Take a Hike (Or a Bike)

At long last the (somewhat) warmer weather has finally arrived in Spokane!  If you're like me, you're probably stir crazy from being cooped up through a cold winter and spring.  Maybe you're ready to burst outside, fill up your lungs with fresh air, and do something fun in the midst of nature.

Whether you're a hardcore athlete or just enjoy a little exercise, the Inland Northwest has a number of biking and hiking trails to get you out and about.

Some of my personal favorites include:

• Centennial Trail (WA) and North Idaho Centennial Trail (ID)
• Columbia Plateau Trail (WA)
• Mineral Ridge Trail (ID)
• Route of the Hiawatha (ID)
• Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes (ID)
• Tubbs Hill Trail (ID)
• Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (ID)

There are trails around Sandpoint, Idaho (the Mickinnick Trail has a good view of Lake Pend Oreille) and Libby, Montana (the trail to Kootenai Falls is a must-do).  If you're interested in exploring these and other trails, check out the following websites:

• Hikes Every Local Should Do
• Montana Wilderness Association
• MTB Project
• North Idaho Hiking and Biking Trails 
• Pedal the Palouse
• Priest Lake Hiking Trails 

Of course, the library has plenty of books on trails near and far.  Just stop by and ask your friendly neighborhood perch librarian what's available.

Wishing you happy trails from the perch.