Enjoy winter recreation at Farragut

Correspondent   M.D. Kincaid, Spokesman Review 2004

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.

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.

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.

Elevation: Averages 2,054 feet above sea level with minor elevation changes.

Use: Moderate.

Trail condition: Well-groomed conditions, depending on snow depth. Difficulty: Ski trails are rated “Easiest” and “More Difficult” on the trail map.

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.

What to see: Wildlife, forests and spectacular Lake Pend Oreille.

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.

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 

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.

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.

Back to Articles Page

BACK SPORTS & RECREATION MAIN PAGE