Fall hikes scheduled for region

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness fall hiking program is under way.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, there will be a hike up Lighting Creek Road along the boundary of the Scotchman Peaks roadless area with views of Lightning Creek. For information, Contact Joyce Pence at joyce.pence@yahoo.com or 208-266-1107.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Adopt-a-Highway hike with Jacob Styer will be held. Friends of Scotchman Peaks will clean up its section of state Highway 200. There is potential for a post-cleanup hike in the area. Contact Styer at jacob@scotchmanpeaks.org or 265-3408.

On Oct. 3 and 4, a trail maintenance project will be held in the Scotchman area to benefit the Spokane Inner City Youth Outings. For details contact Jace Bylenga at Bylenga@gonzaga.edu or at 509-313-5524.

A hike to Ross Creek Cedars will be held Saturday, Oct. 10. This easy loop trail winds through a grove of ancient cedars perhaps a thousand years old. Lush ferns and mosses grow in this magnificent example of an inland temperate rain forest.

Picnic tables are available to eat lunch by Ross Creek. Contact Pence at joyce.pence@yahoo.com or at 208-266-1107

Phil Hough and Deb Hunsicker will lead the Scothman Peak hike on Sunday, Oct. 11. The hike promises fall colors, stunning panoramas of Lake Pend O’Reille and the rugged countryside of the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness area. Mountain goats frequent these peaks.

The trail is a steep and steady climb with no on-trail water. Bring good shoes or boots, as well as binoculars and cameras.

Volunteers from the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will talk about efforts to protect this place. For information call 255-2780