North America Archives - Page 11 of 73

Riding the Route of the Hiawatha

About the Route of the Hiawatha

The Route of the Hiawatha was once known as one of the most scenic railways in the country. It has now been converted to rails to trails. USA Today ranks the Route of the Hiawatha in the top ten rails to trails and it is on the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame list.

The trail begins on the western edge of Montana and crosses the border into Idaho. There is a sign which marks the state lines inside the first tunnel, for which it is famous. The 1.66 mile Taft Tunnel is dark, cold, and wet! The Route of the Hiawatha also travels along 7 trestles and through an additional 8 tunnels while featuring views of the Bitterroots.

While the trail passes through the National Forest, it is not free to ride, as it is operated by a private company. Tickets may be purchased at Lookout Pass Ski Area, online, or at the recommended starting trailhead a few miles up the road at the East Portal. National Parks passes do not apply.

PEDAL AWAY!

Hikes Near Wallace, Idaho

The City of Wallace is a historic mining town nestled in the Silver Valley. It is engulfed in history and surrounded by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. As a result, it is a very interesting place to visit and affords visitors many hiking options.

Below are a few hikes near Wallace I found:

HAPPY HIKING!

Things to Do in Stanley

Stanley, Idaho is a small town of 100 or so residents that balloons to thousands in the summertime. Stanley is located in the Sawtooth Valley surrounded by 1,000 miles of wilderness. In fact, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the largest recreation area in the United States! Consequently, there is a substantial amount of outdoor things to do in Stanley.

EXPLORE!

Hikes in Stanley, Idaho

The last time I visited Stanley, Idaho was eleven years ago. I had hoped to visit last year during my three weeks in Idaho, but I was too early as it was still snowing. Considering I should have named my blog, Chasing 70 Degrees, snow is not in my future if I can help it.

Anyway, I finally arrived and spent several days camping and hiking in Stanley and and caught up with a few relatives.

HAPPY HIKING!

Fourth of July Lake Trail

The Fourth of July Lake Trail is located in the Sawtooth National Forest 25 miles southeast of Stanley, Idaho. It is a little bit farther from Stanley as compared to Sawtooth Lake and hikes around Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake.

As a result, I saved if for the end of my visit, especially since it requires driving 10 miles on a dirt road. Upon reaching the road which led into a burned forest, I thought to myself, “what have I done?” Fortunately, the forest along the Fourth of July Lake Trail was mostly spared and only the drive went through charred threes.

HAPPY HIKING!

Hike to Sawtooth Lake

Sawtooth Lake, located in the Sawtooth National Forest, is the quintessential hike of Stanley, Idaho. It may be reached from three different trailheads: Stanley Lake, Redfish Lake, and Iron Creek.

I believe the shortest hike to Sawtooth Lake is via the Iron Creek Trailhead, and it registers as a moderate ten miler on AllTrails.

The Iron Creek Trailhead dirt parking lot with a pit toilet is small. It can accommodate approximately 30 cars, and by the time I arrived before 7:30 in the morning at least ten cars had beaten me to a space.

Given I hadn’t seen many people get started before 8 to 9am most mornings, I hoped these were backpackers’ cars. Otherwise, Annie and I would be in for a busy trail this Fourth of July.

HAPPY HIKING!

Jackson Hole Still Works

After five days in Lander, Wyoming I headed northwest toward Stanley, Idaho where I plan to stay approximately ten days. Along the way, I stopped at a dear friend’s home in Jackson. It was so much fun to see Chas, who I’ve known for over 40 years and his sweet wife Ellen. I can’t believe I hadn’t seen them since their wedding, which means I had never met their cute boys Charlie and Sawyer!

It was so fun catching up over a dinner of antelope (courtesy of Chas’s bow hunting), salad, and pasta. I hated to not even stay 24 hours, especially with the natural beauty surrounding Jackson, but I plan on returning when is not the height of tourist season.

Before I left, however, I had Chas give me a tour of his distillery, Jackson Hole Still Works. He and his best friend and partner Travis founded Jackson Hole Still Works i14. It is the only distillery in Jackson Hole.

TAKE A TASTE!

Things to Do in Lander

Lander is a small city located in West central Wyoming near the Wind River Mountain range and less than three hours from Jackson. The city of Lander is an outdoor mecca. In fact, many state and federal organizations as well as private and non-profit outdoor organizations such as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Wyoming Outdoor Council, the Wyoming office of the Nature Conservancy, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation keep their offices in Lander.

While Lander is internationally known in the climbing community, I believe this city of 7,500 has been flying under the radar when it comes to attracting other outdoor enthusiasts. In ten years, I expect it will be the next Moab for summer adventures.

EXPLORE!

Five Hikes Near Lander

Lander, Wyoming is located near the Wind River Mountain Range. It is only about three hours south of Jackson. While it is well known among climbers, it is yet to be discovered by many. I expect ten years from now, it will be the next Moab and no longer a hidden gem.

During my time in Lander, I took five hikes; two in Sinks Canyon State Park and three in the Shoshone National Forest which borders the state park.

HAPPY HIKING!

The Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Pow Wow

I wouldn’t have known about the Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Pow Wow if I hadn’t strolled Main Street in Lander. Many businesses include event postings in the window.

The Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Pow Wow, located in Fort Washakie, is a free, three-day event held over the last weekend of June. According to the website, the Grand Entry (whatever that was) on Sunday was scheduled at noon. I glanced at my watch which read a little after 11am.

DANCE!