Chasing The Wind

A Mighty Fine Day!

Enjoyed a really fine day exploring and prospecting. The land is lush and green with all the spring rain and warm sunshine - a bit of snow remains on the mountain tops, wildflowers grace the hillsides in wild abundance. 

My mining partner, Starr and I, found several Calypso wildflowers (Calypso bulbosa) on the Bonanza Gulch claim. These delicate little blooms, when discovered in the mottled woodland light, most resembles a minature orchid. The orchid family, a group of primarily tree-dwelling, tropical plants, boast more members than any other plant family; but in all the world there is only one Calypso species, so it is quite rare. 

The Calypso's presence in the forest indicates that the woods are relatively old and undisturbed, for it requires a thick, humus rich environment and mossy, damp ground in deep shade. 

Finding a Calypso in the forest is magical! These were located around the remains of an old wooden mining flume that has not been touched since the time of the Cedar Creek Gold Rush - if these woods 

could talk, what tales they might tell. 

The creek has gone down a bit since last week and I thoughly enjoyed digging and panning in the creek at the Hard Times Mine. The weather was absolutely perfect; clear, sunny and a slight breeze. The creek is still mighty cold from the snow melt. I couldn't ask for a nicer day!

I stopped in to visit with my neighbors, Kevin and Todd. They were hard at work, testing gravels and feeding a sluice box; mentoned they were having good results and some nice color in their pans. 

Twenty miles from the town of Superior, the claims are accessible from Cedar Creek Road. The road is in good shape and although we encounterwd a couple of muddy holes, we made it in with out incident.

Several trees had come down, however, we ran into Curt, a mining friend and he had gone in ahead on his ATV and cut and cleared the road. Great job Curt. Thanks a bunch!

There are several nice campsites on the claims, so next weekend I will set up camp and really get to work. 

There are several pronounced out croppings of bedrock and some enticing gravel bars that I can't wait to check out.

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

The Do's And Don'ts Of Desert Survival

by: John Edmond

Should you find yourself lost or stranded in the desert, your ability to survive will depend on how quickly you can find a source of water. Most of us take water for granted; it's always there in convenient, little plastic bottles at the corner store or our own refrigerators. Not so in the middle of the desert. The hot sun, dry air, and lack of shade can suck every bit of moisture from your body without you realizing it. Unless you're a camel or a Joshua tree, your chances of going for any long term period of time without hydration are pretty slim.

In the desert, shelter might be difficult to find. If you can, look for an outcropping of rocks that cast a shadow for some shade, or if you have a blanket, use that as a lean to for shade against the sun. The idea is to keep those burning rays off of your body until nightfall when you can move on. The desert is so dry that you might not realize exactly how hot it is until it's too late, and then heat exhaustion sets in. Stay covered as best as you can.

If you find that you are stranded in the desert for a prolonged period, adjust your sleeping schedule to make yourself nocturnal. While in your shaded refuge, take inventory of the survival supplies that you have. When traveling in the desert, you should carry a penknife, water purification tablets, something small to store water, small first aid kit, mirror, rope or chord, and a space blanket. Also, while you are waiting for nightfall, look for water sources.

If you have a space blanket, your first job once the sun sets is to set up a lean-to using your chord and any available trees, cacti, or rocks. If you have water with you, you need to ration it carefully. Do not drink more than you must have. The best way to judge if your water intake is sufficient is through the color of your urine. If it is excessively dark, you are not getting enough water.

Now you are ready to look for water. If you see any dry streambeds, dig at the lowest, outside point. Make sure you do this at night! If you have a plastic bag on your person, wrap it around the limb of a tree or bush that is exposed to the sun. As the sun warms the bag, it will cause the plant to transpire, and you will be able to collect the resulting water.

Finally, if you have a good knife, you can cut open cactus plants and squeeze water out of the moist flesh inside. Use caution when working with cacti since they are full of painful spines. The easiest cactus to use for water procuring is the prickly pear. You can burn off the thorns and then eat the meat of the plant. It is sweet and full of needed moisture.

John Edmond writes regularly for Living And Camping Outdoors where you can read many more articles on outdoor living and safe camping. Article Source: http://www.keywordarticles.org

The Bears Are Back

Grizzly bear trapped in Elmira

Posted: Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 10:53:49 am CDT

By GWEN ALBERS

Managing Editor - Bonners Ferry Herald

When Karen Garrison spotted two grizzly bears eating clover outside her Elmira home, she grabbed the video camera.

She also contacted Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which trapped and relocated one of the bears and continues to look for the second.

“She was concerned,” said Garrison’s husband, Lloyd, owner of Cedar Springs Archery.

Fish and Game had learned the bears had been hanging out and raiding garbage cans west of Elmira behind McArthur Lake, said Wayne Wakkinen, a senior wildlife research biologist with the agency in Boundary County. 

“We talked to several people and figured we better do something,” Wakkinen said.

They set a couple culvert traps on Friday night and by Sunday morning, they found a 2-year-old, 175-pound female grizzly inside. They also placed a radio collar on the bear and transported it to the Priest Lake area of Boundary County.

“It’s pretty good spring range and no people,” Wakkinen said. “We’re still running traps to see if we can catch the other one.”

If caught the bear will be not be relocated to the same place.

“They’re kind of like teenagers,” Wakkinen said. “When they hang out together they will get in trouble.”

It’s believed the bears are siblings who were recently sent on their own by mom.

Wakkinen suggests that people keep garbage cans stored and don’t put out sunflower seeds for birds because these attract bears.

He guesses there are 35 to 40 grizzly bears between the Canadian border and Schweitzer Mountain and into the Priest Lake area.

Wolf Delisting Rule Is Final

by Pursue The Outdoors on May 4th, 2009 in Conservation and Restoration News

The federal rule that removes gray wolves in Idaho from the endangered species list became final today, Monday, May 4.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting rule affects wolves in Idaho, Montana, parts of Washington, Oregon and Utah. Wolves in Wyoming will remain on the endangered species list.

Idaho has again taken over managing wolves under state law adopted in 2008 and under a wolf population management plan also adopted last year.

“We have to move on and manage them similar to other big game animals,” Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. “This is good news for wolves, elk, rural communities and hunters. I believe this action will help defuse the animosity and anger associated with wolves when we can manage wolves in concert with our other big game species.

Under state law, wolves that are molesting or attacking livestock or domestic animals may be killed by livestock or animal owners without a permit from Fish and Game. But the incident must be reported to the Fish and Game director within 72 hours.

The wolves killed would remain the property of the state. Livestock and domestic animal owners may take all nonlethal steps they deem necessary to protect their property.

A permit must be obtained from Fish and Game to control wolves not molesting or attacking livestock or domestic animals.

Fish and Game would apply the same professional wildlife management practices to wolves that it has applied to all big game species, which all have recovered from low populations during the early 1900s. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission in March set wolf hunting seasons for the fall of 2009.

Seasons will be from September 1 through March 31 in the Lolo and Sawtooth wolf management zones; from September 15 through December 31 in the Selway and Middle Fork zones; and elsewhere from October 1 through December 31.

Commissioners will set harvest quotas in August. Tags are not yet available.

Wolves were all but extirpated in Idaho by the 1930s. They were declared endangered in 1974, and a federal recovery effort brought 35 wolves to central Idaho in 1995 and 1996. Wolf population numbers have grown steadily since then.

The wolf delisting documents are available at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/.

8.7 OZ. Nugget Found In California Desert

Former marine finds pricey 8.7 oz. gold nugget in California desert with metal detector.

Amazing - if you have not heard about this huge nugget found Memorial Day, watch this video. What a find! (Click on the nugget to view)

A Visit To Canada

My sister Bonnie and I are planning another trip to Canada. Time to get out the maps, find a road not traveled and plan our journey. The rules have changed for entry into Canada, so thought I would pass along my research. 

Having lived in Edmonton, Alberta, Canda for several years, and returning to visit numerous times over the years, I have wonderful memories of my time in Western Canada. Truly some fine adventures!

This summer we are returning to Ainsworth, British Columbia, one of my favorite destinations. I really enjoy the hot springs, a massage and a bit of pampering. 

We also plan to travel north to Banff National Park & Lake Louise. 

We are considering taking the train. What an exciting trip and I don't have to drive. 

Are you planning a trip to Canada? A few things to review as you plan your trip.

ALL PERSONS traveling by land and sea outside of the United States are required to present

a passport book/card, or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States.

New Passport Requirements

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Going to Canada

Firearm Users Visiting Canada

Travel and Adventure in Canada

Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning

Several readers have inquired about locations in this area that are open to the public where they can pan for gold. One of my favorites os the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area. If you know of other locations in the Northwest, please post your comments below. Wishing you color in your pan. 

The Kootenai National Forest provides an opportunity for you and your family to take part in the history of Libby through recreational gold panning at the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area.

Directions

The tumoff to Libby Creek Road is approximately 13 miles south of Libby on Highway 2. The Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area is an additional 10 miles up Libby Creek Road 231. Please note that Libby Creek Road is graveled but well maintained.

Facilities

There are no developed parking lots or camping facilities at the Gold Panning Area. Camping is primitive with dispersed sites. However, there is a men's and women's outhouse in the main panning area. For those planning longer visits to the area, Howard Lake Campground is one mile south of the Gold Panning Area. Howard Lake Campground, a developed fee campground next to Howard Lake, offers swimming, fishing, hiking opportunities, a water well, and toilets.

Area Rules

• Placer material shall not be removed from the Mineral Withdrawal Area (Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area). All material must be processed within the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area and we ask that you limit yourself to one or two 5-gallon buckets at a time.
• Only hand tools and pans are allowed for prospecting. No motorized* or mechanized** mining equipment is allowed.
• Please "Pack it in, Pack it Out".
• There is a 14-day camping limit.
• No discharging of firearms within the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area boundaries.

The purpose of these restrictions are for the protection of historical archaeological interest, protection of improvements, other surface resources, property, and safety.

*MOTORIZED equipment is any equipment having or using an engine, motor, or powered by electricity.

**MECHANIZED equipment is any device designed to increase production above the level obtained with gold pans and hand tools. Examples would include: Sluice Boxes, Dry Washers. Rocker Boxes, Wheelbarrows, and Metal Detectors.

Geology

The bedrock seen on the mountain peaks surrounding the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area is that of the Precambrian Belt formation. Rocks of Precambrian age, meaning older than Cambrian, are rocks at least 800 million years old. These sedimentary rocks, which are thousands of feet thick, were formed by the accumulation of mud, carbonate, silt, and sand in huge inland seas that extended for miles over what is now known as Northwest Montana and North Idaho. Low grade metamorphism altered the buried sediments to form the bedrock as it is seen today as quartzite, siltite, and argillite. The Belt rocks contain no animal fossils, but may contain fossils of primitive plants such as blue-green algae called Stromatolites. Some of the layers of rock contain ripple marks, salt casts, and mud cracks which indicate periods of wetting and drying during deposition.

The gold found in the panning area is defined as a placer deposit, meaning a place where eroded mineral particles (usually gold) have accumulated due to some form of movement such as by streams or glaciers. The gold-bearing gravels found in the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area were deposited as a result of alpine glaciation, which occurred between 10,000 and 130,000 years ago. During the Pleistocene Era, much of the Libby Creek Drainage was covered by glaciers which gouged the Belt rock off of the mountain peaks and carved out the valley bottoms. The glaciers left deposits of till, or moraines, at the edge of the retreating ice. Water from Libby Creek, Howard Creek, and other glacial melt streams reworked portions of the glacial moraine concentrating the gold in the channels of Libby Creek and in what is now known as the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area.

Your Gold

Any gold you happen to find is yours to keep. If you wish to sell your gold, many coin dealers and pawn shops in Montana will buy raw gold. Ask around locally or check a phone book if you are interested in selling any gold that you may find.

Historic Gold Panning Cabin

History of the Area

Placer Mining on Libby Creek

Miners began prospecting Libby Creek as early as 1864. Libby Creek was named in the 1860's by early prospector Stephen Allen, after his daughter Elizabeth or "Libby." In the summer of 1867, a party of 12 miners were prospecting upstream on Libby Creek near the Libby Creek Canyon. A party of four miners: Stephen Allen, Anthony Kavanaugh, John Moore and Joseph Herron left eight of their companions, including John Fisher, to get supplies at Spokane Bridge, Washington Territory. After returning to the Kootenai in August, they were ambushed by a small group of Kootenai Indians on Libby Creek at about one mile from the confluence of Libby Creek and the Kootenai River. Three of the four miners died during the attack. For the next 21 days, Herron, who escaped with a chest wound, hid during the day and survived on service berries. He was finally located by a party of miners who treated his wound and look him out of the area. The small group of Kootenai responsible for the killings scattered, but five were later located by miners and executed.

By September of 1867, the Montana Post reported that there were 500 to 600 miners working on Libby Creek for a short time. The mining camp established on Libby Creek was named "Libbysville". The initial excitement began to die down and only about one hundred miners were on Libby Creek in 1868. By 1876, John S. Fisher or "Jack" was the only reported miner working on the creek. The placer mining activity in this very isolated mining district seems to have ended until the mid 1880's.

The Second Rush on Libby Creek

By 1883, an outwash of miners from the Coeur d'Alene Mining District began to work their way into the Cabinet Mountains via the Vermilion River. Some sniping activity (prospecting for gold in bedrock without formal claims) was noted in 1885 on Libby Creek by Thomas Shearer. He then headed to Thompson Falls, Montana Territory where he interested miners such as B.F. Howard and Oliver Woodcoe to join him and file claims on Libby Creek. A second rush began in the area of Libby, Poorman, and Bear Creek in 1885.

Hundreds of miners were working Libby Creek during this time. However, it was interesting to note that the mining camp was so isolated that the "soiled doves" (prostitutes), which were found in other more lucrative and accessible mining camps, were not to be found in Libby Camp during the 1880's. A tent camp was established in the Libby Creek Mining District by 1886 and named "Lake City", or "Oldtown". George Good operated a store in this mining camp in 1887, which was supplied by a packstring (horses or mules) via a trail from Thompson Falls. In the spring of 1889, Planina E. Field arrived with her husband, Martin V. Field, to Libby Creek. She was the first non-native American woman in the mining district and for some years was the only woman in the mining camp. Chinese miners began to lease claims from the white miners on Libby Creek in 1887, and by 1889 there were about 25 Chinese working on the district. One night in November of 1890, a Chinese miner was allegedly seen robbing the sluice boxes of Thomas Bryan on Libby Creek. A miners' meeting ensued and the Chinese were banned from Libby Creek and given an hour to leave the camp. They left via the trail to Thompson Falls and no Chinese were allowed in the Libby Creek Mining District for many years.

The isolation of the Libby Mining District was lessened by the construction of the Great Northern Railroad into the Kootenai in 1892.

A.V. Howard (~1900)

The Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area

Mining has taken place in the vicinity of the Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area or "gold panning area" since 1886 when placer claims were first located on upper Libby Creek and Howard Creek. Howard Creek and Howard Lake were prospected and named after the Howard brothers, Alfred and Benjamin. These two were among some of the earliest miners to file and work claims on Upper Libby Creek from 1885 and 1886. A.V. Howard worked on his claims on Libby and Howard Creeks from 1886 to the 1920's. B.F. Howard, who had arrived at Libby Creek during late summer of 1885, had a mining camp in the vicinity of Ramsey Creek. He mined on Libby creek until his death in 1915 at the age of 80.

Mining activity and claims were located in the vicinity of the gold panning area through the late 1880's and early 1890's, but no major mining development took place. On June 28, 1890, J.T. Vaughan and H.F. Greenwell located the Horseshoe Placer. They continued to locate and work other claims in the area of the gold panning area and surrounding claims until the early 1900's, when they patented and leased their claims. These miners were some of the initial developers of the present gold panning area. In 1899-1900, Vaughan and Greenwell hand dug a mining ditch from a point above Libby Creek Falls to their mining claims. This 6,000-foot-long ditch supplied water necessary for placer and subsequent hydraulic mining ventures.

B.F. Howard (1914)

The mineral claims in the gold panning area were surveyed in 1901 by Nimrod E. Jenkins and patented shortly thereafter. Vaughan and Greenwell began ground sluicing in the area of the present gold panning area in the early 1900's and later leased their claims from 1904 to 1908. The firm of Cannon and Lee of Spokane, Washinglon later bought claims in the area and established hydraulic mining operations in about 1909. One of the partners died, and the properties in the gold panning area were tied up in court for years.

In 1930, L.J. Olson and Harry Bolyard acquired the former Vaughan and Greenwell properties from a Mr. Curtiss. They sold the properties in 1931, and in 1932 the Libby Placer Mining Company began installation of hydraulic mining equipment and flumes on their mining claims on Howard and Libby Creek. There were 15 men employed lo work the operation. The cabins, seen near the bridge crossing over Libby Creek, were built in 1932 by the Libby Placer Mining Company. This operation was unsuccessful and the property was reacquired by Harry Bolyard and L.J. Olson of the Liberty Placer Mining Company. The Liberty Placer Mining Company resumed hydraulic mining operations in the old mining area of Vaughan and Greenwell from 1935 to 1937. After difficulties arose from disposal of tailings, both gasoline and dieseI-powered earthmoving shovels were used to excavate goldbearing gravels.

In April ol 1938, a dryland dredge worked the gold panning area. This dredge, in operation until April of 1940, processed gravels which were fed into it by the diesel-powered Bucyrus-Erie shovel,

Hydraulic operations on a small scale recommenced and were utilized in what is now the gold panning area until 1947. With the use of hydraulic hoses, bulldozers, and sluice boxes, 15,000 cubic yards of material were processed in 1947 and a value ol $6,600.00 in gold (1947 gold prices) was recovered from the mining area. Sporadic mining took place at the Liberty or Bolyard Placer until 1987 when the patented claims, which constitute the present gold panning area, were acquired through a land exchange. The gold panning area was established for the public in 1988 and withdrawn from mineral entry.

Though no one ever made a fortune on Libby Creek, wages were made there for decades. The creek continues to be prospected and placer mined to the present day.

Please Protect the Past for the Future

Please do not collect or vandalize historic cabins, artifacts, or mining equipment so that we can all learn from the history of the area. Please do not disturb historic materials or equipment while excavating for gold.

For More Information

Contact the Libby District Office for more information regarding gold panning.

Courtesy: USFS

Montana Photo Contest

Nature In Our Own Backyard

Announcing the "NATURE in Our Own Backyard" photo contest.

• MontanaPBS.org

Enter to win the Grand Prize of a 3-day fully guided canoe trip for two on the spectacular Wild and Scenic Missouri River. The Montana Office of Tourism has partnered with Montana PBS to give photographers an opportunity to showcase the best place ever to vacation - Montana! The theme this year encourages Montana families to use their vacation funds exploring all that Montana has to offer. The categories for submissions include: (1) general family vacation locations; (2) national or state park locations, (3) a series of six pictures that tell a Montana story. In addition to the grand prize, there will be a prize awarded for each of the three categories.

For contest details, go to www.montanapbs.org

Contest ends July 31, 2009.

The steep track of the serpent - Northern Pacific's Lookout Pass -

I loved this video as it depicts the route of the historic Northern Pacific Railroad through this beautiful corner of northwestern Montana. I am sure you will enjoy the journey as much as I did.

The Majestic Kootenai River

Wild, clear, big and beautiful, the Kootenai River courses through heavily forested mountains, much of its path through still remote wilderness. It is a magnificent river, providing excellent fishing and incredible scenery as it twists and turns on its way to the Columbia. Eagles, hawks and osprey call the river home and deer, elk and mountain sheep abound. 

The Kootenai River has its origins in British Columbia's Kootenay National Park north of Mt. Assiniboine, the highest point in the drainage at 11,867 ft. elevation. Commencing there, it flows 485 miles into northwest Montana near Eureka and through the towns of Libby and Troy. Sixteen miles north of Libby, the river is held back by Libby Dam, creating a 85-mile long reservoir called Lake Koocanusa which reaches into Canada. 

Downstream from Libby, the river races through a small canyon and dances over Kootenai Falls. Kootenai Falls is one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest; an area sacred site to the Kootenai Indians whose ancestors once lived along its bountiful banks. 

From there, the majestic Kootenai travels into northern Idaho through the town of Bonners Ferry, then traverses back into Canada. The river re-enters Canada south of Creston, British Columbia and widens into Kootenay Lake. Near Nelson, British Columbia, the Kootenay becomes a river again and flows southwest towards Castlegar, British Columbia where it joins the Columbia River. The Kootenai is one of the very few rivers in North America which begins in Canada, enters the United States and then re-enters Canada. The Kootenay River (spelled Kootenai River for its American segments) is the uppermost major tributary of the Columbia River. 

The Kootenai River is the second largest tributary to the Columbia River in terms of run-off volume, ranked third by the size of it’s drainage area. The major tributaries of the Kootenai River are the St. Mary, Slocan, Bull Elk, Fisher, Yaak and Moyie Rivers. The Kootenai Basin is largely mountainous and dominated by three major ranges. The Rocky Mountain Range and its offshoot, the Flathead Range, mark the eastern boundary; the Purcell Range roughly bisects it from north to south. The Selkirk and Cabinet ranges constitute the western boundary. Elevations reach a maximum of about 12,000 feet with most summit elevations between 6,000 and 7,500 feet. Except for a few low lying areas, the entire watershed is densely forested or above the tree line. 

The Kootenai River was named in honor of the indigenous Kootenai people that inhabited the remote and pristine wilderness. Early history of the area shows that these proud people were also known as the Ktunaxa in Canada and were most often referred to as the Flatbows and the majestic river was called the Flatbow River. 

The first white man to explore the area, David Thompson, an English-Canadian fur trapper, surveyor and map-maker traveled down the river in May of 1808 in an effort to establish a fur trading district in the Columbia River system. Thompson who was known to the native peoples as “Koo-Koo-Sint” or “the Stargazer” was enchanted with the river. In 1809 he named the river McGillivray’s River, in honor of Duncan and William McGillivray, partners in the Northwest Company that had financially supported David Thompson’s quests.  

David Thompson (1770-1857) played a significant role in the history of the Kootenai River and the exploration of the American West. Described as the “greatest land geographer who ever lived”, David Thompson during his long career mapped over 3.9 million square kilometres of North America. 

In 1863, gold was discovered at the confluence of the Kootenay and Wild Horse Rivers. The Wild Horse Gold Rush brought several thousand men into the area and resulted in the building of Fisherville, British Columbia which was later moved when it was discovered that the new mining townsite sat atop of some of the areas richest ore deposits. 

The rush was short lived and by 1885 most of the men had moved on to other strikes. Gold rushes on the Moyie and Goat Rivers were rapidly followed by the discovery of galena and silver in the Kootenay Lake and Slocan Valley regions, leading to a rapid settlement of the area and the creation of mining boomtowns; Nelson, at the outlet of Kootenay Lake, Kaslo, mid-point up the northern arm and the majestic Lardo district at the northern end of Kootenay Lake. Mining motivated the fed the development of the upper Kootenay River between Cranbrook-Fort Steel and to points in Montana. Powerful steamboats such as the USS Moyie navigated the river from Bonners Ferry, Idaho into the northern towns of British Columbia, carrying miners and their supplies. 

Famous for its world class fishing, the Kootenai River has a large population of cutthroat trout, bull trout, Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout. Impressive White Sturgeon are found in the river below Kootenai Falls. In 1972, the completion of Libby Dam brought marked change to the water ecosystem and created conditions in which several species of fish thrive. White sturgeon in the Kootenai River were recognized as endangered in 1994. In a valiant effort to protect and re-populate this awesome fish, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho established the Kootenai Sturgeon Hatchery to implement an aquaculture recovery program. The recovery program protects the sturgeon population from possible extinction.  

The Kootenai River and many of its tributaries are the only waters in Montana where anglers can find a native strain of rainbow trout known as the Columbia River Redbands. The Columbia River Redbands are only indigenous to the head-waters of the Columbia River which includes the Kootenai. 

Kootenai River Outfitters

North Idaho Drive - Bring Your Shovel & Gold Pan

INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP � NORTHERN IDAHO  Welcome to the International Selkirk Loop, a 450 km scenic drive that takes you to some of the most remote, uncrowded, undiscovered and truly spectacular regions of Southeastern British Columbia, Northern Idaho and Northeastern Washington. Starting 1 mile east of Newport, WA across the Pend Oreille River Bridge is Oldtown, ID where the Hwy changes from Hwy 20 to Hwy 2 and is also designated the "Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage" Scenic Byway. This truly beautiful stretch of highway follows the Pend Oreille River east toward Sandpoint, ID. 6 miles from Oldtown is Albeni Falls Dam Interpretive & Visitor Center. Have a picnic while you enjoy the scenery. 2 miles from the Dam is Priest River. Visit the Priest River Museum & Timber Education Center located in the Historic District of Priest River and learn about the early "log jamming"days from Priest Lake to Priest River.  Take a detour north from Priest River on Hwy 57, 25 miles to Priest Lake. With over 72 miles of shoreline, Priest Lake is famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. There are USFS campgrounds, resorts and marina's available on both sides of the lake. Nordic skiing and snowmobiling are favorite winter activities. Return on the same route to Priest River, turning east (left) back onto Hwy 2 , 1mile east of Priest River is the US Army Corps of Engineers Campground called "Priest River Mudhole". Seven miles further east in Laclede is another facility operated by the Corps. "Riley Creek Recreation Area"including a campground. One mile further look for the "Seneacquoteen historic marker" on the right side of the roadway marks the Indian Campground and river crossing where the old Indian Trail to British Columbia joined the wagon road from Walla Walla, WA.  12 miles further is Sandpoint, ID the Loop's largest US town. Set on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint has drawn painters, poets and performers who gain inspiration from the majestic setting. Year-round activities are non-stop and boundless thanks to the hundreds of miles of backroads and wilderness trails nearby. Catch a show at the fully restored 1927 Panida Theater in the grand tradition. Sandpoint is also home of national catalog company Coldwater Creek where they have a retail store. World class skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort or world record rainbow trout from Lake Pend Oreille, to shopping in Sandpoints quaint downtown district, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  From Sandpoint head north on Highway 95. Two miles north is the intersection of Hwy 200, turn right (east) and the start of a Loop Super Side Trip with the first section called "Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway" a stunningly beautiful leasurly drive, ultimately skirting into Montana and rejoining the Loop (112 mi. total) at Bonners Ferry.  Remain heading north from Sandpoint (keeping to the main Loop Route) on Hwy 95 for 35 miles to Bonners Ferry, ID Visit the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, 5 miles west of Bonners Ferry, following the road along the Kootenai River. Bonners Ferry was recently voted the "Friendliest Town in Idaho".  Be sure and stop into the visitor center and get a map of the area. There is a lot to explore and discover in this last community before entering Canada, 30 miles to the north. Bonners Ferry is home to the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, one of six bands of the Kootenai Nation (spelled Kootenay in Canada). Historically a semi-nomadic nation roaming the entire Selkirk Loop region, the Kootenai Tribe has retained its native language and other cultural elements more strongly than most other Native American groups in the US. They run a casino also in Bonners Ferry. Historic downtown is much the same as the earlier part of the century with wonderful old brick buildings.  Follow Hwy 95 north 22 miles from Bonners Ferry until Hwy 95 veers right (east). Stay straight ahead on Hwy 1 instead to Porthill, ID and the International Border Crossing open 7am to midnight. Just before passing the port look west (left) to see over a thousand acres of hops being grown by Budweizer.  Alternately the border crossing on Hwy 95 at Eastport is a 24 hr. port. This is another Loop Super-side Trip. Travel 5 miles after the border then turn west on Hwy. 3 for the 35 miles (52 km) drive to Creston, taking you through Creston's famous fruit growing district.  Upon crossing the border the highway changes from Hwy 1 to Hwy 21 at the Rykerts Border Station. Head north 16 km to Creston where sweeping fields of grains and roadside stands attest to the long, lush growing season the Creston Valley enjoys. The Creston Valley is second only to the Okanagan Valley in fruit production. Apples are the primary fruit, however, peaches, plums, pears and strawberries are also grown. Explore Creston's vibrant downtown district. The Art Deco style of the 1930's is the most prevalent. While there are no skyscrapers, two grain elevators are landmarks. The elevators are the last in BC and the last Canadian ones in a downtown center. For more in-depth history, visit the Stone House Museum just north of city center at 219 Devon Street. It's regarded as one of the finest small museums in BC. Also in Creston is the Columbia Brewery, home of Kokanee Beer. Take a free tour, sample a beer and take home a souvenir at the Gear store.  Across the valley to the west on Hwy 3, 7 km from Creston is the Creston Valley Wildlife Management and Interpretive Center. There are over 265 bird species to be found. There are guided walking and canoe tours and a self-guided tour along wheelchair - accessible boardwalks.  Return back to Creston and head north on 3A and follow the signs to the Kootenay Ferry. This 86 km stretch of highway is a favorite of motorcycle enthusiasts, with 270 curves, light traffic and spectacular scenery following the shoreline of 100 km long Kootenay Lake. 37 km from Creston is the unique Glass House made of more than 500,000 discarded embalming fluid bottles. The square shape of these bottles make possible a curiously beautiful home. Look for the Crawford Bay Artisans 79 km from Creston where you can see artists in action from broom making to glass blowing. 1 km further is Kokanee Springs Golf Resort, 18-holes on a world class course. 6 km further is the North America's longest free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake.  Arriving at Balfour in the West Kootenays, turn left. At 10 km is Kokanee Creek Provincial Campground. Stay on Hwy 3A 22 km further to Nelson. The community has become a premier destination for mountain bikers, kayakers, trekkers and climbers. With over 350 heritage buildings, the city is a jackpot for history lovers. Guided walking tours or driving tours are available. Nelson is the largest town on the BC portion of the Loop drive.  Follow Hwy 6 out of Nelson 32 km south to Salmo. See seven elaborate stone murals on community buildings depicting the town's proud mining and forestry heritage. Stay on Hwy 6 to the International Border crossing at Nelway, a further 15 km.  There are two "Super side trips" worth exploring in the BC portion of the drive which branch off of then return to this main Loop route. Send for a Free Travel Guide which has more detailed information about the main route and the super side trips.  At the US International Border on Hwy 31 (changes number from Hwy 6) at Metaline, WA. The port is open 8am to midnight. 4 miles south of the Metaline border crossing is Crawford State Park. Guided tours of Gardner Cave, Washington States second longest limestone cave can be taken during the summer. 10 miles from the border south is Metalline Falls, named one of the "100 Best small art towns in America". Visit the Cutter Theater, on the National Register of Historic Places with history exhibits and art gallery and a performing arts theater. From the border at Metaline south to Ione (30 miles) you are on "North Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway". This region called the "Forgotten Corner" is home to one of the largest diversity of big game animals found in the lower 48 states. Sullivan Lake Ranger Station just east of Ione, the USFS has two campgrounds on lovely Sullivan Lake. The Lions Excursion Train Ride out of Ione (check schedule) offers families a two-hour tour along the Pend Oreille River. You will be awed by soring cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and in the fall, the profusion of color.  At the Tiger junction, 4 miles south of Ione the Highway changes to Hwy 20. The main Loop route continues south to Newport along the Pend Oreille River. However Hwy 20 also goes west to Colville. Along this 40 mile stretch is the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge as well as USFS camping sites will marked along the highway. This route is another "Super-Side Trip" which will rejoin the main Loop route at Usk. The Loop's Free Travel Guide has maps and further features to explore. Six miles south from Tiger is Blueslide Resort & Campground. 19 miles south from Blueslide is the historic town of Usk. Visit the Hotel Usk and cyclist campground for a unique experience. Located only 20 miles from 49 Degrees North Ski hill and right across the river from the Kalispel Tribe Lands. The tribe operates a buffalo ranch that has an excellent viewpoint for visitors. 14 miles south on Hwy 20 is Newport, WA. The Colville Ranger Station is on the right heading south 1 mile before Newport. Newport is only 59 miles from Spokane, WA via Hwy 2. This can be a main entry point for Loop travelers flying into Spokane's International Airport. There are many lakes, rivers and wilderness areas surrounding Newport. At the south end of town is the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum where you'll see "The Big Wheel", a 16-foot steam driven sawmill generator.  This completes your 280 mile circuit of the International Selkirk Loop where every mile is an adventure waiting your discovery. Come join us.  Kindly submitted by Carol Graham, Operations Director of the International Selkirk Loop.