Spotlight on Summer- 1997 Version

As streams recede, roads, dry out, and everything becomes green again; thoughts turn to camping and picnicking across Lincoln County's Kootenai National Forest. Besides the many developed campgrounds the Forest offers a variety of places to enjoy the environment - everything from "wide spots" in the road for picnicking near streams, to "hike in and out" mountain meadows camps. A list of National Forest recreation sites and their facilities can be found on maps provided by the U. S. Forest Service. Most of the major access roads on the Forest parallel streams for much of their route, and the zone between road and stream can offer an afternoon of whatever you're looking for - just studying plants or birds, looking for berries, or perhaps sitting on a log listening to the water. Many elements of the Forest come together here along with the streams - a great place to visit.

In addition to many of the lakes on the Forest, there are a few streams which may be floated in early to middle summer. The Kootenai River may be drifted by the experienced floater above the Kootenai Falls area and below it to Idaho. Portions of the Yaak and Bull Rivers are usually navigable by the knowledgeable floater. Although the water is never warm, some of the larger streams may also be braved in inner tubes. Remember that much of the land along these streams is private. As with any new floating experience, check locally for information before you float.

Fishing is usually best in June and July on lakes and streams. Flies and small spinners will often produce catches in nearly any lake or stream. High country lakes are also the focus of hikers and fisherman in the summer. Mountain pool photo While the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness receives a high proportion of this use, there are many other quality areas offering scenery, hiking, and a place to fish, often with few people. A partial list would include the Vermilion and upper Fisher Rivers, the west Cabinet Mountains from the Clark Fork to the Kootenai Rivers, the northwest part of Yaak country and the northeast corner of the National Forest in and around the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. Robinson Mountain and the Mt. Henry area are also good places to get away from it all. Maps are available from the Forest Service that show recreation trails and road access to them.

By June, on into July, many newborn critters inhabit the quiet places away from the beaten track. All through summer the high country flowers are blooming providing delicate beauty to meadow, forest, and rock ledge. A wild flower collection made over one season in just the Cabinet Mountains includes over 135 identified species. Perhaps the best place to find variety is in areas of shallow, rocky soils with few trees and/or other competitive vegetation.

Often such open areas have burned in the past. One of the familiar plants that favor old burns is huckleberry. The Kootenai National Forest is known for its fine berry patches; not only huckleberry, but juneberry, raspberry, Oregon grape, thimbleberry, black raspberry, and currant.. Usually in late August through September, the Forest berry patches are invaded by people, bears, and birds. While the same huckleberry patch may vary from year to year, the serious picker can usually find more than enough berries.

As berry bushes and other plants dry out in late summer, the danger of fire increases with every rainless day. Although the role of fire is now more clearly understood, and the capability for managing it is much improved, fire still poses a real threat to many forest resources. Summer storms and their lightning are beyond man's control, but we can prevent wildfires caused the the careless smoker, the unattended campfire, or burning brush on windy days.