**UPDATED SUMMER PICS AT THE END OF THE POST
This is the third or fourth time I’ve been on this trail because it’s relatively flat, well maintained (mostly), dog friendly, and has benches if you want to stop and enjoy the time outside.
Trail is paved the whole way, wide enough for bikers and walkers to share with no problem. Very beautiful walk in the fall, not so much in the winter (until it snows) because the water is very very low. In the pictures below, image all the snow replaced by mud, that’s the early winter view. Trail had been plowed the couple times I was there after snowfall, so that is a major plus. This is the only trail I’ve found so far, that’s maintained in the winter months.
Yesterday was the first time I encountered any kind of dog issue. There were piles EVERYWHERE! On the path, on the grassy areas, on the riverbed side. It was pretty disgusting. I could really go on a rant about this, but I’ll just ask everyone who walks their dog in any public area, please grab a couple plastic bags on your way out the door and clean up any deposits your dog may leave. Respect the rights of others not to step in your dogs pile and respect the environment also. Be a responsible human! Stepping off the soapbox now.
There is a parking area on each end, most people start at the City Beach end, but there is also a small parking area off of HWY 95 in Ponderay. The only place that isn’t flat is on the Ponderay side where it slopes downhill from HWY level to river level. I’ve only been on this end once, it was a dreary, overcast, cold winter day and there were no other people to be seen. This piece is very isolated and I was able to see bald eagles perched in trees fairly close to the trail. However, even being with Weezy, this isolation made me feel uncomfortable. On the way back to the parking area on HWY 95, almost to the car, we encountered a man, gesticulating wildly with his arms, very agitated. He was looking right at me and was between me and the car, moving at a good pace. Then I saw him look down, noticing Weezy for the first time. At that point, he stepped to the side, still watching, yelling angrily, obviously having psychological issues, but he let us pass and we got in the car, where I swiftly locked the doors. He continued on down the path in the direction I had just come from. This was my first negative encounter of any kind in Sandpoint and I don’t want anyone to think this is a dangerous place, just be aware. I, myself will not be walking alone through there ever again, next time I’ll drag my husband along, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled đŸ˜‰
I haven’t lived here long enough to experience the trail in Spring or Summer, but once the plants are in bloom, the grass is green and the sun is out, it should be a beautiful stroll. And if it’s hot, you can always stop and take a break on one of the benches and watch the water, creek should be full in the summer month.
Just a little update to show the trail in summer (dog piles are not as overpowering):
