Connect with Nature: Top Hiking Trails in Intermax Networks Service Area
The Intermax Networks service area is home to some of the most stunning and accessible hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a weekend escape into nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the serene lakes of Northern Idaho to the rugged mountain peaks of Eastern Washington, these trails offer beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a sense of adventure right in your backyard.
Hit the trails in Idaho
Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail (Coeur d’Alene, ID)
This 3.3-mile loop trail provides stunning views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The well-maintained path winds through thick forest, offering scenic overlooks, interpretive signs about local wildlife, and a peaceful atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of bald eagles nesting in the winter months. Perfect for families, this hike offers breathtaking views without requiring too much elevation gain.
Trail Length: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Scenic lake views and eagle sightings
Tubbs Hill (Coeur d’Alene, ID)
Just a stone’s throw from downtown Coeur d’Alene, Tubbs Hill offers a unique blend of city convenience and outdoor escape. This 2.4-mile loop trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene and provides access to numerous beaches and rocky outcroppings. It’s a great place for a casual hike, a morning jog, or even an afternoon swim.
Trail Length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Lakeside beaches and views of Coeur d’Alene’s bustling marina
Chilco Mountain (Athol, ID)
For a more challenging adventure, head to Chilco Mountain. The 8-mile round-trip hike takes you through dense forests and offers panoramic views from the summit. The trail starts off fairly easy but gradually becomes steeper, rewarding you with spectacular views of Lake Pend Oreille, the Selkirk Mountains, and even Canada on a clear day. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for this more strenuous hike!
Trail Length: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Highlight: Panoramic summit views
English Point Recreation Trails (Hayden, ID)
This network of trails is ideal for those looking for a leisurely hike or even a place to take the kids or the dog. The English Point Recreation Area features several short, interconnected loops that wind through beautiful forest landscapes. You’ll find interpretive signs along the way that provide insight into the area’s natural history. With trails ranging from half a mile to 2 miles, this is a fantastic option for a quick outdoor escape.
Trail Length: Various loops, 0.5 to 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Family-friendly trails and educational signs
Farragut State Park (Athol, ID)
Farragut State Park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. The park has over 40 miles of multi-use trails that range from easy strolls along the lake to more challenging routes through the woods. A popular choice is the 5-mile loop around Beaver Bay, which provides lake views, forested paths, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Trail Length: 5 miles (Beaver Bay loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Variety of trails and recreational activities
Mickinnick Trail (Sandpoint, ID)
For those who love a good workout, the Mickinnick Trail in Sandpoint is a fantastic option. This 7-mile round-trip hike gains about 2,000 feet in elevation, so expect a steady climb. The trail meanders through forests of pine and fir before opening up to sweeping views of the Pend Oreille River and Sandpoint below. This hike is great for those who enjoy solitude and a little bit of a challenge.
Trail Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Highlight: Views of Pend Oreille River and Sandpoint
Explore trails in Washington
Dishman Hills Conservation Area (Spokane Valley, WA)
Dishman Hills Conservation Area offers an extensive network of trails that take you through diverse landscapes, including rock formations, forests, and wetlands. The trails here vary in difficulty, so whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone. The Iller Creek Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering a 5-mile round-trip route that leads to “Rocks of Sharon,” where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Spokane Valley and the Palouse.
Trail Length: Various, Iller Creek Trail is 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Scenic views and unique rock formations
Riverside State Park (Spokane, WA)
One of Washington’s largest state parks, Riverside State Park offers over 55 miles of trails that follow the Spokane River. These trails provide stunning views of the river gorge, thick forests, and basalt rock formations. The 5-mile Bowl and Pitcher Loop is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the park’s scenic beauty. This loop features a suspension bridge over the river, providing breathtaking vistas of the rushing water below.
Trail Length: 5 miles (Bowl and Pitcher Loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Riverside views, suspension bridge, and basalt formations
Liberty Lake Loop (Liberty Lake, WA)
Just a short drive from Spokane, the Liberty Lake Loop offers an excellent full-day hiking experience. This 8.5-mile loop trail takes you through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to a stunning overlook of Liberty Lake. The climb can be challenging at points, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Pack a lunch and stop at the Cedar Grove area about halfway through the hike, where the peaceful sounds of a nearby creek create the perfect rest spot.
Trail Length: 8.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Highlight: Waterfalls, forested trails, and lake views
Antoine Peak Conservation Area (Spokane Valley, WA)
Antoine Peak is one of Spokane Valley’s hidden gems, offering an excellent escape into nature without straying too far from town. The 6-mile round-trip hike to the summit takes you through beautiful forested areas and provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. In the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. This hike is perfect for those looking for a peaceful outing and great photo opportunities.
Trail Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Summit views and seasonal wildflowers
Tips for a Great Hiking Experience
- Pack the essentials: Always bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a map or GPS device. Even on shorter hikes, it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled.
- Check the weather: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out and pack layers.
- Bring layers: The weather in Spokane can be unpredictable, especially in the higher elevations of places like Mount Spokane. Wear layers to stay comfortable.
- Plan for wildlife: Many trails in the Intermax Networks area are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and bears. Stay alert, make noise, and carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas.
- Leave no trace: Respect nature by packing out everything you bring in. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging local ecosystems.
With such a diverse range of hiking options, Nothern Idaho and Eastern Washington are outdoor lovers’ paradises. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll along the lake or an all-day adventure to a mountain summit, the trails in this area provide endless opportunities for exploration. Grab your hiking boots, pack your gear, and set out to discover the natural beauty waiting just outside your door!
Find Connection with Intermax Networks
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