I remember back to March when everything around me was in transition.
The snowmelt from a winter of storms and dreamy powder seeped into the ground; my breath in the spring air condensed then dissipated; the thin seams of ice on the lake began to crack. Places normally too shallow to paddle rushed against their eroding banks, and kayakers spoke of little runs near town, knowing they might only have a week-long window for these normally low-fl ow creeks.
As much as I love the erratic beauty of spring, I like it better from a distance, especially when it comes to kayaking. A paddle through a North Idaho waterway in summer seems like a better idea for a novice like me. The waters are more manageable, and the prospect of flipping over is a relief from the hot sun rather than an icy bath.
But all seasons open the door to my favorite kind of adventure — not big expeditions to distant canyons, but the closer-to-home excursions where you can get a paddle in after work or on a weekend afternoon. Big adventures may give me something to look forward to and keep me motivated to stay fi t, but the rivers that flow close to home improve my quality of life and seep into my consciousness on a daily basis. Although less memorable, I believe that frequent, close-to-home outings make one a true purveyor of the sport.
This kind of appreciation must be earned, and it offers a kind of satisfaction best experienced by a local. To go somewhere over and over and to keep enjoying it requires a different kind of awareness. With so many ephemeral qualities to waterways, each outing is truly a different experience; noticing the ways they have changed is the challenge. Once the screens are left at home or stuffed into dry bags, once the car is no longer visible behind you, then you can begin to settle in and be fully engaged in the landscape. You can let your thoughts drift to the horizon and back.
It is easy to experience this kind of transcendence in North Idaho. When it comes to waterways and rivers, the people of the Idaho Panhandle are blessed. Here are some classic, nearby adventures if you’re interested in kayaking but don’t know where to start or if you want to be reminded of the beauty close to home. As always with outdoor activities, it’s important to plan your trip carefully. Sudden storms can catch even experienced kayakers by surprise, so go with a buddy until you understand how to make decisions about weather and competently navigate rough water. Stay safe out there so you can write us and share your photos with the the crew at Nspire. N
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Suggested Waterways
» Clark Fork Delta
At the northeast end of Lake Pend Oreille, a combination of fl owing and still waters pulls away into three branches, providing many trip variations. Inlets, coves and tiny islands make it easy to disembark and explore.
Directions: From Sandpoint, Idaho continue North on US 95 taking the ramp to ID-200 E. Follow ID-200 E about 20 miles. There are several places to put in along the Denton Slough.
» Tubbs Hill
Yes, the place where the kids jump off rocks in downtown Coeur d’Alene is an idyllic spot for a paddle. With an accessible dock/kayak launch, Tubbs is a great spot for a fi rst-time outing, especially with people who need accommodations or special assistance.
» Priest Lake
A North Idaho favorite, there are plenty of perfect shores and open waters for kayaking on Upper and Lower Priest Lakes.
Directions: From Priest River, Idaho head north on ID-57 N 22.4 miles. Turn Right onto Dickensheet Hwy 5.4 miles. Then, Right onto Cavanaugh Bay Rd/ E Shore Rd 21.9 miles (to Lionhead unit. Other stops along the way).
By Summer Hess
Photography By Chris Celentano
As Featured In: Summer/Fall 2017
