As streams recede, roads dry out, and everything becomes green again; thoughts turn to getting out and enjoying the outdoors of beautiful Lincoln County and the Kootenai National Forest.

The Kootenai National Forest contains 2.2 million acres and has many outstanding features.

Part of this includes the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness which is over 94,000 acres and features rugged terrain. Many trails leading into the Wilderness give access to dozens of small lakes, ridgetop panoramas and alpine meadows.

 Some of the other sights to see include:

• Ten Lakes Scenic Area
• Northwest Peaks Scenic Area
• Ross Creeks Scenic Area
• Kootenai Falls
• Yaak Falls
• Libby Dam/Lake Koocanusa

Recreation activities on the Forest include over 40 campgrounds, lookout rental, hiking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, boating, floating, mushroom gathering and picking berries.

There are five National Recreation Trails with a combined mileage of approximately 70 miles.

Over 190 species of birds have been recorded. Some of the more regularly occurring species include pileated, hairy, and downy woodpeckers; belted kingfisher; Bohemian and cedar waxwings; pygmy and great horned owls; common loon; many duck species; grouse; jays; hummingbirds, and chickadees. Bald Eagles, osprey, and Harlequin ducks can be seen seasonally.

Elk,deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear, mountain lion, grizzly bear, coyote, weasel, mink, wolverine, beaver, otter, porcupine, skunk, snowshoe hare, mountain cottontail, pika, bobcat and lynx are a partial listing of species of mammals residing here.

Rivers, streams, and lakes on the Forest support populations of rainbow, westslope, cutthroat and brook trout; kokanee salmon; mountain whitefish; sturgeon; ling; perch; bass; and sunfish.

 A wild flower collection made over one season in just the Cabinet Mountains includes over 135 identified species. The photo of lupine is courtesy of Lance Schelvan. For more information on wildflowers, see Wildflowers of the Kootenai National Forest.

This area 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.

Don't forget Troy, Libby, and Eureka for events going on all summer. In July Troy hosts a 4th of July Celebration, Libby has Logger Days and Eureka has the Tobacco Valley Rodeo. August is the County Fair in Eureka while September is Nordicfest in Libby. Many more summer activities take place and can be found on the Chamber of Commerce web site.

Sights you might enjoy: