HITTING THE FALL TRAILS

While autumn may bring on the need for hot apple cider, pumpkin carving and hayrides, it is also the optimal time of the season to explore the backcountry. The brilliant colors, crisp, clean air, and the thinned-out crowds carry the motivation to hit the surrounding trails before you have to break out the snow boots. In spite of the beautiful foliage you will be surrounded by, there are a few considerations to take in while you are planning your next expedition.

While hikers and hunters can peacefully co-exist together, fall is the height of hunting season, and in Montana, the month of September marks the onset of days for many open season animals. Although hunting is not permitted in state and national parks, if you choose to hike in areas where hunting is allowed, remember to help yourself and others by wearing brightly colored clothing to make yourself more visible, it doesn't hurt to tie a colorful bandana around your dog's neck too. Make noise to alert any nearby hunters of your presence. This can be as simple as a loud conversation amongst yourselves. Avoid hiking in the early mornings or at dusk when the majority of people will be out hunting.

As autumn progresses, the snow levels will continue to drop as well. Checking the latest trail conditions and current weather forecast – for the day of and a day or two further out – will keep you from encountering any unforeseen circumstances you aren't fully prepared for. Keep in mind the days are now shorter and the sun sets a lot earlier, it is very easy to lose track of how many hours have passed you by; allow yourself an adequate amount of time to get back to the trailhead. You should always pack a flashlight or headlamp, despite thinking you won't be out after dark. Along with being prepared for shorter days, you should also be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. An extra layer of clothing and rain gear are the basic necessities. However, a reliable fire starter and an emergency blanket are additional comforts that won't add too much weight to your pack. Other basic "must have" items to bring along include: navigation materials, a first aid kit, extra water and some kind of water purification system, extra food and a small pocket knife or multi-tool. There are several areas in Sanders County that will allow you to see all that fall has to offer while still keeping you close to home.

Honeymoon Creek

Trail No. 469

Closest town: Thompson Falls

Destination: Deer Lake

Trail Length: 6 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 2,600 feet

Duration of hike: About three hours to get to destination

Difficulty: Strenuous

The first mile you will walk along the Honeymoon Creek, you might have a couple of creek crossings, but they pose no real risk. The next two miles will be strenuous as you climb about 2,500 feet in elevation. You will have one last steep ridge to get over before you get the see the beautiful views of Deer Lake.

Cabin Lake Trail No. 459

Closest town: Thompson Falls

Destination: Cabin Lake

Trail Length: 5 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1,200 feet

Duration of hike: About two hours to get to destination

Difficulty: Moderate

This 2.5-mile jaunt to get to Cabin Lake would make a nice day hike for anyone wanting to take in views of some rugged terrain that was carved out by glaciers. The hike will bring you to a small alpine lake surrounded by jagged cliffs. If you would like a longer hike, continue on for another 2.5 miles to Cube Iron Pass via Trail No. 460 which is called South Four Lakes Creek Trail. This will lead you down into Four Lakes Basin.

Iron Mountain Trail No. 242

Closest town: St. Regis

Destination: Overlook of Cascade Creek Falls

Trail Length: About 3 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 2,560 feet

Duration of hike: About an hour to get to destination due to the elevation gain of the trail

Difficulty: Moderate

This trailhead is located in the Cascade Campground. When the campground is open there will be drinking water available. There will be two overlook sites along the trail, otherwise you will be mostly surrounded by timber and vegetation. There will be a sitting area once you reach the overlook of the falls.

Vermilion Falls Trail

Closest town: Trout Creek

Destination: Vermilion Falls

Trail Length: 100 yards

Elevation gain: 150 feet

Duration of hike: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

This is a family fun hike. You can see and hear the thundering of the falls from the road, but this short hike is well worth the trip. The trail is rather steep, and will be slippery when near the water, but it will lead to you some beautiful cascading waterfalls.