In the northeastern part of Benewah County lies the Crystal Lake Wilderness Study Area. It includes more than 9,000 acres of public land. Crystal Lake is a destination for hikers who use the Sheep Springs Campground and trailhead just outside the study area. With this landscape, orientation involves not only the destination but also the location of the starting point.
Hiking, camping, sightseeing, hunting, fishing, and berry picking are among the activities in the area. The options range from exploring on foot to activities on the water and in nature. You can tailor your visit to whichever of these options suits your interests.
Parks Between Prairie, Forest, and Water
Benewah County is home to Heyburn State Park, the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Its size is reflected in two separate figures: about 5,744 acres of land and 2,332 acres of water. The water is therefore a distinct, explicitly quantified part of the park, not merely an incidental detail alongside its land area.
A different kind of landscape awaits you at Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, with views of the Palouse Divide, cedar forests, open stands of ponderosa pine, and trails suitable for a variety of uses. The native Palouse Prairie is also noteworthy. This endangered ecosystem is preserved throughout the park. The open prairie areas and wooded sections reveal two distinct sides of the protected landscape there.
Skyline Drive is a gravel road that runs through McCroskey State Park. It is mostly one lane wide and just over 17 miles long. The road is not plowed in winter and becomes snowed in, so take this into account when planning. The park's trail system is open to mountain bikers, motorcyclists, horseback riders, and hikers. The road and trails thus offer different ways to experience the park landscape.
Trails and Routes in the Idaho Panhandle
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 73-mile paved trail in the Idaho Panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. Along the route are 20 developed trailheads and 20 scenic rest areas with tables for a picnic or a short break. The details about surface and length are especially useful when choosing a route: this trail is paved and runs between two named towns, while Skyline Drive is a shorter, mostly one-lane gravel road through McCroskey State Park.
The St. Joe River Scenic Byway offers another perspective on the routes in the area. It begins in St. Maries and follows the St. Joe River east for 75 miles. The scenic route appeals to birdwatchers and anglers. Bald eagles, ospreys, trout, deer, elk, moose, and bears are found along the river. These animals give an idea of the wildlife viewing the route is known for; sightings are not guaranteed.
History and Everyday Life in St. Maries
The Historic Hughes House Museum in St. Maries is housed in a log cabin built in 1902 that opened as a museum in 1990. The building's history thus spans its original use as a log cabin and its later role as a museum. Visits depend on volunteer support, so check in advance whether a visit is possible.
The St. Maries Farmers Market also brings together a variety of products, including locally grown, handmade, and homemade goods; the selection of vendors may vary. An event listing dated June 7, 2024, gives Fridays from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. as the market hours and Mullan Trail Park as the venue. Check the current schedule before visiting rather than assuming these hours are the current weekly schedule.
The St. Maries Aqua Park has a boat launch for access to the St. Joe River. If you plan to use the boat launch, check the conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: St. Maries, Fernwood, Lewis County, Custer County, Ada, Boise, Gooding County, Kootenai County
For the broader travel overview: Idaho.
