TF event to kick off summer trail season

Local groups team up a fun spring event with free signups for hikes, trail rides and other outings in the wild country of Sanders and Lincoln Counties. Free maps, door prizes, and lots of information about nearby outdoor opportunities will be on hand. The Trails into Summer Kickoff is set for 5:30 pm, Tuesday, April 23, at the Rimrock Lounge in Thompson Falls.

“In the spring, people think about getting out to enjoy our wide-open public lands,” said event organizer Doug Ferrell. “A number of local groups use and enjoy special areas nearby. We thought it would be fun to unite and host an event. Everyone is welcome. Come pick up a map or two and check out the many ways we can enjoy our public lands.”

Event sponsors are Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW), the Back-Country Horsemen chapters of Plains and Trout Creek and the Cube Iron – Cataract Coalition (CICC).

CICC is working to build awareness and support for the wild area between the Thompson and Vermilion Rivers near Trout Creek. The popular Four Lakes Trail and iconic local peaks such as the Silcox, Cube Iron Mountain, Vermilion Peak and Water Hill are all in the CICC area.

The Back Country Horsemen organize trail rides and work parties. They maintain trails and use their pack stock to support back country projects. They have a good time and eat well too.

FSPW hosts a robust program of hikes, trail work and field trips for young and old. The steep Scotchmans roadless area, located west of Bull River, is the largest chunk of unprotected wild country in Western Montana and North Idaho.

Trails Into Summer is supported by Montana Wilderness Association (MWA), a statewide group.

MWA has hosted Wilderness Walks for over five decades. This is a popular program featuring led hikes all over the state. MWA’s Western Montana Field Director Erin Clark will be at the event to sign up hikers, new members, and help inspire us all to get out into our big beautiful wild backyard.

Mark Sheets and John Errecart, co-chairmen of the CICC, observe that the strong community support for these groups shows the great appreciation many people feel for our precious local back country areas.