Hiking 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 is 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

Tubbs Hill is the "gem of Coeur d'Alene". It is a wonderful park just off the main street of town and offers unparalleled views of the lake, 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. This is where the citizens of Coeur d'Alene love to go for their morning walks, picnics and peaceful, quite time by the lake.

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.

Cougar Bay Preserve – The Nature Conservancy. Just minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene, visitors walking the trails of the 88-acre Cougar Bay Preserve will discover a virtual wildlife nursery on the northwest shore of one of Idaho’s most beautiful mountain lakes. Bordered by towering coniferous forests and lush meadows, Cougar Bay attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter and deer. The Conservancy is protecting this sensitive lakefront area from development while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the community. Cougar Bay includes 5+ miles of interpretive hiking trails, an information kiosk and a restroom.

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.

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.

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 http://www.schweitzer.com/.