At the Kingston exit, 43A off of I-90, is the infamous Enaville Resort, known by locals as the Snake Pit. The "resort" part is debatable but it's definitely a destination for visitors to North Idaho. For 125 years the Snake Pit has morphed from a hotel of ill repute and outpost for lumberjacks and miners in the rugged mountains of the Silver Valley to a distinctly unique and unpretentious tourist stop. Their menu includes the "only in the west" Rocky Mountain Oysters...if you have to ask what they are, maybe better not to order them...to authentic buffalo burgers. Behind the glass of the cash register stand youngsters find themselves eye-level to an alligator head, much to their delight. But on a recent visit I found the best view from the elevated and rustic front porch, looking through the tree branch rails at the blooming lilacs.
It's spring and nature abounds with new beginnings. A beautiful sight are the dozens of goslings on the Spokane River adjacent to North Idaho College. The Centennial Trail runs alongside the one-way dike road making it easy to view the gaggle of goslings and their protective parents. These Canada geese are beautiful creatures, seen on most of the waters of North Idaho. There's a wildlife feeding area with picnic tables near the north entrance onto the river road. You don't have to travel far to spend an enjoyable afternoon with the yellow-downed water babies. Mother Nature doesn't charge admission either.
Sometimes the best of times are "on location" right in our own backyard. Living in town doesn't preclude the enjoyment of wildlife and the beauty of nature in late spring. A family of quail have called our backyard home for the past few years. They travel the neighborhood during the day but as the sun dips down the "king" quail finds a lofty perch and begins calling his family home to roost, up to three dozen arriving from all points up and down the block. From the top of our backyard swing he surveys his kingdom while patiently awaiting the rest of the flock.
In the late spring, before the flood gates allow for Lake Coeur d'Alene to rise to summer levels, is the very best time to view the power and beauty of the falls in Post Falls. With 17,000 cubic inches of water per minute rushing through the spill gates, it's an awesome sight. At Falls Park, it's a short walk on paved trails to the wheelchair accessable overlook. Just a block from I-90 off of Spokane Street, go west on 4th Ave. two blocks to the park entrance. There's plenty of parking, restrooms and an information kiosk. Bring your camera and watch for the marmots who make their home in the park.
