City of Rocks, Idaho

City of Rocks National Reserve

Nestled in the rural mountains of Idaho is every climber’s dream, The City of Rocks. With numerous campgrounds nestled throughout the rocky outcroppings, you should plan ahead and reserve a spot. It gets pretty busy. Aspen trees are nestled throughout this area offering bright green contrast against the stones. If you continuing driving through the campgrounds and up over the hill, there’s a gate. If you continue on through the gate, it will take you via dirt road back down the other side to Birch Creek Road that connects to the town of Oakley, Idaho. The campgrounds are clustered offering extra privacy. With interesting rocks scattered throughout the region, it feels pretty private. There are a lot of areas to explore. From I84, it’s a pretty easy drive along paved country roads through the towns of Malta, Elba, and Almo. There is a lot of history throughout this region as it was part of the California Trail. You can still find names and initials of emigrants written in axle grease still visible on Register Rock as well as ruts from wagon wheels in some of the rocks.

A little about Lolo Pass

I’m often traveling between Montana and Washington and Lolo Pass is a definite favorite route. It is steeped in history and scenic as you wind along the Lochsa River. There a multiple places to pull off and enjoy the scenic Bitterroots. A great place to get out and take a stretch hike is the DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove.

DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove

The DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove was named for Bernard DeVoto, a conservationist and historian. The two short trails loop through the beautiful western red cedar grove where DeVoto edited the Lewis and Clark journals. These massive trees live up to 3,000 years. On the east side of the road, the Trail of Discovery, a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail, loops past Crooked Fork Creek.
Interpretive Signs, Hiking Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, BBQ

River Dance Lodge

 

I stopped at the River Dance Lodge for lunch. Dreading the typical diner food, I was blown away by their gourmet selection. From Trout Tacos to Ahi Tuna Tetaki, this was not diner fare. I will look forward to stopping here in the future. They have cabins and offer guided trips. Overall, I was pretty impressed!

 

 

 

Wallace Lake A-Frame Idaho- Pictures of Wallace Lake

In an earlier post I gave information on the Wallace Lake A-Frame in Idaho. Here are some additional pictures of the lake. It’s a high altitude lake with granite boulders and mountainside bordering one area of the lake. The campground is on the opposite side with the a-frame off by itself. The lake was amazing – not too cold and not too warm. There were numerous wildflowers, butterflies and dragonflies. It’s definitely a magical stop and a great place to go canoeing. If you want to use the a-frame – make sure you reserve it ahead of time. On a side note – the a-frame does not look out over the lake. It’s a short walk away tucked in the woods.

To reserve the a-frame go to:

http://www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&facilityId=375135&agencyCode=131

Road Trips Out West

Are you planning or thinking about taking a road trip out west? Here are some places I can help you with-

Oregon – All over – from the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and the Oregon Coast. I have backpacked the Wallowas, the Cascades, Coastal Mountains and more. I can help you out with areas around Fort Rock, Christmas Valley, the Strawberries, Elkhorns, etc.

California – All over the northern region and the Yosemite and Sequoia area. I have also driven most of I5. Redwoods, Elk preserves, Shelter Cove…

Washington – most of the coastal areas, and some of the eastern/central areas.

Montana – I have been all over this state from Missoula, Glacier, Western Region, southern region, from Butte to Billings etc.

Idaho – almost most of this state now from the northern tip to the southern region and all over in-between. Idaho is amazing and has a lot to offer.

Utah – I have backpacked the Wasatch range, traveled Escalante, Bryce, Capital Reef, Moab, Black Canyon, Calf Creek and more.

Colorado – I have driven most of this state from the wildlife preserve at the uppermost western tip to Durango and beyond. I have been to Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Leadville, Estes Park…

Wallace Lake A-Frame ~ Salmon, Idaho

We recently stayed at the Wallace Lake A-Frame outside of Salmon Idaho. We loved it and would definitely go there again! Here are some pics. A few notes that I think may be helpful-

• Wood provided when we were there – including ax.
• Water spigot and pit toilet close by
• Working draining sinks inside – but no indoor running water
• You can’t see the lake from the cabin, it’s about 50 yards
• Great small lake fun for swimming, fishing, bring your canoe.
• A little cool up there even for August – bring some long sleeves for the evenings.
• campground spots in front of cabin, but not an issue
• outdoor picnic table and awesome fire ring!
• indoor wood stove
• fairly private around cabin – in back and on side
• recommend: sheets, tablecloth, cleaning supplies (mop and broom included), cooler, lanterns/regular camping gear.
• We did not use the upstairs loft, but there’s plenty of room. I have more pictures – feel free to contact me.