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Enjoy winter
recreation at Farragut
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Correspondent
M.D.
Kincaid, Spokesman Review 2004
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 Just
20 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park
lies between rugged mountain ridges and along the crystal clear waters
of the largest lake in Idaho — Lake Pend Oreille. When the snow
cooperates, the park becomes a winter wonderland with cross country
ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill and miles of snowmobile runs.
The park is offering a free ski day next Saturday.
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Access from 1-90:
North on U.S. Highway 95 for approximately 18.3 miles, then
right on Highway 54 for approximately four miles to the ranger
station.
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Trails: Five
groomed cross country ski trails, (1K, 5K, 7K and 10K),
totaling more than six miles; a couple miles of snowshoe trails on
three courses, and approximately seven miles of snowmobile trails.
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Elevation: Averages 2,054 feet above sea level with minor
elevation changes.
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Use:
Moderate.
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Trail condition:
Well-groomed conditions, depending on snow depth. Difficulty: Ski
trails are rated “Easiest” and “More Difficult” on the trail map.
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Restrictions:
No pets on
groomed trails or sledding hill and must be leashed in all other
areas; no motorized vehicles on ski, snowshoe trails, sledding hill
and the rifle range; $4 parking fee to enter park (waived for skiers
on the “Free Ski Day” on Jan. 8); parking only in designated plowed
parking lots; ski in clockwise direction to avoid oncoming skiers; no
walking/snowshoeing on groomed ski trails; snowmobiles allowed between
sunrise and 10 p.m. and only north of Highway 54; sledders and tubers
are asked to walk on one side of the runs to avoid collisions and to
keep the runs smooth.
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What to
see: Wildlife, forests and spectacular Lake Pend Oreille.
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Special features:
Ski trails are marked with color-coded poles corresponding to
distance — the top color on the pole matches the trail you are skiing;
shelters and restrooms are on the 5K ski trail.
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Preparation:
Free trail maps are available at Farragut State Park, 13550 E. Highway
54, Athol, ID 83801, 683-2425. The park’s Web site is
http://www.idahoparks.org/parksl farragut.html
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Gear: Layered
winter clothes and snowshoes or cross country skis (skis can be rented
from ski shops in Hayden and Coeur d’Alene). Dressing for changing
conditions and carrying drinking water and a first-aid kit are always
good ideas.
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Note
Next Saturday’s
“Free Ski Day” waives the $4 daily parking fee (the $25 Annual
Passport allows day use of all Idaho State Parks and cross country
skiing at Priest Lake, Round Lake,
Winchester and Farragut) and offers free beginner cross country ski
lessons and refreshments inside the visitor center. Day skiing is from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a guided night ski tour is featured from 7 to 9
p.m. Meet at the visitor center and bring a
headlight or flashlight for night skiing. Nordic, also called cross
country skiing, is a great way to have fun while exercising. A study
at Montana State University reported a burn of 551 calories p
half-hour for a 154-pound cross country skier. That’s 176 more
calories than running at a 10-minute-per-mile pace and 267 more than
biking uphill, according to MSU’s graduate student Owen Murphy, who
conducted the study. Although generally not as fast-paced as downhill
skiing, Nordic skiing provides a better aerobic workout, higher
calorie burn (294 calories per half-hour for downhill skiing) and
eliminates costly lift tickets and lines.
Have a question about an article, suggestions for a trek or looking
for adventure ideas? E-mail Mike Kincaid at
kincaidmj@adelphia.net.
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