Myrtle Creek Falls is a good-sized cascade which has eroded the native brown quartzites forming a very enjoyable hydrospectacular. Easy to get to by car - and by a short, uphill climb, we strongly recommend a stop here if you are in Northern Idaho.

There actually two Myrtle Creek Falls Trails; the newer one is fully ADA-compliant. The trails are very short (about 0.2 miles) but very steep. The trails end at an observation point halfway up the falls giving you an exceptional view. Warning: Bring bug repellant! (We didn't.)

While you are here we suggest you take the 4.5 mile auto tour which winds around the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge passing the main ponds and several of the wildlife photo blinds. During the summer months you can see bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, herons, geese and, of course, ducks. There is a lot of maintained marshland in the Refuge. Water levels are controlled by diverting water from the nearby creeks and, if necessary, the Kootenai River.

How to get there:

from US-2/95 in Bonners Ferry:

• From US-2/95 in Bonners Ferry, head west on Riverside Road (follows the Kootenai River on the south shore and, after it leaves town, becomes County Road 18).
• Continue, passing the entrance of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (about 5 miles).
• Continuing, the road makes a sharp left bend and then you'll see the Refuge office (2 miles past the official entrance to the Refuge).
• The Myrtle Creek Falls trailhead is across the road from the Refuge Office on the Auto Trail Road.

Note: If you reach the end of Country Road 18 - where it intersects with County Road 73 (West Side Road) - you just passed the trailhead.

Links to map:

• Map courtesy of Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce

For more information: