Idaho Panhandle National Forest, ID

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area

This hike wound along a ridge that rose from the banks of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The trail was well-maintained and in good shape.

Trail Begins

Hillside Above Trail

Mining had taken place throughout the area in the early 1900's as evidenced by a couple of abandoned diggings near the trail. I'm sure there are plenty more scattered across the hills and mountains. It must have been extremely difficult to tunnel through the hard rock.

Abandoned Prospect

Here are a few examples of the plethora of plant species that were new to me.

Creeping Mahonia

Ocean Spray

Spreading Dogbane

One spur off the main trail took me into an area where the plants were a lot denser and greener.

Wilson Trail Lined with Mallow-Leaf Ninebark, Thimbleberry, and Other Plants

It ended at an overlook where I could view one of Lake Coeur d'Alene's many bays.

Wolf Lodge Bay

Marshy Area at the End of the Bay

At the highest point along the ridge, I came to this wooden structure which makes for a nice resting point if one so desires.

Caribou Cabin

While hiking along the top of the ridge, I was able to view some of the neighboring tree-lined mountains.

Surrounding Mountains

Just before descending on the return arc of the loop, I came to an excellent viewpoint of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Stevens Lakes

This hike took place about an hour east of Mineral Ridge near Mullan, ID. The trail began its long uphill climb immediately from the trailhead in a mostly straight line for the first half mile before it finally took a significant turn.

Trail Starts Straight and True

A large percentage of the hike was under the cover of trees which made it a lot cooler. It wasn't until about the 1-mile point where I encountered a level spot of any significant length.

Canopy of Trees

Rare Opening among the Trees

Finally, a Fairly Level Stretch

As I climbed in elevation, the types of plants began to change.

Green Alder

Common Beargrass

I eventually broke out of the forest into an area that allowed me to see further ahead and the surrounding landscape.

Break Out into the Open

Rocky Mountainside

The open space between the forested areas was filled with bushes, plants, and wildflowers that crowded the trail. There was also an abundance of what I thought were butterflies.

Crowded Trail

Columbian Monkshood

Western Cone-Flower

Police Car Moth

I could hear Willow Creek for most of the hike, but it wasn't until just before the final ascent that I got a really good look at it.

Waterfall on Willow Creek

When I arrived at Lower Stevens Lake, I found hundreds of actual butterflies along the shore.

California Tortoiseshell Butterflies

I hiked halfway around the lake to take in its beauty from multiple perspectives.

Lower Stevens Lake

On the Side and Slightly Above the Lake

From the Far End

I chose not to continue on to Upper Stevens Lake which was probably the right choice because of how tired I was from the climb and knowing I still had the descent ahead of me. That feeling was bolstered by two hikers who did go to the second lake and said it was a steeper climb than they expected, and the views weren't as good as at Lower Stevens Lake.