Great little park

Here is a great little park with three gentle hiking trails suitable for the whole family.

The paths meander along a peaceful lake in a thick forest of pine, larch, hemlock, fir and cedar, splashed with the spectacular fall colors of deciduous foliage. A bonus is the relatively warm water of the shallow lake (only 37 feet at the deepest point), offering late-season dips for die-hard swimmers, complete with a sandy beach.

This time of year, hikers can see flocks of Canada geese as they migrate to warmer climes. Walking along the trails, hikers might encounter an occasional moose, in addition to beavers, muskrats, turtles, frogs and a variety of birds.

Bridges cross two creeks on the Stewardship and Trapper’s trails. Throw a line into the 58-acre lake and you might land a rainbow or brook trout, largemouth bass, sunfish, perch, crappie or catfish.

The emphasis is on peace and quiet at Round Lake, where only electric motors are allowed on boats, and the major activity in the campground is horseshoes.

Access: From the intersection of I-90 and U.S. Highway 95, go north on U.S. 95 for 33.6 miles, then turn left on Duford Road. Go west on Duford Road for two miles, and then turn left into the park. Follow the signs to the day-use parking area and walk to the trailheads.

Length: Stewardship Trail: approximately three miles. Trapper’s Trail: approximately two miles. Swamp Tromp: a very short tromp in the swamp.

Elevation: Approximately 2,122 feet with negligible elevation change.

Use: Moderate.

Trail condition: Well-packed trails with 2 bridges.

Difficulty: Easy.

Restrictions: No gasoline-powered motors allowed on the lake and trails are limited to foot traffic. There is a $4 parking fee in the park. Camping fees are $16.50 per night. Trailers are limited to 24 feet in length or less. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed on the beach. The Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department asks park users to “leave no trace, and if you pack it in, pack it out.”

What to see: Wildlife and nature, along with historical visitor’s center.

Special features: The 142-acre park has 53 developed campsites, flush toilets, hot showers, picnic areas, canoe rentals, a nice beach and horseshoe rentals. Find clues for Geocaches (a treasure hunt game) hidden in the area on the Web site www.geocaching.com.

Preparation: Trail guides are available at the Round Lake State Park Headquarters. Address: P.O. Box 170, Sagle, ID 83860. Phone: (208) 263-3489. Web site: www.idahoparks.org/parks/roundlake.aspx. Detailed topographical maps are available for purchase from the following vendors in Coeur d’Alene: Black Sheep Sporting Goods, The Yacht Club Sales and Service and North Idaho Blueprint.

Gear: Good walking shoes or hiking boots are advised. Hikers should dress for changing conditions and carry drinking water and a first-aid kit.

Note: This is one old lake. It was formed almost a million years ago by glacial events.