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Whole family sure to enjoy this trail
Correspondent M.D. Kincaid, Spokesman Review, August 2005
 The
hike is only part of the fun for the whole family on Hope Peninsula.
Offering great views of the vast and beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, the
Sam Owen Trail leads to gravesites of Sam and Nina Owen, who donated
land to development of the recreational site. The area offers camping,
biking, fishing, water sports and encounters with the local friendly
deer.
Directions from 1-90 and U.S.
Highway 95 intersection:
Go north on U.S. 95 for approximately 50 miles then right
on Highway 200 for approximately 18.3 miles. Turn right
on Sam Owen Road and go
about 2 miles to the Sam Owen Campground entrance. The trailhead is
just across from the campground.
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Length:
1-mile roundtrip.
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Elevation:
The highest point is 2,069 feet, with minor elevation gain.
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Use: Heavy.
- Trail
condition: The first one-half mile is hard surface and suitable
for wheelchairs and strollers. The hard trail ends with a great view
of Owens Bay and a nice resting area. The remaining half mile is
narrow and loops back to the entrance.
- Difficulty:
Easy.
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Restrictions: The trail is closed to all motorized vehicles.
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What to see: Deer, forests
and spectacular views of Lake Pend Oreille.
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Special features: The
near-tame deer are everywhere (the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
recommends against feeding wildlife, due to the potential spread of
disease and other environmental factors). Sam Owen Campground has 80
camp units with picnic sites, covered picnic shelters, flush toilets,
potable water and a great beach with a boat ramp and dock. Call the
Sandpoint Ranger District office at (208) 263-5111 for reservations.
The nearby Beyond Hope Resort offers boat rentals and camping
(1-877-270-HOPE). Geocaches can be found in the area.
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Preparation: Contact the
Sandpoint Ranger District, 1500 Highway 2, Suite 110, SandPoint, ID)
83864-9509 (208) 263-511, the ranger office suggests leaving your trip
schedule with a responsible person.
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Gear. Good walking shoes or
hiking boots. Dressing for changing conditions and carrying drinking
water and a first-aid kit are always good ideas.
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Note: The campground and
roads around the peninsula are great for biking. David Thompson, known
for hiking and dog-sledding, built the first trading post in the
Inland Northwest on Hope Peninsula in 1809.
• Have a question about an article, suggestion for a trek or looking
for adventure ideas? E-mail Mike Kincaid at
spokesman@adelphia.net
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