Group offers ways to connect in Selkirks

Hikers can get a jump start on exploring Idaho’s Selkirk Mountains with a new trails map and by joining a series of guided summer hikes.

The Idaho Conservation League is coordinating eight hikes to choice portions of the Selkirks.

The group also has published a free color map, “The American Selkirks,” as a guide to 13 trails that are popular, for good reason.

The hiking series begins Saturday with a 9-mile round-trip trek to Harrison Lake near the Selkirk Crest west of Bonners Ferry.

The trips range from an easy dayhike to Roman Nose Lakes to a four-day backpack trip through the Salmo-Priest area in the northwest corner of the Idaho Panhandle.

Two of the hikes include Leave No Trace workshops suitable for families presented in the field by Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, said Susan Drumheller, the ICL representative in Sandpoint.

The guided hikes are free, but space is limited and registration is required.

Preregister: (208) 265-3511 or www.idahoconservation.org.

Scheduled hikes

Saturday – Harrison Lake from Myrtle Creek, 9 miles.

July 2-5 – Salmo-Priest backpack trip, strenuous for days on ridges including Snowy Top and Little Snowy Top mountains.

July 10 – Roman Nose Lakes Leave No Trace Hike, easy.

July 24 – Harrison to Beehive lakes scramble, moderately strenuous full-day hike on trails and over talus slopes.

July 31 – Harrison Lake Leave No Trace hike, easy.

Aug. 15 – Two Mouth Lakes, difficult, 8 miles.

Aug. 28 – Harrison Lake slow hike, 5 miles round trip at a pace friendly to families.

Sept. 18 – West Fork Lake and beyond, a “rather strenuous” full-day loop to a cabin, lake, and area fire lookout.