A Mountain Lake From Heaven

Far into the mountains of Northern Idaho, above the rivers and streams that flow in the lower valleys lies a small little alpine lake that could have possibly been sent down from Heaven. Crystal clear water with native brook trout abundant in it’s waters, Revett Lake is truly a wonderful marvel to see and is one of the most beautiful lakes of the many alpine lakes scattered throughout the North Idaho mountains.

With a short jaunt of only 4 miles to the lake’s shores, Revett Lake’s easy trail gives the hiking enthusiast incredible scenery from the beginning to the end of the hike. Because the trail is only accessible from June through October, I find that June is the best time to hike this trail as the greenery is especially lush and the trail is not dusty. Along the hike’s journey is a gorgeous spectacular waterfall that flows heavily during the late spring giving another reason for June being the best time to go.

With the high point of the hike reaching 5600 feet above sea level, the 4 mile round trip excursion has an elevation gain of only 500 feet from the trail head making it a relatively easy hike for just about anyone. For the campers in your family, this hike is perfect for that first overnight backpacking trip. On the shores of the lake, there are several well established camps already to go with areas to pitch your tent and build that warm fire.

Along the trail we came across one of my favorite mountain flowers, Xerophyllum tenax. Can someone tell me how to pronounce those two words? Actually, this is the technical name for Bear Grass, which is plentiful in the springtime at Revett Lake. Maybe you have seen this flower on your hikes and didn’t know the proper name for it. The flowers of the plant grow on a stalk that can be up to 6 feet tall with many small flowers. The flower is creamy in color, saucer shaped and has a sweet aroma.

When walking along Revett Lake’s trail, be prepared to see moose, dear, coyote and even bear. Grizzly bears are probably not going to be around this part of Idaho but certainly black bear are abundant. My friend tends to be deathly afraid of bears and gets nervous every time we hike together. She carries a canister of “bear spray” which is really a larger version of pepper spray and can shoot much farther. In reality though, if you do come across a bear, just make a great deal of noise and most likely the bear will turn away and will never be seen again for the remainder of your hike. ( I try to tell my friend this but she still is nervous).

Next to the Revett Lake trail, just over the Idaho and Montana border, are two sweet little lakes called Blossom Lakes. In my next article, I will tell more about our hiking into these two lakes along with a funny story that happened along the way.

Mike Powers is an Internet marketer and craftsman. Mike's website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more. For more information about Revett Lake and other adventures we have taken, visit: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com/

The Cabin Theme…Still Going Strong

Years of building furniture of many different styles has given me much insight into what people like and dislike in the decorating world. One thing that is often common in many of my clients is that people seem to long for the simple life and cabin living. Like me, many of us are in search of the mountain sort of living, which gives us a sense of hope to return to the days when things were a more simple and not so confusing. There are all kinds of ‘cabin’ décor websites, magazines, brochures, books, and how to videos for sale just about anywhere you look from your local grocery store to the Internet.

One reason for the phenomenal popularity of this particular type of home decorating style probably has a little bit to do with the simplicity of it. There are no hard and fast rules, there aren’t fancy faux finishes and textured painting that needs to be done in order to complete the look and there aren’t overly complicated rules for what is and isn’t acceptable. From the bear budget to the champagne and caviar crowd there is some sort of décor available that will suit not only the home decorating needs but also the need for quality as well.

Another thing that many find appealing about a cabin themed home decorating plan is that it simply exudes warmth year round. From the dark colors to the flannel materials and the soft homespun simplicity of the design many find it simply irresistible. If you want the warmth of a Montana cabin in your home every day of the year this is one great way to do it. Bring the bears, the moose, and all the furry forest friends to frolic in your living room, on your light fixtures, and in your dreams as you fall into restful sleep each night. From the bedroom to the bathroom and the kitchen in between, the cabin style of home decorating is one that is making great waves in the market place.

You will find many stores online and locally that cater to the cabin loving audience for hardware, knick-knacks, and what knots galore. The thing to remember is that the design essence isn’t the little touches you add along the way, it’s the warmth of wood, fire, leather, and wrought iron. These are the materials that will establish the cabin appeal more quickly than any of the small accessories you may find. Drywall and plaster simply cannot carry the look. Knotty pine, cedar or some other rich style of wood is the best option for walls when pulling off a cabin home appeal.

More importantly than anything though is the need to include a little bit of yourself in the design. Do not hesitate to carve your initials with a heart into the wood of your walls. It is one more thing that will be not only endearing but also appropriate to the home and the atmosphere. There is a type of innocence about a cabin style home and your own little touches will leave a lasting impression and create the cabin living lifestyle you have always dreamed of.

Mike Powers


Mike Powers is an entrepreneur, craftsman and internet marketer. His website, Clearwater Cabin Living, offers a variety of tools to equip you along the way in creating the cabin and outdoor lifestyle you desire. We offer articles on building and decorating your dream cabin, great trails to hike, camping tips, the best ways to hook a rainbow trout, outdoor cooking and much, much more.
Visit Mike’s website: http://www.clearwatercabinliving.com