Hike Our Story, an interactive scavenger hunt, began on May 1st highlighting Bundschuh / Larry's Trail in the Gilpin Grasslands. We received twenty-one entries into our draw for one of our great prizes sponsored by Work n’ Play Clothing, Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Grand Forks Beer Co. and WildWays Adventure Sports & Rentals. Mike Elliott was the winner of the first draw and received a $40 gift certificate to Work n’ Play Clothing. The Grand Forks Community Trails Society and Grand Forks & District Recreation released the second hike of four on Thursday, June 1st!
Lost Lake/Harpold Trails is a lovely trail system that can keep you exploring for days. In June you'll be amazed by the blooming saskatoon bushes, followed by the lightly scented mock orange.
- ACCESS: Follow Valley Heights Drive to the top of the hill, following the curve to the left. Ahead you will see a small gravel road heading up a hill. Drive carefully up that road and park in the small lot across from the reservoir. You can park near the reservoir and walk up the hill toward the gate.
- HIKE/BIKE: Walk up the hill toward the gate, taking a moment to appreciate the view along the way. At Lincoln's Bench, stop to study the maps on the kiosk, then squeeze through the stile and follow one of many moderate trails that will take you into the grasslands and deciduous forests to Lost Lake. Whatever route you take, you'll end up on the Lost Lake service road - more of a track than a road. Follow that to the signs that alert you to two Points of Interest. The one going up hill will take you to the Smelter Viewpoint - a questionable name for a beautiful view of Grand Forks and the North Fork valley. The one going though the pretty aspen grove will take you to the fenced-off Lost Lake, a protected wetlands that is home to frogs, tiger salamanders, herons, red-winged blackbirds and other marshland species.
- EXPLORE FURTHER: Continue past Lost Lake and look for the trails up to the Harpold hills - there's Papa, Mama, and Baby Harpold to conquer! All offer great hiking and cycling, with shade and rewarding viewpoints. Watch for rattlesnakes all spring and summer, and keep dogs leashed. Bears enjoy the fruit, so make noise as you explore. On another day, head north from Lincoln's Bench to explore the hike and bike trails below Elephant Head!
Click here for the GF Rec Trails Brochure