Cycling in North Idaho

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. North Idaho Centennial Trail Map Guests of The McFarland Inn can pick up this trail less than 1/4 mile from the B&B.

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. 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. It is a long but easy ride and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful.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.

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.