Boundary County waterfalls
The beauty of Boundary County can best be seen when traveling on foot. Boundary County has more than 350 miles of developed hiking and horseback trail. Hikers can choose easy part day walks or extended backpacking trips. Recently I went on a short but vigorous hike to Myrtle Creek Falls one of the scenic water falls in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
Myrtle Creek Falls was a nice short hike to see a good-sized cascade. There are actually two Myrtle Creek Falls trails; the newer one is fully ADA-compliant. From the trailhead, I hiked the very steep but invigorating trail two-tenths of a mile until reaching an exceptional viewing area of the large outpouring which is halfway up the falls. The view of the falls and the sounds of the rushing water and smell of the spring air in the mountains was well worth the vigorous hike. In early March I had made the same hike through snow to witness the spectacular view of the partially frozen water fall. Now in the spring, water is cascading down the mountain in full force.
Myrtle Creek Falls is west of Bonners Ferry on the Riverside road approximately 5 miles to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. You will find the falls trailhead one tenth of a mile northwest of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge visitor’s center.
Other beautiful falls in Boundary County include Copper falls, Lower Snow Creek Falls, Moyie Falls, Smith Creek Falls and Snow Creek Falls. Moyie Falls is one of the highest volume waterfalls in Northern Idaho under 100 feet. Blasting out of a slot in the canyon, the Moyie River explodes 70 feet into a gorge then cascading another 25 feet. The falls flow year around, but is not as impressive during the drier time of year.
Although I do not hike as much as I should, hiking exercises almost every part of the body: legs, knees, ankles, arms, hips, abdominals, shoulders and neck. What I like about hiking other than physical activity is that it also exercises the mind and nourishes the imagination. It creates awareness in your eyes, nose, ears and the rest of your senses. Hiking is a good way to leave the everyday pressures behind and recharge your battery. There is no better place to hike and enjoy the scenery than Boundary County.
In the summer months I would encourage scenic hikers to bring bug repellent while viewing these beautiful trails and waterfalls.
Enjoy the beauty of Boundary County by hiking with a friend or family members to one of the many scenic waterfalls.
For more information go to www.naturallynorthidaho.com