More than 200 bald eagles come to Mineral Ridge every winter, from November to February, to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. This seasonal wildlife viewing opportunity gives your visit a clear timeframe: check local conditions before you travel. The 3.3-mile National Recreation Trail offers views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
The interpretive trail adds an ecological perspective to the landscape. At 22 marked stations, a guide describes plants, animals and their relationships in the forest. As you hike, you can also pay attention to the connections between habitats, rather than viewing the trail simply as a route.
Trails along the lake and through diverse habitats
Tubbs Hill offers a different experience: the 165-acre nature park borders Lake Coeur d’Alene to the west, south and east. The hill has several miles of hiking trails, and a 2.2-mile interpretive trail follows its perimeter. The figures describe different ways to explore the area: a trail along the outer edge and other trails on the hill.
The Coeur d’Alene River WMA landscape includes wetlands, lakes, shorelines and conifer forest. The area spans Kootenai and Benewah counties. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs through parts of it. Visitors interested in nature and trails will find a tangible connection here between designated habitats and a trail’s route.
The John C. Pointner Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary Trail is 1.2 miles long and lies within a 155-acre BLM-managed area near Coeur d’Alene. The Cougar Bay nature area provides habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. These details complement the larger landscapes with a short, specifically named trail and another perspective on local habitats.
The paved North Idaho Centennial Trail is 23 miles long and designed for walking, jogging and cycling. It runs from the Idaho-Washington state line to Higgins Point, six miles east of Coeur d’Alene at the end of Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive. At the state line, the trail connects to the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Printed maps are available at the visitor centers in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.
History in its original setting
Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park features Idaho’s oldest building. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was built between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The park also includes a restored Parish House and a visitor center with the “Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet & the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West” exhibit. It presents the history of the mission, the Tribe and the missionaries.
The park is near the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and makes a good day stop for travelers on the trail. This lets you combine an exploration of history and architecture with a ride on the trail, without treating the two experiences as a single offering.
Farragut State Park also combines history with seasonal activities. The former Farragut Naval Training Base was converted into a state park. The Brig is one of the few remaining structures from the base. The Museum at the Brig houses the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from the United States Farragut Naval Training Station from 1942 to 1946. In winter, the park offers classic cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails and sledding.
Recreation from theme park to park visit
Silverwood Theme Park offers more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions, including four roller coasters and Boulder Beach Water Park. A ride on historic Engine No. 7 takes you through the park and into the wooded areas at the back. Alongside the major attractions, the park’s lineup also includes a ride on a historic train.
Q’emiln Park features a lifeguarded swimming area, a boat launch, barbecue areas and picnic shelters. The 78.5-acre park also provides access to Post Falls Community Forest and the Q’emiln Climbing Walls. The Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene preserves and shares the history of North Idaho. Kootenai County Parks and Waterways manages ten parks totaling more than 162 acres.
Discover more destinations: Coeur D'alene, Cataldo, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden, Huetter, Worley, Hayden Lake, Bayview.
For the broader travel guide: Idaho.
