in celebration. Visitors can join the fun at the Northeast Washington Fair, enjoy live music and art at the Yep Kanum Celebration, or take in the sounds of the FarmJam music festival. 

A fall road trip through the Colville area is the perfect escape for anyone craving outdoor adventure, relaxation and authentic small-town charm. With its uncrowded lakes and trails, stunning landscapes, and welcoming community, Colville stands out as an off-the-beaten-path gem in the Inland Northwest. Learn more at ColvilleChamberofCommerce.com. 

Sponsored

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Hurlen Patano and McBurney used a travel planning service called Kimkim, which set them up with in-country travel agents that are vetted and use Kimkim’s platform for communication. It fit their budget, which wasn’t extreme, and took all the stress out of trip planning in a foreign country. The travel agency planned all the transport, their connecting flights, and they never wasted a second in getting to the ski hill or getting stressed wondering if they were on the right path.  

They also worked with a company called Responsible Travel, which partnered them with an in-country Chilean guide who catered to their travel wants. Swimming? In winter? Sure, said the guide, and jumped in with them. They got an inside look at the local farmers’ market and food scene, and were able to communicate the want for an entry-level hike in Patagonia. Their guide hit the mark every time.  

The pair would also recommend finding a private van and a good driver for the trip from Santiago up into the mountains. While a bit more costly, they were able to get on the snow and ski for two hours on their first day while other skiers in shared vans had to stop for pick-ups all along the mountain.  

At Ski Portillo, it was important to pack your bag strategically before check-in so you could ski the same day you arrived. Hurlen Patano had her ski bag packing down to a science.  

McBurney used a service called Powder Quest in Argentina to schedule a tour that included six days of skiing with local guides. They visited three lift-served resorts, showed the group their favorite side-country ski spots, and took care of ordering food at each meal for a great experience. 

Ghezzi’s best travel tips are to make sure you have all the required paperwork to drive across the border if you plan on renting a vehicle. He used a rental company called Wicked South America. He also recommends asking about phone charging options or packing a portable charger, downloading maps to access offline before you go (Google Maps, HERE WeGo, or Maps.me), packing Ziploc bags for snacks on the mountain, and bringing a 10-foot extension cord with three outlets to charge multiple electronics while resting. (Lisa Laughlin) 

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Idaho’s Silver Valley is a fall adventure hub, where crisp mountain air and golden leaves set the stage for everything from biking iconic rail trails to exploring historic mines. This stretch of the Idaho Panhandle offers a perfect mix of outdoor recreation, small-town charm, and history. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a race, pedaling through tunnels and trestles or along the Coeur d’Alene River, or hiking to alpine lakes to earn that post-hike craft beer, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. Here are nine adventures to inspire your fall trip to North Idaho’s Silver Valley.

Go for a Hike and Check Out Local Craft Breweries

Spend the day hiking one of the many trails in the Bitterroot Mountains above Silver Valley, and then hit up one of the valley’s craft breweries. Take your pick from these favorite Silver Valley–area hikes. Once you’ve worked up a thirst, pay a visit to Wallace’s City Limits Brew Pub, Wallace Brewing, or Radio Brewing in Kellogg.

• Stevens Lake near Lookout Pass: This 4+-mile round-trip hike climbs 1,600 feet and includes some steep sections of trail. It’s considered a challenging hike, but the subalpine lake and mountain views are worth it.
• Blossom Lakes Trail: Heading out from Thompson Pass, the 6-mile round-trip hike to Lower Blossom Lake climbs just over 1,100 feet, making it a moderate-to-difficult trek. The lush forest can make for great fall colors if you time it right.
• Revett Lake: This 4-mile round-trip hike into the high country climbs 500 feet in elevation from the trailhead at Thompson Pass but is considered an intermediate hike on a well-worn trail that’s great for hikers of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the beautiful lake, towering Granite Peak, and a waterfall.
• Pulaski Tunnel Trail: A little over a mile from downtown Wallace, the Pulaski Tunnel Interpretive Trail—the site where Ed Pulaski found his crew of 45 men trapped and surrounded by the August 1910 wildfire—is a 4-mile round-trip hike with historical signs. With around 800 feet of elevation gain, this hike is rated as an easy-to-moderate trail.
  
  

Riding the NorPac Trail near Lookout Pass. Photos courtesy of Carol Corbin

Explore Lesser‑known Idaho Panhandle Rail Trails by Bike

If you are looking for a new rail-trail route to ride this fall, spend a few days exploring the Old Milwaukee Railroad Trail, Northern Pacific (NorPac) Trail, or the Route of the Olympian. These routes offer quiet gravel or mixed‑surface rides through forest and mountains and are best ridden on mountain or gravel bikes. Find routes and other information at Friendsofcdatrails.org.

Photo courtesy of the Historic Wallace Chamber

Ride the Sierra Silver Mine Trolley and Tour a Real Mine in Wallace, Idaho

Ride an open‑air trolley through Wallace’s historic district up to the Sierra Silver Mine. Retired miners lead you into a sideways cut in the mountain. The tour typically runs through mid-October.

Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

The 73‑mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes unfurls across evergreen forest, autumnal wetlands, and river corridors, offering a quiet, wildlife‑rich ride through fall color. You can roll directly from your Wallace lodging, pedaling east toward Mullan or west through Silver Valley. Out‑and‑back rides are popular, or you can arrange a shuttle. Deer, elk, swans, moose and other wildlife are often spotted along the way.

Take a Walking Tour of Wallace, Idaho Mining Museums and Historic Sites

Wallace, Idaho, has multiple museums and historic sites in town that you can explore on foot, as well as a walking tour of the many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Museums include the Mine Heritage Exhibition, Northern Pacific Depot Museum, Barnard-Stockbridge Museum and Wallace District Mining Museum.

Moose along the Coeur d’Alene River. Photo courtesy of Bradley Bleck

Tour the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, Idaho

Step back into Idaho’s mining past with a visit to the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, the first hard-rock gold mine in Idaho that opened in the 1880s. After being abandoned for nearly a century, the mine was opened to the public for guided underground tours. Visitors will see veins of gold and other minerals still visible in the rock, learn about early hard-rock mining methods, and hear the mine’s story. Kids especially enjoy the chance to pan for gold and gems at the end of the tour. Tours typically run through the end of October.

Ride the Route of the Hiawatha

This stellar 15‑mile rail‑to‑trail ride includes seven sky‑high trestles, 10 tunnels, and a spectacular journey under the Bitterroot Mountains via the 1.66‑mile Taft Tunnel. It is typically open through late September. Lookout Pass offers trail passes, bike and gear rentals, and shuttles to simplify logistics so that you can focus on riding this historic route.

Scenic gondola rides run into September. Photo courtesy of Silver Mountain Resort

Take a Scenic Gondola Ride at Silver Mountain Resort

Silver Mountain offers the longest gondola ride in North America. Just off I-90 in Kellogg, the scenic ride travels over three miles as it climbs 3,000 feet up the mountain to the Mountain House Lodge. The ride takes 20 to 30 minutes each way, and you’ll want to plan time for a hike and fall huckleberry picking. The gondola runs on a few weekends in September before closing down for the season.

For more trip planning ideas and information including lodging options in North Idaho’s Silver Valley, visit the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Run the Jackass Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 4

The Jackass Half Marathon and 5k Race offers a scenic run or walk along the Coeur d’Alene River on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Both courses are point-to-point and mostly downhill between Wallace and Kellogg. The 2025 half marathon and 5K only had a few spots left as of early September but there were spots available for the kids’ race. This is the perfect race for beginners or casual joggers or walkers and a fast course for competitive runners.  

(Sponsored)

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Public sessions are available most weekends and daily during peak summer. First-timers can take advantage of the “Learn to Surf” package. Beyond the wave, enjoy Surfside Tacos, Twocan Jenny’s Surf Bar, sand volleyball, panoramic views and the adjacent Slidewaters water park.  

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