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Hiking | 7.49 Miles |
1,873 AEG |
| Hiking | 7.49 Miles | 3 Hrs 7 Mns | | 2.52 mph |
1,873 ft AEG | 9 Mns Break | | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| no partners | | Easy local hike with Harlow since the kids wanted to sleep in. Parked at the Nettleton Gulch TH and headed up Trail 3, which I’ve been on before. Steep as ever, muddy in places, but last night’s rain softened the ground enough to give better grip.
Wanting to see some new territory, when we got to FR 1562, I headed east, the fairly level road being a nice break from the steepness of the previous trail.
Turned left and headed up Trail 5, which was once again very steep. Saw two mountain bikers—the only people I saw on the trails today. There was supposed to be a nice viewpoint where Trail 5 meets FR 2342, but I think the trees have gotten tall enough to obscure the views. You can see Coeur d’Alene and the lake, but not clearly.
Rather than continue up Trail 5, I stayed on FR 2342 towards the summit of West Canfield Butte. Obscured views from the summit, but we rested there for a moment. From there, we headed down D Trail, which drops off the north side of the mountain before curving east and southeast. I like D Trail, which I had also been on before. Moderate grade, good condition, and glimpses of Hayden Lake and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains to the east.
I reached a junction of various trails and roads called The Island, and opted to head down Trail 6, once again new territory for me. Trail 6 appears to be an old logging road, which made for easy hiking, gradually downhill.
Reached Trail 5 again, and took that steeply straight down to A Trail below, which was another old logging road, but had more vegetation. A Trail east, mostly level, with a slight incline in places. No views, but pleasant hiking.
When A Trail reached the creek, I opted to take Trail 4/Cave Trail directly back to the trailhead. This was probably my favorite trail of the loop—excellent condition, moderate grade, tons of trees. No water in the creek, but I imagine early summer would have plenty. Never saw the mine, which gives this trail its name, but I think it may have been above me just before the trailhead.
Very nice hiking right next to town, and so many trails on the mountain gives almost endless hike variations for a nice workout without having to drive very far. Cool and cloudy day, but no rain while hiking. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light Some fall color, mostly from the maples. |
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Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
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