It is located 2 ½ miles beyond the picnic shelter where the new trail leaves FSR 614C/So. Fk. Cedar Ck. Trail (to be renamed Elderberry trail?) and climbs up to FSR 1575.

The hut was largely prefabricated in Coeur d’Alene during May while a crew from the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger Station cleared trees from 0.6 miles of FSR 614C to allow access to the hut site.

Then the 9 side and floor sections were trucked to its trailside site, along with the hut’s front, back, chipboard sheeting/flooring, and metal and plastic roofing.

Once the 3 floor sections were leveled on concrete piers and covered with flooring the wall sections were tipped into place and connected with metal plates, lag screws, and bolts.

Next came more chipboard, a layer of felt paper, then the metal and plastic roofing. The white plastic covers three sets of openings cut into the roof to let in light. There are clear windows located in the front and back walls of the hut. (The whole hut can be dismantled with a battery-powered drill for moving.)

Already there is talk of improving the view from the hut by clearing away some more brush from the edge of the road, installing a fire ring outside and a small wood stove on the inside, and adding a covered porch. A bench and table are presently being constructed for inside the hut.

Besides thanking the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District for its facilitation of the project, Ian would like to recognize the Panhandle Nordic Club, Stock Building Supply of Coeur d’Alene, Badger Lumber of Post Falls, The Biofeedback Clinic, and St. Pius Church for donations of building materials and/or funding.

Please drop in and thank these people for their generous support. He will be placing a plaque in the hut that also recognizes these patrons.

Summer Hikes, Bikes and Canoe/Kayak Trips:

The Panhandle Nordic Club started organizing summer hiking, canoeing/kayaking and biking outings six years ago. Club members do not cross country ski in the winter and hibernate all summer! This was a natural progression for the friendships initially started cross country skiing. We have even gained members who only participate in the summer programs as they do not cross country ski.

A bike ride through the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge began the spring season. Club members have also enjoyed hikes to the Mickinick Trail, Round Mountain, Yakima Rim (a backpack) and Hope Peninsula and Gold Hill.

Hikes planned for the remainder of the summer are Pulaski Tunnel, Spades Mountain, Bear Creek Trail, Slate Creek, Roman Nose and a backpack to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The Boundary Dam is the destination for a canoe/kayak trip in July.

Click here for the schedule.