Fernwood: Garnets, History and Nature

Fernwood combines the history of the Idaho Panhandle with unusual experiences in nature. The town is a good choice for travelers interested in searching for star garnets, discovering historic traces and planning active days in the surrounding region. When choosing a holiday rental in Fernwood, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus more on culture, special excursions or diverse landscape experiences.

Star Garnets at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area

One special attraction is the Emerald Creek Garnet Area. There, visitors receive an introduction and the necessary tools for digging, screening and sluicing for garnets. Admission tickets are required for the visit. Notably, Emerald Creek is one of only two places in the world where star garnets can be found in larger quantities. Anyone including this experience in their travel plans should also plan to buy food, fuel and other supplies in Fernwood: these are available there for visitors to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area.

Fernwood’s History and Rural Character

Fernwood was one of the communities in Benewah County built by homesteaders. A visible testament to the region’s transportation history is the Fernwood depot. It still stands today on the Elk River Branch running from St. Maries. The St. Maries River Railroad once used the depot as a warehouse; today, the building stands empty. In addition, a photograph from 1933 documents CCC Camp F-42 near Fernwood on West Fork Emerald Creek.

Sprout Acres near Fernwood also suits a stay in which the town’s rural character plays a role. The family-run farm gives families the opportunity to experience farm life and take home fresh fruit, berries and skincare products. This creates a different travel focus from tracing history at the depot or searching for garnets at Emerald Creek.

Trails, Water and Winter Experiences

For active vacation days, northern Idaho Panhandle offers several different options. The 72-mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is suitable for pedestrians, road cyclists, e-bikes and inline skaters. It follows a former Union Pacific Railroad route. Along the trail, there are 19 access points and 18 scenic rest areas. The length and various access options can be taken into account when planning a day without limiting the outing to a particular mode of transportation.

The St. Joe River basin is home to elk, wapiti, deer, bears and various waterfowl, among other wildlife. In the surrounding region, the river offers opportunities for whitewater activities, fishing, swimming, camping and hiking. For a trip involving different interests, this natural area can therefore provide a contrast to Fernwood’s history and the targeted search for garnets.

There are also options in the surrounding region during winter. Palouse Divide offers 18 miles of winter trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Skiers, skaters and snowshoers can find both groomed and backcountry trails there. Anyone looking for a holiday rental or vacation home in Fernwood can decide based on their planned activities whether cultural discoveries, farm visits, trails along the water or winter excursions should be the focus of the trip.

For the broader travel overview: Benewah County.