In the foothills of the Selkirks, Mt. Spokane at 5400’ is the highest nearby mountain. Brookside Acres sits at 2700’ and is accessed from the west over a small pass which elevation equals that of Snoqualmie Pass in the Washington Cascades. You’ll normally find the pass enshrouded with snow through April.

Northern exposure of these mountains is dominated by coniferous forests of Douglas Fir, White Fir, Spruce, Hemlock and Cedar, while the warmer southern exposures are better suited to Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines. The Idaho White Pine, once prevalent, suffered in the last century from insect infestation and are somewhat rare. You’ll find they have the longest cones (about 10”) and their 5-cluster needles are silver and wispier than its cousins. Aspen and Alder trees congregate in large groupings in the more moist drainages.

Wildflowers abound in spring and early summer. Indian Paintbrush, Lupine and Mock Orange blend well with the coniferous forest. Daisies and Red Hawk cover old logging roads and grassy clearings. Wild Raspberries and Thimbleberries grow on the northern slopes and Huckleberries can be found in late summer at 4000’ and above.

It seems every spring a neighbor will notify Brookside of having sighted a cougar crossing a pasture. Black bears, almost as reclusive, regularly peruse the valley. You’ll see many Deer grazing in the evenings and mingling with the Turkeys who are about to roost for the night. While you’ll see sign of Elk, you’re more likely to spot a Moose. They seem to enjoy resting in the morning sun on a ridgeline. Coyotes are prevalent and you’ll see them, but they prefer to avoid human contact.

We hope that you’ll enjoy and prize these surroundings as we do.