by Sophia Mattice-Aldous
Fall is the best time to hike – for me, anyway. Being a middle-aged marshmallow with the heat tolerance of said confection, I tend to crisp in the sun while sweating like I have to choose between bills and groceries at the same time. Besides the annoyance of woolly gnats getting stuck on your skin and hair like you’re riding a motorcycle with no helmet, autumn provides more temperate weather and showstopping foliage before winter’s hush falls over the forest. In celebration of the season, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite local hiking spots that pair well with your favorite pumpkin spice beverage. If I’ve missed one you think should be on this list, you know how to get in touch (if you don’t, my email is at the end of this column).
John A. Finch Arboretum
Sometimes I think people get the impression that if you’re not the lone trekker out on a dusty trail with a ridiculously steep incline battling the elements and blisters, then you’re not doing it right. Obviously, if you’ve read any of this column before, or if you’ve been to the John A. Finch Arboretum, you know I’m not that kind of rambler. Over 56 acres, the arboretum is a great green space in Spokane with maples and conifers that sport brilliant fall shades of yellow, orange, and red. One of the best features I’ve come across in any public outdoor space anywhere is the Touch and See Nature Trail, an 850-foot accessible path built in 1972 to help blind and visually impaired visitors experience the park. Whether you want to get your steps in or find a scenic spot to plop down with a blanket and a book, the arboretum is a great place to take in the changing of the seasons.
Peewee Falls Overlook
Near Metaline Falls in North Pend Oreille County, the Peewee Falls overlook will always take your breath away with the views while leaving you with plenty to hike the nearby Salmo Passage Trail that opened this last July. It’s less than a mile-long walk on hardpacked gravel, so it’s easy for those who want to take in the beautifully colored vistas but may not be able to hoof Salmo’s 9-10-mile length and inclines. I have been fascinated with that part of the county since I was a kid, and the overlook is a fine way to take it in.
Abercrombie Mountain
It’s been a while since I struck out for Abercrombie Mountain’s peak, but it’s well worth visiting again, especially in autumn. In Stevens County, it’s a jewel of the Selkirks, overlooking Pend Oreille Valley with views all the way to Canada. Seeing the Larch sport their yellow needles is a good way to quiet the squeaky, spinning hamster wheel in your brain that always insists you’re behind on something or not being “busy” enough. It’s barely over a 7-mile round trip with a 2,350-foot elevation gain, so some cardio is to be expected if you like cheese more than pilates (I’m your people).
My mom introduced me to Abercrombie with a group hike when I was just a kid and it’s one of my most nostalgic outdoor memories. Worth the climb and worth your time. As with all trails, consult the weather before you head out, especially ones on higher elevations.
Sophia Mattice-Aldous is not a doctor, dietician, extreme sports enthusiast, or a mini-Sasquatch, though some of her exes may disagree with that last one. She just enjoys the opportunity to be outside and hike. If you have any recommendations where she should go next, email sophiamatticealdous@ gmail.com.
