North Idaho Sports & Outdoor Recreation

Bike or Hike

North Idaho's parks and back country are laced with trails, many leading to lakes or streams, and most offering magnificent viewpoints.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a multi use recreational trail, which meanders for 24 miles from the state line at the Idaho/ Washington border to beautiful Higgins Point, six miles east of Coeur d'Alene. This scenic trail runs along the Spokane River to Post Falls where it runs through neighborhoods and eventually to wooded areas leading to Coeur d'Alene. At the west end of Coeur d'Alene the trail again meets the Spokane River and follows it to the pristine Lake Coeur d'Alene, The trail then follows the lake shoreline to Higgins Point, an Idaho State Park, which draws throngs of spectators in the late fall and early winter to view the annual visit of Bald Eagles as they migrate south. This scenic trail composed primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some small segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country. the North Idaho Centennial Trail offers accessibility to walkers, runners, bicyclists, handicapped and people of all ages. There are no economic barriers to the public, but there is one stipulation: ENJOY IT! Download a North Idaho Centennial Trail Map

Tubbs Hill features outstanding viewpoints, woodland habitats and historical focal points. The self-guided walk follows a two-mile loop, beginning and ending at the south end of the parking lot between McEuen Park and the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Mineral Ridge Trail is a 3.3-mile path that is an outdoor classroom in the forest. There are 22 stations numbered along the trail identifying features found naturally at Mineral Ridge. The trail climbs 735 feet to an elevation of 2,875 feet for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding mountains. The trail begins at Beauty Bay and is accessed off Highway 97.

Q'emiln Trail in Post Falls is home to marmots, osprey and other wildlife. The set of 14 trails starts at South City Park and winds through four miles of the Spokane River gorge. A map at the trail head marks the route.

The Route of the Hiawatha It's been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country, and now, the historic converted Milwaukee Road rail bed is one of the most spectacular biking and hiking trails in the world. Visitors can witness rushing mountain streams, deer, elk, moose and an endless vista of the towering Bitterroot Mountains.

The 15 mile trail winds through 10 tunnels and over 7 trestles in the rugged bitterroot mountains on the Idaho/ Montana border. The route is best known for the long, dark St. Paul or "Taft Tunnel" that burrows for 1.7 miles under the state line. The best part is - it's all downhill at a mild 2% grade and provides a shuttle service back to the top. When finished, the Route of the Hiawatha trail will extend approximately 46 miles and allow a bicyclist or hiker to ride or walk the Route between St. Regis, Montana and Pearson, Idaho.

One old timer called the old rail line "The best darn railroad in the world." The incredible history of the construction of this line was followed by the unprecedented electrification of several long stretches of the main line, forming the longest electrified mainline railroad in the world.

The conversion of this historic rail line to the Route of the Hiawatha has witnessed the cooperation between hundreds of volunteers and organizations who have donated funding, labor materials and equipment, the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. There is a colorful history of the railroad, forest fires, mining and the early Forest Service and there are signs along the trail that share that history.

The Route of the Hiawatha is operated by the same company that runs the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, which is also on the Idaho/Montana border - right off the I-90 freeway on the state line. Helmets and lights are required, as are trail tickets, and both rentals of equipment (including bikes) and tickets are available at the Lookout Pass Ski area lodge. Call 744-1301 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com. Map of the Route of the Hiawatha

The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a rail to trail conversion which began as a path originally used by the Coeur d'Alene Indians that evolved into a mining transportation rail line operating from 1887 until 1992. It has 72 miles of paved path that stretches from Mullan to Plummer. The trail crosses 40 bridges and goes through 13 towns. For more www.kellogg-id.org. Map of The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

The Pulaski Trail is a two-mile interpretive trail that tells the story of 1910 Ranger Edward Pulaski. The trail begins one mile south of Wallace and culminates at the abandoned mine where Pulaski saved his crew. www.pulaskiproject.org.

The Taft Tunnel Project was completed in 2001 though a joint effort by the Taft Tunnel Preservation Society and the U.S. Forest Service. This area delivers a one-of-kind adventure for riders from around the world. A shuttle from various points in North Idaho (North Idaho Community Express (208) 664-9769) takes you to Lookout Pass and the trail head. Tickets to ride the trail may be purchased at Lookout Pass May -- October Proceeds help renovation project, operating expenses and provide a trail marshal (supervised by the U.S. Forest Service) assuring safe travel for all. For more information contact Look Out Ski Area or the U.S. Forest Service.

Spirit Lake - Larch Mountain, a 7.1 mile loop trail that takes you high enough for panoramic views of historic Spirit Lake, both the town and the lake. North on Hwy 41 from Rathdrum. Access the trail from the public boat launch/city beach area. See Trail grid on page 32 for additional trails and info.

Bernard Peak Loop Mountain Bike Route is located north of Coeur d'Alene and is an 18.5 mile loop on gravel road with single and double track with views of the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille.

Mt. Coeur d'Alene Mountain Bike Loop with it's outstanding views of the lake and the Coeur d'Alene area is an 8.1 mile loop on a gravel road. Contact the Forest Service (769-3000) for a brochure on bike trails in North Idaho.

Canfield Mountain Bike Trail 1562, near Coeur d'Alene, has more than 32 trail miles in the system. It was designed for motorized trail bikes and mountain bikes and is open for all uses except for ATV's. The trail is set up so the entire system can be accessed from an old logging road, FS Road #1562. The trails are a mix of logging roads and single-track, they range from a 0-35% grade. Trails can be smooth, maintained logging roads or steep with loose rocks, roots, drop-offs and other obstacles. Single-track trails receive upkeep during the Springtime by organizations and volunteers such as PANTRA.

South Fork Coeur d'Alene River Bike Trails is east of Coeur d'Alene near Cataldo. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers through alpine lakes or former railroad tunnels.

Beason Meadows Bike Trail #228, near Potlatch, passes through a variety of plant life as it climbs from the stream bottom. The first mile is marked as part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout.

Strong Creek Mountain Bike Trail, for mountain bikers, this ridge-top single track trail is one of the must-see rides in the area. Contact the Forest Service (263-5111) for a brochure on this and other mountain bike trails.

Sandpoint Dufort Road Loop Bike Path and Trail takes you along the Pend Oreille River and can be accessed south of Sandpoint. The roads on this route are well traveled and heavy mixed traffic will be encountered. A small stretch of Lakeshore Drive has a gravel surface. The sloughs along the river provide excellent opportunities to view water fowl. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Green Bay-Mineral Point Mountain Bike Trail and hiking trail is a 7-mile loop of trail and road riding that follows the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, 12 miles southeast of Sandpoint.

Jeru Creek Road Mountain Bike Road if combined with Pack River Road, is a 16.8 mile ride north of Sandpoint for intermediate and advanced levels. Once on the ridge, there are great views of the Selkirk Crest and the Pack River valley. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle. 1500 Hwy. 2 Sandpoint 263-5111

Johnson Cabin-Granite Creek Mountain Bike Trail near Lake Pend Oreille, east of Sandpoint, is a 16 mile round trip ride on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille for both intermediate and advanced levels. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a vast trail system for hiking or biking. Elevation gain of the mountain trails is 2,400 feet. Bikers wanting a less strenuous ride can take the Great Escape quad chairlift to the top of Schweitzer Peak and enjoy a leisurely ride down the mountain. Equipment rentals are available on site. Helmets are required on all Schweitzer trails. Call 263-9555 or visit www.schweitzer.com.

Silver Mountain Resort Mountain Biking Trails has a gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can ride 30+ miles of various track types and terrain. The Silver Mountain Nature Trail is a 2.8 mile loop, accessed at the base of the mountain at the gondola village. While there are trails suited for a variety of levels, intermediate to advanced level skills are recommended. Contact Silver Mountain at 783-1111, it is located at 610 Bunker Ave Kellogg. www.silvermt.com.

Silver Mountain-Big Creek Banzai Biking Trail near Silver Mountain Ski Resort is 14.8 miles long, one way, with a variety of track types. Trail is often shared with horseback riders and hikers.

Farragut State Park Mountain Bike Trails, two bike trails in Farragut State Park. The Shoreline Trail, located along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille about 3.5 miles in length, one way, on wide single track and a paved pathway. The Northside Loop is 4.7 miles of single track passing through grasslands and timber. The park located at 13550 E. Hwy. 54 Athol, and can be contacted at 683-2425.

Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail #294 is a popular and highly used trail in the area. It is a fairly simple hike and is crossed by five streams while paralleling Priest Lake. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from the path. This trail passes through timber and hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches and isolation.

Upper Priest Lake Navigation Trail is an excellent mountain bike trail near Priest Lake. It is approximately 9.4 miles on single track in an old growth forest next to Priest Lake. Riders, hikers and joggers share the path. A few scattered campsites lay along the trail with campgrounds located at the north and south end of the lake. Contact the Forest Service (443-2512) for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.

Hiking/Biking Links

North Idaho Trails - www.northidahotrails.net
Idaho Panhandle National Forests - www.fs.fed.us/ipnf
Idaho State Parks & Recreation - www.idahoparks.org
Idaho Tourism - www.visitid.org
Idaho Bureau of Land Management - www.id.blm.gov

Helmet Outlet, 5648 Gov't Way, Coeur d'Alene, 208.762.3668

Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer, 9551 Hwy 95, Hayden, 208.772.8179

North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits Program - www.nic.edu/activities/pursuits/ 

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Shoot A Picture

The perfect souvenir of your North Idaho vacation are photographs of the great outdoors and abundant wildlife. The 2,774 acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Boundary County, surrounded by Deep Creek and the Kootenai River to the east and the Selkirk Mountains on the west, its purpose to provide resting and feeding habitat for migrating water fowl. The viewing route is approximately four miles and accessible by car, biking or hiking. Open to visitors daily, office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 267-3888

Just minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene, the 88-acre Cougar Bay Preserve is a virtual wildlife nursery on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Cougar Bay attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter and deer. It offers 5+ miles of interpretive hiking trails, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife and bird watching. Information kiosk and restroom available. 676-8176

Another great aspect to North Idaho is the opportunity to view wildlife without having to climb a mountain or hike into the back country. Elk, moose, deer, osprey and Canada geese are often visible in town.

Photographs can be taken from the comfort of a climate controlled boat with cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, Spokane River and St. Joe River making for spectacular viewing spring, summer and fall. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises 765-4000, Spokane River Queen-Red Lion Templins 773-1611, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises 255-LAKE and the St. Joe River Cruises, 686-1308.

The Camera Corral in downtown Coeur d'Alene is the only full-service camera specialty store where you can upgrade your equipment and have photographs developed and enlarged.

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Watch Eagles Soar

Beginning in late November, migrant populations of bald eagles arrive at Wolf Lodge Bay at the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene as well as other numerous locations on Lake Pend Oreille. Waters are rich with salmon that have spawned and died, offering the eagles abundant winter food. The eagles, which can easily be viewed from I-90 near Wolf Lodge area. Higgins Point on at the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene Drive features information kiosks and the perfect place to park and view. Highway 200 between Sandpoint and Hope is another viewing venue. The eagles normally depart the area in late January. A once in a lifetime experience to see the symbol of America in its natural habitat makes this a must-see and do experience when you visit in the winter months. Special eagle viewing cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille are popular winter pastimes in North Idaho.

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