‘Riddle of the Rock’ Activity Trail
In the spring of 2019, I wanted to add something fun to the trail and dreamed up the idea to create activity stations. It took a few winters and some long train and car rides to develop a riddle, a hidden duck hunt, and clever station ideas; to say nothing of the parts, pieces, graphic design and copywriting to execute the endeavor. Launched in the Summer of 2020, I hope you delight your inner child and enjoy one of my most favorite creative outlets.
Take your spouse, friend, teenager, or simply grab one of us, and experience an interactive, zany journey that combines a beautiful stroll through Talus Rock’s cedar-lined Riddle of the Rock Activity Trail. Novel and entertaining, this fusion of 27 unique and witty activities will leave you smiling as you test your intellect and indulge your inner child. Are YOU clever enough to solve the Riddle of the Rock?
Talus Rock Retreat Nature Trail
EASY
This easily accessible trail is right in our back yard!
Meander through our 30-acre wooded playground and take in some fresh mountain air while enjoying a good stroll! We spent a summer cutting a terrific nature trail wide enough for mountain bikes, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, an early rise walk, post breakfast saunter, or moonlight traipse directly out our front door. Leisurely stroll and enjoy the colorful hand painted signs paying tribute to all those who worked on the trail (or signs paying homage to those who inspired the work). Begin at the trailhead (aptly named ‘Mimi’s ‘Wine’-d’ as Talus Rock Retreat’s funky grandmother loves her wine!), then skip on down ‘Alex’s Aisle’ before pacing ‘Pop-Pop’s Path’ and racing on ‘Rachel’s Run’. Many other fun tributes await you before ending the trail end named after the Retreat’s mini Aussie, ‘Fiddle’s Way’.
Pine Street Woods
EASY Approx. 2 minutes from TRR A local gem, just a short 5 minute drive from Talus Rock Retreat. With 180 acres of rolling hills, healthy woodlands, and beckoning trails, Pine Street Woods is a place for community, learning and adventure. Pine Street Woods is open for use seven days a week from dawn until dusk. The gate will be open by 7:15 am and will close around 6:30 pm.
Ravenwood Forest
EASY
Approx. 2 minutes from TRR
Ravenwood awaits you 1/4 mile down the road with over 200-acres of professionally groomed mountain biking trails designed by the Professional Trail Biking Association (PTBA). The well-maintained forest offers a plethora of trails to keep you busy for however long you wish.
Mickinnick Trail
MODERATE
Approx. 10 minutes from TRR
The trail is about 6.5 miles comprised of strenuous switchbacks going up 2,000 feet to the top. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy views of Lake Pend Orielle, Sandpoint, and the Cabinet Mountains making the hike worthwhile.
Gold Hill Trail
MODERATE
Approx. 10-15 minutes from TRR
Gold Hill is about 8 miles round trip with switchbacks up most of the way. You will meander through a heavily forested area up to a panoramic, northwest-facing view of Lake Pend Orielle, Sandpoint, and the Selkirk Mountains beyond.
Round Lake Trail
EASY
Approx. 20 minutes from TRR
This trail is a simple 1.1 mile walk around Round Lake. Along the trail you will pass by pines and hemlocks, geese and ospreys, robins and ravens, and turtles and frogs. Round Lake also offers campsites and visitors are free to swim in the pond.
Round Lake Trail
EASY
Approx. 20 minutes from TRR
This trail is a simple 1.1 mile walk around Round Lake. Along the trail you will pass by pines and hemlocks, geese and ospreys, robins and ravens, and turtles and frogs. Round Lake also offers campsites and visitors are free to swim in the pond.
Northside Loop Trail
EASY
Approx. 30 minutes from TRR
The trail is 7.6 miles roundtrip and meanders through a peaceful forest sprinkled with wild flowers and wild mushrooms. Since the trail is a loop, you’ll be able to see something new the whole hike!
Moose Lake Loop
MODERATE
Approx. 30 minutes from TRR
Moose Lake Loop is 7 miles round trip and is definitely family friendly. Once you arrive at the lake itself, it’s incredibly picturesque the way it mirrors the scenery on its calm waters. But beware! Black bears and Grizzly bears call this place home and you may see them so bring bear spray in case. Besides bears, you may also see moose, elk, and deer.
Lake Darling
MODERATE
Approx. 30 minutes from TRR
The trail is 8 miles roundtrip with a reasonable elevation gain of 2,155 feet with huckleberries highlighting the way. You’ll wander through towering timbers and small ponds, maybe pass by a few moose, and enjoy the views from atop one of the Cabinet Mountain ranges.
Bead Lake Trail
EASY
Approx. 45 minutes from TRR
Bead Lake Trail is a there and back 10 mile hike that steadily follows one side of Bead Lake. You will enjoy constant peek-a-boo views of the water on one side and vast forest on the other.
Hanna Flats Nature Trail
EASY
Approx. 1 hour from TRR
This 1/4 mile trail meanders through Western Red Cedars and Western White Pines, among others, that have suffered but survived generations of logging, homesteading, and natural disasters. Hanna Flats is also home to an abundance of other shrubs, plants, and animals.
English Point Yellow Loop Trail
EASY
Approx.1 hour from TRR
The trail is about 6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. You will traverse through dense forest and see the many wildlife that call this place home.
Myrtle Creek Falls
Approx. 1 hour from TRR
There is a short trail that dumps you into the view of the impressive cascade.
Scout Trail to Bernard Peak
HARD
Approx. 1 hour from TRR
If you’re looking for a tough day hike, look no further. Scout Trail is 16.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4,078 feet. Most areas are gradual with some more rocky and steep mixed in between the start and the peak. Hikers report that they feel very isolated.
Scotchman Peak Trail
MODERATE
Approx. 1 hour from TRR
Scotchman Peak Trail is 8 miles roundtrip, climbing 3,700 feet. Once at the top, the peak overlooks the seemingly endless valley of trees of the Scotchman Peak Area. Mountain goats frequent this trail!
Copper Falls
Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from TRR
A 1/4 mile hike brings you to this waterfall that drops well over 150 feet!
Hunt Lake
MODERATE
Approx. 2 hours from TRR
Hunt Lake is a 2 mile round trip trail but is regarded as having very tough terrain. You will gain a total of 525 feet and will be climbing over boulders to get to your destination.
Upper Priest Lake Trail
EASY
Approx. 2 hours from TRR
This trail runs through a timber covered forest until you reach the lake where the scenery opens up. It is about an 8 mile round trip.
