Explore the St. Joe River District

Forest officials in the St. Joe River District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest are inviting the public to explore the district's summer recreation activities.

The St. Joe River is a designated Wild and Scenic River from the town of Avery all the way to its source at St. Joe Lake.

"The district offers a variety of unique and exciting opportunities right outside your back door," states a press release. "From spectacular sights driving up the St. Joe River to eager cutthroat trout waiting behind the next rock to gulp down your fly or lure; there are activities for everyone to enjoy."

For backpacking, check out the Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area, with numerous high mountain lakes and rocky peaks. Take a walk through th e Hobo Botanical Cedar Grove and see why it was designated as a National Natural Landmark.

The St. Joe Ranger District includes the Hiawatha Bike Trail, Emerald Creek Garnet Area, Marble Creek Interpretive Site, and the Surveyors Ridge and Arid Peak Lookouts. Surveyors Ridge and Arid Peak Lookouts are historic fire lookouts that can be rented at http://www.reserveamerica.com/. The Hiawatha Bike Trail allows cyclists to travel the tunnels and trestles of the Historic Hiawatha Rail Line. At Emerald Creek Garnet Area, families can dig for star garnets, which are only found in North Idaho and India. The Marble Creek Interpretive Site shows the early history of the St. Joe Valley, including the logging and homesteading that took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

There are 16 developed campgrounds throughout the St. Joe Ranger District. Many sites have a hand water pump or one located nearby. There are five fee campgrounds on the district (Emerald Creek, Cedar, Shadowy St. Joe, Turner Flat and Tin Can Flat) where the cost is $6 per night. There are hundreds of dispersed camping spots spread across every corner of the large district.

The following campgrounds will be open in preparation for Memorial Day Weekend:

* Shadowy St. Joe Campground will be fully open in time for the Race the Joe Jet Boat races Memorial Day Weekend.

* All campgrounds along the St. Joe River to Spruce Tree Campground will be fully open and ready for campers.

* Big Creek, Marble Creek and Emerald Creek Drainages will also open and ready for you to enjoy.

* The Emerald Creek Garnet Area's first day of operation is Friday, May 22 and will be open Fridays through Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Labor Day.

Due to budgetary constraints, the St. Joe River District will no longer be able to offer RV dump services at the Upper Landing dump station. There are other RV dump locations available for use in the surrounding area. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause.

For additional information or questions about the many recreation opportunities available on the St. Joe Ranger District, please visit our office in St. Maries at (208) 245-2531 or Aver at (208) 245-4517 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf.