Outdoor activities in Moscow area (Coeur d'Alene, Grangeville: to buy, university, camping)

[lifeisbigger]

Hello,
I'm looking at a position at the University of Idaho in Moscow, and am curious about the outdoor offerings in the area. Within, say, an hour or two, what kinds of outdoor activities are available? I am primarily into biking/hiking/camping/backpacking. If I'm into these things, might Moscow be for me?

Thank you very much.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by lifeisbigger

I am primarily into biking/hiking/camping/backpacking. If I'm into these things, might Moscow be for me?

Seems to me that Moscow would be an ideal fit for all of the activities that you enjoy.

[Greybear]

There are a few paved bike trails, one from Moscow to Pullman (Bill Chipman Palouse Trail) and also one that heads east of Moscow for at least 5-10 miles or so. You could also check out the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes bike trail near Coeur d'Alene about 90 miles north. (Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes bike path in northern Idaho)

There are Loads of wilderness here in Idaho, but finding backpacking within 2 hours of Moscow is difficult if your looking a mountain lake. Look into Hells canyon (Hells Canyon National Recreation Area) to the south of Moscow, or the Lochsa access to the selway wilderness areas.

There is lots of camping all around, lake couer d'alene (Lake Coeur d'Alene - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) is about 90 miles to the north. There is also lots of camping in the Clearwater river drainages as well as the Saint Joe, and N. Fork of the couer d'Alene River.

there are a few man made reservoirs to the east of Moscow within an hour (Spring valley (20 min), and Moose creek) both of which are good for lazy, family fishing. There are several docks to choose from and picnic areas and camping.

[stingraynm]

Once you get to Moscow, you'll joke about the fact you even had to ask if an outdoorsman would enjoy the immediate area.

As a wilderness-lover who attended the U of I, I could write a book and still barely touch on all the things the Palouse and Clearwater have to offer, not to mention Washington, Montana, and Canada within just a bit more of a day trip. Lots of ski areas and lakes around. In the summer, the ski areas become a sparsely populated haven for mountain bikers, who can use the lift if they just want to be crazy without the climb.

As you go South, there are plenty of areas to access the ranges of the Frank Church Wilderness (look it up if you don't know about it already... a great place to put a LONG distance between yourself and civilization). Any backpacker with confident endurance and self-sufficience will quickly be drawn to buy maps of the Frank Church areas east of Grangeville and Riggins. If you drive the White Bird grade getting to Moscow, stop at the Chief Joseph's Last Stand memorial and check out the view... you'll see why those maps are coveted.

There are trails, lakes, streams, and springs all over in every direction from Moscow, many within no more than two or three hours, usually less. Much of this is inhabited with edible berries and mushrooms to complement the light packing of granola and oil, respectively.

Aside from a few areas right around ID-95 on the South side of town, Moscow is extremely bike friendly. Often, I could get around Moscow faster on a bike than in a car. The hills will give you exercise, but once you adapt to them, biking on any grade is a cake walk. There's even a great bike trail from Moscow to Pullman, so locals learn to enjoy both towns and a moderate - but apparent - workout in between.

[lifeisbigger]

Thank you very much for the information ... it indeed sounds like the Moscow area would be a good fit for me. Does the University offer any trips for students/staff?

[Greybear]

Of course;

Outdoor Program