Make it out to English Point before it’s sold
Wouldn’t it be nice to have the millions necessary to own lakefront property on Hayden Lake? For those of us who don’t see private ownership of lakefront, or even lake-view, Hayden property, there is an alternative – but act quickly or we may lose it. In case you haven’t heard, the English Point trail system is on the list of public land the federal government wants to sell.
On a recent gloomy spring day, we returned for the first time in March to see the sights of this local treasure. Sure, the trails are muddy this time of year and the skies may spit a little snow, but the views of Hayden Lake and solitude are worth it.
I met Sally Williams and Kay Bradley, both of Rathdrum, just after their horseback ride on the west trail system. Both are concerned about the possible sale, saying, “It’s the only place to ride without traveling a long distance or getting permits.”
Longtime local resident, Del Kerr, who puts a lot of time and money into local projects, including English Point, calls this, our “Central Park.” Like the famous and nation’s first major park set aside for public use, the citizens own our 360-acre trail system. Assuredly, a developer would love to convert this park into a gated entry community of prestigious homes, generally unaffordable by local folks.
Like Kerr, retired Forest Service employee Gerry House doesn’t like the idea of federal lands being sold, saying, “It would be a loss to Idaho’s heritage and a loss to future generations.” The Hayden resident stands on firm ground when speaking of English Point. His ancestors homesteaded there and grazed cattle in the hills along Hayden Lake.
Both men suggested contacting Idaho Sen. Larry Craig to express your feelings on the sale of English Point: (http://craig.senate.gov/; telephone (208) 667-6130 or (202) 224-2752, mail: United States Senator Larry Craig, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510-1203.)
The east side of English Point Road has two easy, wide, gravel-based paths with views of the lake. West trails include three courses, which are more challenging, with considerable terrain changes and narrow paths. All trails are well marked with color-coded signs. Several bridges cross low areas.
Access: From Coeur d’Alene, drive approximately 7 miles north on U.S. Highway 95. Turn right on Lancaster Road for about 3.6 miles. Turn right on English Point Road, then make an immediate left into the parking lot.
Length: Five trail loops varying in distance from .6 to 3.1 miles.
Elevation: Approximately 2,200 feet, with minor elevation changes.
Use: Moderate.
Trail condition: Excellent, with wide paths, benches and lake-viewing points on the east trails. Good, dirt-packed, with muddy spots on the west side.
Difficulty: Easy on east side of road, moderate on west side.
Restrictions: No motorized vehicles. Horses are allowed on all west trails and restricted to posted trails on east trails.
What to see: Wildlife, big trees and views of Hayden Lake.
Special features: There is a nice deck and seating area overlooking the lake on the east trails systems. Geocaches are hidden on the trail.
Preparation: Free trail guide available at the U.S. Forest Service, 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 765-7223.
Gear: Good walking shoes or hiking boots are essential, with waterproof ones preferred in the spring. Dressing for changing conditions and carrying drinking water and a first-aid kit are always good ideas.
Note: Gerry House says his ancestors migrated from Lancaster, England, hence the name of the road. His mother was born in the 1870s-vintage house across Lancaster Road from the trails, which House says may be the oldest standing building in Kootenai County. Geocaches area found in a treasure hunt game, using clues from the Web site, www.geocaching.com.