Copper Falls

One of the brochures we picked up from the campground manager showed a hiking trail with waterfalls, and after visiting the Forest Service office to get more hiking information, all literature stated that Copper Falls was well worth our time and effort.  Located about 1 mile from the Canadian border, we traveled north on Route 95 for about 13 miles until we came to the Duty Free store (the Forest Service ranger said to look for that - the roadway to the falls was just opposite) and turned right.  Almost all Forest Service roads are hard packed gravel/dirt and as much as we don’t like riding on that (really gets the car dirty and the stones the tires throw up - not nice), we have had to bear it if we wanted to go to any of the falls.

Loose your glasses?  Here they are.

Definite signs of bear

Path hugged hillside

And the falls

Movie River flowing by

After about 2 miles, we passed the Copper Falls campground sign and the hiking trailhead and parking lot was located just beyond.  When we started out on the hike we could faintly hear the Moyie River (same one we are camping near) so we knew we were heading in the right direction.

80 foot tall Copper Falls

Path was well marked and obviously, used

The path is well marked, and speaking of well marked - we definitely saw signs of bears.  At the beginning of the trail there was a sign posted to demonstrate to ‘know your bears’ and how to recognize them and what to do.  The whole Kootenai Country is bear country, and mountain lion, elk, moose, deer and all other various forms of wildlife with an abundance of birds.  Fortunately, we did not see any bears.  We were the only one hiking and of course you have to be very alert and constantly scan the area.  About 15 minutes into hiking we heard people and then felt that we could relax.  They were making a lot of noise (something you are supposed to do - sign, talk loud, clap your hands, whatever - to scare away bears) so we knew if there were bears, they would certainly run the other way.

Lots of small flowers out

Evidence of recent fire - about 1/2 mile from Canada

Took the upper loop trail to the falls - an 80 foot drop - very pretty, roaring away, and definitely a lot of spray from the falls.  Took some photos then continued on to see the falls from the bottom.  Wiggled around the barriers to get closer - very very pretty.  Again, met more people hiking - they told us a story that 3 weeks ago they were chased by a 300 pound Grizzly bear (they were in their car) while visiting a national park.  They felt at ease at this hike, but we told them that there are definitely signs of bear activity.  That got them more cognizant.