It is definitely fall here in Northern Idaho.  The cooler weather tends to curtail our outdoor activities while we wait for the snowfall to kick our winter festivities into gear.  This is the perfect time of year for a hike to enjoy the warmth of local, natural hot springs and the beautiful fall scenery.  Just a short road trip will bring you to three great, local Idaho hot springs located about 100 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana.  TMI Tours of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho can provide you with detailed hiking maps, driving directions and hotel recommendations for stays along the way.

JERRY JOHNSON HOT SPRINGS

This delightful group of user-friendly, primitive hot springs awaits you at the end of a short 1 mile hike through beautiful forest along the east bank of Warm Springs Creek.  The trailhead is located off  U.S. 12 at Warm Springs Park and the 1 mile hike is easy on a 2 person-wide path.  Hot water tumbles into several creekside rock pools  and further up the path is a meadow with groups of shallow soaking pools. 

WIER CREEK HOT SPRINGS

This secluded, primitive hot springs and creekside soaking pool can be reached via a sometimes difficult and rocky half-mile path in the Clearwater National Forest.  Natural mineral water flows out of several springs down the mountainside where it is channeled into a large 8-10 person rock-bottom pool.  Water flows into adjoining smaller pools reached by a short, steep path.  Parking is off U.S. 12 at mile marker 142 at a deep turnout on the inland side of the highway.   The unmarked, unmaintained path follows the west side of the creek closely.

STANLEY HOT SPRINGS

You are going to have to do some hiking to reach this one-a series of delightful rock and log soaking pools in Huckleberry Creek canyon at the end of a rugged 5.5 mile trail in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.  Natural mineral water flows out of a canyon bank, tumbling through a series of log and rock pools.  There are spacious campsites for backpackers  near the springs and a drive-in campground located at the trailhead.  Turn off U.S. 12 at the Wilderness Gateway Campgound, through the campground to the trailhead sign for Trail 211 near the bridge.    Follow Trail 211 for 4.5 miles and then Trail 221 for another mile to a large open meadow containing the hot springs pools.

U.S. 12 is designated the Lewis and Clark Scenic Highway between Lolo, Montana and Lewiston, Idaho.  This byway contains several Lewis and Clark points of interest marked along the way as well as stunning scenery, raging rivers and abundant wildlife.  Why not take a little road trip this fall, enjoy our natural hot springs and experience the great outdoors.  For details, accomodations and information regarding these and other great local hot springs destinations, contact Linda or Rhonda at TMI Tours in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  We are the experts on unique get-a-ways in the Pacific Northwest.  1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Did you know that at one time, Idaho had the highest concentration of fire lookout towers in the world? It’s true! At the peak of operation, Idaho had 992 lookouts in service and Washington had 658. The greatest density of towers was in the St. Joe River drainage, where some towers were less than three miles apart. The primary purpose of the fire lookout was for the detection of forest fires. The most notable wildfire that struck the inland Northwest in Idaho, Montana, and eastern Washington was the famous 1910 fire. When fires were detected, the lookout person would report the fire location to a dispatcher who would initiate fire suppression action. Initially, the communication was by telephone via miles and miles of telephone wire; but was later replaced with radio communications. Unfortunately, modern day technology has replaced most fire lookouts with satellite imaging and aerial reconnaissance to spot forest fires.

Today, there are fewer than 200 left standing and out of those less than 50 are actually still in service. Fortunately, there are several organizations that understand the historical significance of these lookouts and continue to work hard to preserve them.

For those who are adventurous, you can now rent many of these lookouts for several nights at a time. Virtually every one of these towers offers unparalleled views of the inland Northwest’s pristine forests and mountains since they are perched on mountain peaks. Many of the visitor logbooks at these towers will be full of statements such as “most amazing view of the Milky Way I’ve ever encountered.” Whether you enjoy wildlife photography, hiking, bird watching, or simple seek solitude, TMI Tours can assist you in creating a Lookout Tower Adventure. Several towers in the North Idaho area are accessible with four wheel drive vehicles.

Let us make all of the arrangements for you! From transportation to bedding and top notch cuisine…we’ll do all of the legwork for you! You simply need to relax and enjoy! Call Linda Bruno or Rhonda Sand today at 1-800-975-7775 to begin planning your Lookout Tower Adventure.

Idaho is famous for her fly fishing streams and with the cooler fall weather approaching, the trout will be biting.  Fall is a splendid season in the Idaho mountains with warm days, cool nights and beautiful colors.  The latest rage in fly-fishing on Pacific Northwest rivers is an elegant casting technique known as “Spey Fishing”.   Born over 150 years ago on the streams of the northern Scottish highlands, spey casting is being reborn on the heavily vegetated streams and rivers of Idaho.  Not only do you need no backcast space and can fish water unreachable with single-handed rods, but spey rods allow precise control of the fly as it moves through the water. 

The Steelhead on the Clearwater River are the perfect catch for Spey Anglers.  The Clearwater River is famous for the large “B-Run” Steelhead that return to the spawning areas after two years in the ocean.  Many of these great fighters will weigh 20 lbs. or more.  This fishery is supported by the worlds largest Steelhead/Salmon Hatchery, located at the confluence of the North Fork and the mainstem of the Clearwater near Orofino.

TMI Tours offers “Stay n’ Spey” packages with 3 nights of accommodations  on the Clearwater River and 2 days of meals and professionally guided fishing.  This beautiful lodge is surrounded by the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and three of the original eight Wild & Scenic Rivers protected by Congress in 1968.  Each handcrafted log cabin offers spacious accommodations, private hot tub, large outdoor deck with grill and a convenience kitchen as well as spectacular river  and mountain views.  Meals can be enjoyed at the café located in the main lodge.  Packages start at $750.00 per person with limited availability until October 15^th.  Call Linda or Rhonda today to reserved your Spey Fishing Adventure in Idaho’s vast wilderness. 1-800-975-7775 or info@tmitours.com

Sandpoint, Idaho is one of North Idaho’s favorite get-a-ways for locals and tourists alike.  It is quaint and quirky with local artist galleries, earthy shops and local crafts as well as stunning scenery and white sand beaches.  Sitting  on the shores of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, nestled between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges,  Sandpoint offers an abundance of summer and winter activities.

Stay and play on Lake Pend Oreille in one of Sandpoints newest upscale waterfront developements.  This marina village offers lakefront and mountain view bungalow rentals with full kitchens and full outdoor decks for enjoying bar-b-ques or watching the sunset.  Each cottage comes fully furnished and includes lake access with boat and watersport rentals, membership to the fitness center and access to 9 miles of walking and biking trails that meander through the forest, wetlands and lakeshore.  The village cafe offers casual dining for lunch and dinner and a small market offers snacks, beverages and boating supplies.  Sandpoint is just minutes away for further dining options, supermarkets and sightseeing.

While in Sandpoint, be sure to visit the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market.  Built on a bridge that spans Sand Creek, this public market has windows that look out over the creek and houses some interesting restaurants and gift shops.  Another beautiful place to visit is the Sandpoint City Park with it’s pristine white sand beaches on Lake Pend Oreille.  With food concessions, BBQ and picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, volleyball and horseshoe pits as well as two marinas, it is a fun place for family and swimming.

Schweitzer Mountain is just a 10 mile drive from Sandpoint and is a refreshing alternative when the heat of summer gets a little uncomfortable.  Ride the Great Escape Quad lift to the top of the mountain and take in a view that will leave you breathless.  Enjoy the cool mountain breezes at the top of Schweitzer where you’ll find hiking and mountain bike trails as well as huckleberry picking and local wildlife.  The Mountain Activity Center can arrange for participation in the Kids Day Camp, Disc golf, Geocaching, wall climbing and bungee trampolines, tennis, lawn games or a movie in the Selkirk Theatre.

TMI Tours has great packages and optional activities available for all the top destinations in North Idaho.  Contact Linda or Rhonda at info@tmitours.com or 1-800-975-7775 for more information and reservations.

North Idaho is beautiful!  Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, Hayden Lake, Coeur d’Alene Lake..these are just a few of the better known lakes that dot this region.  But there are many, smaller, secluded lakes set into the bowls of the mountain ranges that surround North Idaho.  These alpine lakes are the secret destinations of fishermen, hikers and backpackers or viewed by  the lucky few that venture to the air. 

 Daily seaplane tours from Coeur d’Alene are available for 1/2 hour scenic flights over Lake Coeur d’Alene,  to all day charters which can include lunch and shopping at Sandpoint or Priest Lake.  Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake offer seaplane facilities, lakeside marinas and full-service resorts open during the summer for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they are easily accessible from the water. 

 Coeur d’Alene also offers a thrilling helicopter service available for scenic tours or charter with advance reservations.  There isn’t a better way to view the cliff-clinging mountain sheep on the backside of Lake Pend Oreille or the waterfalls through the deep, majestic canyon of the Moyie River,  than by helicopter.   These tours offer a great photographic opportunity with the large bubble windows and their ability to seek out the wildlife that thrives in our majestic mountains.  Indulge in some history by viewing the devastating site of the 1967 Sundance Fire, which burned over 50,000 acres of prime forest in just 9 hours or the site of the famous 1910 fire which leveled most of the Silver Valley and burned 3 million acres in just two days!  You’ll see the remnants of abandoned mines and towns hidden away in the hillsides of rural Idaho, old railroad tunnels and trestles, and the rivers that wind their way throughout our beautiful neck of the woods. 

Contact Linda or Rhonda at TMI Tours, located in downtown Coeur d’Alene for more information and reservations for any of these scenic airtours or charter availability and prices.

1-800-975-7775 or email at info@tmitours.com

Dude Ranch vacations offer a taste of the Rocky Mountain outdoors and the option of adventures together as a family, as well as spending some time on your own.  Each day is filled with horseback riding and a wide mix of other local activities for all ages.

North Idaho and Western Montana have beautiful ranches nestled into the mountains and valleys of  the Rocky Mountains.  Surrounded by stunning scenery, activities center around the true western mode of travel–horseback.  Because most ranch stays are all-inclusive, meals, lodging and activities are all included in one price.

Accomodations can range from guest rooms in a main lodge, to cozy cabins for the family or luxurious mountain retreats and private homes.  Three meals a day are served family style with special nights reserved for couples only and real western campfire cookouts.  Most activities are guided by the ranch hands such as trail rides, hiking, mountain bike rides, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, river floats, atv rides, gold panning and more.

Dude ranches cater to kids with special programs that are both educational and entertaining.  Hands on experience with their assigned horse is centerpeice for these programs along with daily adventures introducing them to riding, nature and ranch life.  Adults are always welcome to join their kids during any activity, or may use this special time to pursue their own adventures.

Ranch vacations are usually booked for 3-7 night stays during the summer months with shorter stays for spring and fall.  TMI Tours offers a wide selection of ranch vacation throughout Idaho and Montana.  Let us match you to your perfect western vacation.  Call Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email info@tmitours.com

Situated perfectly between Coeur dAlene, Idaho and Sandpoint, Idaho, lies the Pacific Northwest’s largest attraction, Silverwood Theme Park.  Sporting a lively western theme, Silverwood offers over 65 rides and attractions including four roller coasters, Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants and more. 

Garfield’s Summer Camp and the kiddie carnival rides are perfect for the youngest crowd as well as Toddler Springs and Polliwog Park for keeping them cool while having great fun.

The Country Carnival offers classic rides for all ages and for the more adventurous, roller coasters with names like “Timber Terror and Tremors”.  The newest ride, Aftershock, is only for the brave of heart, reaching speeds of 65 miles an hour forward and again, backward!  Entertainment includes country music tributes, magic shows, movie theaters, ice skating  exhibitions and a train robbery while aboard the authentic 1915 steam engine #7.  Main Street is lined with mercantiles, restaurants and plenty of refreshments and souveniers.

Boulder Beach Water Park offers thrilling slides, wave pools, raft rides and a lazy river to relax and unwind.  When the afternoon temperatures rise, there isn’t a better place to keep cool and your fee for the day includes entrance to both parks.

Lodging is available in either Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint and it is a short drive from either to Silverwood.   There are campgrounds and R.V. Parks located at Silverwood or at Farragut State Park which is just 7 miles away on Lake Pend Orielle.

TMI Tours offers great packages for Silverwood including farm stays, B&B’s, R.V. rentals, camping set-ups and cabins or local resorts.  Whether a couple, family or a group, we have a wide selection of accomodations and activities to help you plan the perfect vacation to our beautiful area.  Call Rhonda or Linda a 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com.

Tubbs Hill, Wolf Lodge Bay, Squaw Bay, Arrow Point, Rockford Bay, Kidd Island Bay, Cougar Bay…these are as familiar to the Coeur d’Alene locals’ as their own front yards. For an intimate, leisurely boat tour of Lake Coeur d’Alene, spend the afternoon with one of our expert, local guides.

Armed with sun tan lotion, cool drinks, and a gourmet lunch, we can show you the most beautiful, secluded lake homes, wildlife drinking at the water’s edge, or the world’s only floating golf green.  Enjoy lunch and swim at an uncrowded beach or go ashore at one of the favorite watering holes of the lake crowd. Learn about the rich and lively history of this lake and the small towns that still thrive on its shores.

  Lake Coeur d’Alene is fed by three rivers, the Coeur d’Alene, the St. Maries and the St. Joe, which is one of the highest navigable rivers in the world. An excursion up the “Shadowy St. Joe River” reveals water so clear, you’ll see fish swimming around the boat and the lattice work of fallen trees and limbs on the bottom. The Spokane River drains the west end of the lake and is a popular cruise, running along the city’s public beach, the North Idaho College campus, and the opulent riverfront homes that line its shores. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique scenery that makes North Idaho such a  popular vacation spot.  Call TMI Tours for reservations and itinerary ideas to make your stay in Coeur d’ Alene a memorable one. Email us at info@tmitours.com or call 1-800-975-7775 for more information.

• Iron Man 2009 really kicks off our summer season. This huge event draws elite athletes from all walks of life, as they compete in a 2.4 mile swimming event, 112 miles of bicycling, and 26.2 mile run. If you are planning to attend Iron Man this summer, you need to call TMI Tours to secure accommodations as they will sell out in advance. This event begins June 21st and draws large crowds, as well as participants, so be prepared for downtown Coeur d’Alene to really come alive.

• Kayaking and canoeing: we have so many miles of shoreline between Coeur d’Alene Lake, Hayden Lake, the Spokane River, Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, and the beautiful marshlands of the 11 chain lakes. Rentals and guided trips are available with reservations. Whether you want whitewater or a quiet sightseeing trip through a nature preserve, TMI Tours can deliver the adventure you are looking for.

• ATV riding and rentals: we have miles and miles of old logging trails literally criss-crossing our backwoods. Rentals are available for all ages and there are several riding clubs locally that would love to have you join them for a day. Many of our small communities are ATV friendly and you can ride from your door to your destination, stopping at a local sandwich shop for lunch.

• Rock climbing: Tubbs Hill is surrounded by huge boulders and rock cliffs dropping right into the lake. Favorite local spots are Q’emilin Park in Post Falls or Castle Rock on the Coeur d’Alene River.

• Biking trails: the Centennial Trail, 37 miles of paved trail, shadows the banks of the Spokane River from Washington into Idaho. The Route of the Hiawatha follows the old railroad lines through 10 rock tunnels and 7 high train trestles. It covers 15 miles through the Bitteroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. Bicycle rentals are available for a small fee, as well as shuttle transportation. Take your bicycle up the high-speed chair at Schweitzer or the gondola at Silver Mountain and ride along the top of the mountains.

• Horseback riding: Whether you are looking for a real Dude Ranch experience or just a day with the kids, TMI Tours can arrange a great Wild West vacation for you. With several ranches to choose from, you can enjoy a real campfire cookout, backcountry pack-in for hunting or fishing or guided trail rides over miles of mountains and streams.

• Golf in Coeur d’Alene: We have it all; public courses, private country clubs, and beautiful mountain courses overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. TMI Tours has an exclusive golf package featuring several private golf courses. With 13 courses to choose from, a golf vacation to Coeur d’Alene will keep you busy.

• Hiking trails will immerse you into the pristine scenery that makes North Idaho such a great destination. There isn’t a better way to observe wildlife and learn about local history. There are interpretive trails as well as miles of logging roads and back country lakes and streams to hike into and explore. Several local clubs have hosted hikes to some of our most popular attractions and they welcome everyone.

• Fishing, whether it be lake or stream, is one of our most popular sports, and with good reason. Our lakes and streams provide the kind of fishing most anglers dream about. With over 10 world class, blue ribbon wild trout streams and 1,500 high mountain lakes, Idaho offers a challenge for every class of fisherman. TMI Tours can arrange your vacation to include guides, fishing lodges, back country camp outs or just a day on the lake.

See our website for North Idaho adventure ideas, or contact us at info@tmitours.com for information on these or other vacations plans.

Taste of the Pacific Northwest

Fall departures: September 13-October 18

This 8 day epicurean cruise on the Columbia River will feature the rich history and delicious flavors unique to this region.  When it comes to the art of wine, Washington State knows its “terroir”-the combination of soil, climate and geography that makes wine distinct.  You will be welcomed aboard in Portland with a taste of Willamette Valley’s signature flavors: a Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris.  To get a feel for the culture and industry of this area, we will visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center with a focus on Native foods and the agricultural history of the Columbia River Basin.  A jet boat tour to the Hanford Reach National Monument will evoke memories of WWII and the Cold War era. 

You will be treated to tours and tastings at two of Washington States AVA’s while exploring four of the Columbia Valley’s finest wineries: Coyote Canyon, Terra Blanca, Three Rivers and Beresan. The Fruit Company, where orchards have been hand picked for 65 years, will take you by tractor into the field for fresh picked fruit.   Before returning to Portland,  we’ll visit  the Seafood Consumer Center at Astoria, where you will help our Chef prepare lunch, fusing the freshest seafood with the unique local flavors of Oregon’s fresh fruits, vegetables and cheeses.    Join us and see for yourself why Washington State is ranked among the top wine regions of the world.