So, mountain bikers and hikers have long known how totally outrageous North Idaho is for the sports for some time. But in 2005, when the NORBA National Championship was held at Schweitzer Mountain, the rest of the world found out our little secret. There are so many great runs and trails, it is hard to quantify. However, we will try to do just that in this web. Hiking in and around Sandpoint and North Idaho can vary from simple flat trails, to full-fledged mountain and rock climbing that could satisfy even the most X-treme athletes. Mountain biking in Sandpoint and the surrounding North Idaho area is much the same, with challenging verticals, to flat, easy trails. So read on my young peddler or mountain stumper, and gain the energy of North Idaho trail knowledge.
Priest Lake is awesome - You can get permission to leave your car at Elkin's Resort. Go North toward Beaver Creek. Shoreline trail head is 8 miles of beautiful single track one way. When in doubt, go right (opposite coming south). It's faster to come back on single track than road. Bring your camera - views are awesome, and plan to take a dip at one of the secluded beaches along the way. This is also a fantastic area for snowmobiling during winter months.
Schweitzer Mountain - Schweitzer Mountain was home to the NORBA National Championship in 2005. A phenomenal ski resort during winter, you can hop the ski lift during summer and never hit all the trails in a week.
Lookout Pass in Wallace - Take I-90 from Coeur d'Alene to Exit at the ski area, ride the railroad grade into Montana, follow to Avery. Approx 26 miles and max 2% grade. Excellent family ride (bring water!). Lookout Ski Area has maps and info on miles of great rides in the area.
Silver Mountain - Ride the gondola up the mountain for miles of trails. Rough - not recommended for light duty bikes or hybrids. Check Silver Mountain for evening events all summer to end your day.
Sandpoint has had the Long Bridge as a bike path for many years; the 2-mile long level bike ride begins on one end at the Old Power House. Now the path includes four miles on the south end in Sagle flowing gentle hills following Highway 95. On the other side a second bicycle path begins at Larch and Fifth in Sandpoint, going two miles west to Dover. Like many bike and walking paths it was built on old railroad tracks. There is another ½ mile that extends from Larch to Boyer then west E. Mountain View Drive and then down to Sand Creek, where riders can cross the Popsicle Bridge over Sand Creek. This network of bike paths was developed by North Idaho Bikeways, a group that formed in 1994. Click to see a map of the trails.
Besides the ones mentioned above, there are many, many roads and trails for bikers and hikers in and around Sandpoint, Bonner County, and North Idaho. We are surrounded by state and national forestlands in the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, and there is a secret trail not far from my house that I only divulge the location to my closest friends. Since I want to keep those two secret, here are a few good ones, but if you look just a bit you can find dozens more.
The Farragut State Park trail map shows 32 miles of marked singletrack. However, if you ride all the trails (marked and unmarked) your bike computer will indicate 54 miles if you try not to ride the same trail. Some of the single track runs along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Be sure and pick up a trail map at the park entrance to ensure you ride all the singletracks.
Farragut State Park: North Perimeter - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.
Farragut State Park: Northside Loop - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.
Green Bay: Mineral Point Loop - Cool, challenging singletrack follows the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille for much of the ride. Located 12 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Tread: 2.7 miles of gravel road, 4.3 miles of singletrack. Basically an easy ride where you can start and finish at Garfield Bay along Lake Pend Oreille, with a swimming beach, marina and dining opportunities at the Captain's Table, or a stop during the ride at the fine, undeveloped Green Bay cobblestone beach.
Gold Hill Trail - One of Sandpoint's most popular trails, Gold Hill lies just east of Contest Point on Bottle Bay Road, south of Sandpoint. All of the items that are hazards (switchbacks, berry vines, punji stumps) also make this one of the finest, most pure mountain bike trails. The difficulty is sustained and technical, but not impossible. It's a real climb, but never a grunt, and it's predominately singletrack, almost completely in the forest. This is a ride to work at and to perfect, for most. It can also be connected to larger loops coming down Forest Road 2642 through Garfield or Green Bay. The trail has 8.4 miles singletrack and 3.4 miles forest road.
Schweitzer Mountain trails - As mentioned above, this was home to sanctioned regional and national mountain bike races, including the NORBA National race series, Schweitzer's great trail system has something for every level of rider. There are brutal climbs and technical rock descents, like the exhilarating Butt Slide Rock and Moffit's Edge. Intermediate rides for mortals exist too, mixing woods, ridges and crumbling granite on swooping, leisurely rides. And on almost all rides, you'll get those big, in-your-face views of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountain ranges. Below are just a few ride options; check the trail map to see more. You'll also be able to get more local knowledge and a hard-copy map once you arrive at the mountain village, which is 11 miles from Sandpoint.
Here are the rest of the trails:
Bike Trips and Trails in North Idaho
North Idaho Biking is where you'll find biking trails, bicycle stuff, fat-tire mountain biking, cycling, biking tours, bike rentals, the Route of the Hiawatha, the Centennial Trail, the Rails to Trails, and biking thru dark tunnels, high trestles and along and over beautiful rivers for miles and miles! Have fun and be safe. Take your bike or rent a bike.
Route of the Hiawatha at Lookout Pass 744-1301 - This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha bike route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Biking through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between North Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or "Taft" Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the North Idaho Montana state line. One of the greatest places to go biking in the whole world
Silver Mountain 783-1111 800-204-6428
Centennial Trail - The Centennial Trail runs from the Washington State line to Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This beautiful trail is primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the satisfaction of one of the most scenic biking trail systems in North Idaho country.
Biking Tours and Mountain Biking
I-90, Exit 0, Mullan, North Idaho
744-1301 (888) 512-0764
THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA BIKE TRAIL - The Route of the Hiawatha trail is the pearl of all rail-to-trail projects in the
country. Over 15 miles of railroad track has been converted into a beautiful biking and walking trail with a downhill grade. There are ten tunnels and seven trestle bridges up to 230 feet high. The 1.7 mile long St. Paul Pass tunnel is a best part of the trail. Start your ride at Lookout Pass Ski Area where mountain bike rentals, including helmets and lights, and an optional return shuttle service are available. Fees go toward maintaining the trail, constructed as part of the "Rails to Trails" program, which converts unused railways to trails.
Nearest City: Wallace, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, 12 miles East of Wallace- I-90 Exit 0
Directions: Lookout Pass Ski Area, I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes - 72 miles from Mullan to Plummer through the historic Silver Valley, into the Chain Lake Region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, through Heyburn State Park, and the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. It starts at I-90 exit 68, Mullan business district see MAP There are twenty trailheads between Mullan and Plummer for access to the 72-mile trail. Check out this article about it.
408 Spokane Street, Post Falls
773-0539
Q'EMILN RIVERSIDE PARK AND BIKE TRAILS - The Q'emiln (pronounced Ka-mee-lin) Park is a 78.5 acre city park located on the south bank of the Spokane River with a sandy beach, boat launch, and group picnic facilities. Forty acres of hiking trails established by the Bureau of Land Management and Washington Water Power Co. wind through four miles of the Spokane River gorge near the town of Post Falls. This is an excellent place to view wildlife and have a picnic.
Nearest City: Post Falls, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, W. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: 12201 W. Parkway Dr., at S. end of Spokane St. bridge
Fernan Office 769-3000
2502 Sherman Ave Coeur d'Alene
BERNARD PEAK LOOP MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 18.5 mile loop on gravel road, single and double track, with views of the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From I-90 in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, head north on Highway 95 to Athol Idaho. At the light in Athol Idaho go east or right on Highway 54 for 4 miles and you will come to the navigation circle. Head south here on Goodhope Road for about a mile to Twete Road. At Twete Road take a left and drive past the gravel pit to the end of the road and the trailhead.
NOTE: If you want to just downhill it and drive to the top you can by continuing south on Goodhope Road for 1 more mile (2 miles total) to Bunco Road. Take a left on Bunco Road and travel 2 more miles to the entrance into the National Forest and the end of the pavement. There's a big parking lot here for snowmobiles in the winter, just head past it and up the hill on FSR #332. At the top of the hill (~4.2 miles) you will come to a side road FSR #2707. Take a left and follow it up the hill making sure to stay to the left at the forks up ahead (~.25 miles). It's about 2 miles to the top, but make sure you stay to the left on the way up. The road is rough and the vegetation is thick, so don't go up the last section if you like the paint job on your car.
MT. COEUR D'ALENE MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOP - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 8.1 mile loop on a gravel road with outstanding views of the lake and the Coeur d'Alene area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane
Directions: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive east on Interstate 90 to Exit 22 (Wolf Lodge Bay). Drive south on Idaho Highway 97 for 2-1/2 miles to Beauty Creek Road No. 438. You'll pass the trailhead for Mineral Ridge; go a bit further. Take a left (east) on Road 438 for 3/4 mile to the Beauty Creek Campground and trailhead.
Canfield Mountain BIKE Trail 1562 - The Canfield Mountain Trail System has more than 32 trail miles in the system. It was designed for motorized trail bikes and mountain bikes, however it is open for all uses (i.e. hiking, etc...) except for ATV's. The trail system was designed, so that the entire network can be accessed from an old logging road FS Road #1562. The trails are a mix of logging roads and single-track and range from 0% to 35% grades. The trails are marked with numbers and there are maps at trail junctions, indicating where you are in the system.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane
Directions: From the Nettleton Gulch Parking Lot to the highest point in the trial system (West Canfield Butte, 4162ft.), you can travel approximately 4 miles and 2000ft. in elevation gain. Trails can be smooth, well-groomed logging roads or steep single track with ruts, loose rocks, roots, drop-offs and other obstacles. Single-track trails receive annual maintenance in the Spring, but because of the motorcycle use, they're usually pretty rough (which makes for some fun downhill). Also, for you pet owners, dogs are allowed on the trail system.
SOUTH FORK COEUR D'ALENE RIVER BIKE TRAILS - About twenty trails in the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River area between Kellogg and the Montana border are described in a brochure from the Forest Service. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers to alpine lakes or through former railroad tunnels. Contact the forest service to get a copy of the brochure and inquire about current trail conditions.
Nearest City: Cataldo
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: Obtain map from CDA River Ranger District.
1700 Hwy. 6
Potlatch, Idaho
BEASON MEADOWS BIKE TRAIL #228 - This mountain bike trail near Potlatch passes through a variety of vegetation as it climbs from the stream bottom, crosses draws, a drier ridge top and then descends back to the stream environment. The first mile is located is part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout. The junction is located adjacent to East Fork Meadow Creek. Trailhead facilities include five parking spaces and an interpretive sign explaining the trail system.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Idaho
Directions: The trailhead is located in Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Trail #228's junction with Trail 224-B. Giant White Pine Campground is located on the White Pine Drive Scenic Route and has a small campground and trail access. North on Highway 95 to the Potlatch "Y". Turn right on State Route 6 through Potlatch, Princeton, and Harvard. A couple of miles past Harvard pass the sign for Laird Park and continue on Route 6 to White Pine Drive.
CHELSEY CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #19 - From its start the Chesley Creek Trail follows the main watershed divide between Big Creek, Meadow Creek, and Prospect Creek. The trail head is located adjacent to Chesley Creek Road #1960. The trail terminus is at the intersection of the trail and Big Creek Road #370.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: Chesley Creek Road #1960. The legal description would be NW Sec. 5, T42N, R3W. Access #2: Adjacent to the Big Creek Road #370 near Prospect Peak.
CLEVELAND GULCH MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #333 - This 2.5 mile trail begins along the North Fork of the Palouse River Road and intersects with Strychnine Ridge Trail near Little Bald Mountain. The trail is steep and crosses Cleveland Gulch several times along its lower segment. Several panoramic views of the Upper Palouse drainage will open to your view as you hike along this trail. The trailhead is located at the mouth of Cleveland Gulch. Trail Terminus is at the junction of trail #333 and Strychnine Ridge Trail #319
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: Mouth of Cleveland Gulch on the Old North Fork Palouse River Road. Access #2: Trail's junction with Strychnine Ridge Trail #319.
MIZPAH CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #345 - Mizpah Creek Trail is one of the steepest trails on the Palouse and opens up to a panoramic view at several points along the route after the hiker has gained elevation. Huckleberry picking is a favorite pastime near the Slate Creek terminus. Deer, elk, and bear frequent this area in summer. The trail begins at the end of Mizpah Mine Road #345 along Mizpah Creek. The trail ends at its intersection with Baby Grand Road #1433.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: End of the Old Mizpah Mine Road, an old access route from the Palouse River Road #447 to an old mine site. Access #2: Baby Grand Road #1433
1500 Hwy. 2 Sandpoint
263-5111
STRONG CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - Awesome views are in store from this trail in the Idaho panhandle. For mountain bikers, this ridge top single track trail is one of the premier rides in the area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, near Sandpoint
Directions: From Sandpoint take Idaho Hwy. 200 east to Hope.
SANDPOINT DUFORT ROAD LOOP BIKE PATH AND TRAIL - This scenic bike path takes you along the Pend Oreille River. 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.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, S. of Sandpoint
Directions: Take the bike path across the long bridge and turn left (across Hwy. 95) onto Lakeshore Drive, past Springy Point campground and residential areas into open farmland along the Pend Oreille River and the Morton Slough Game Preserve Turn left onto Dufort R
GREEN BAY-MINERAL POINT MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike and hiking trail is a 7-mile loop of trail and road riding that follows the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, 12 miles SE of Sandpoint
Directions: Park at Garfield Bay and ride up Green Bay cutoff Road. Take a right on Green Bay Service road (next to the red firehouse) and ride to the Lost Lake Loop trail, do that and then pop back out to the Mineral Point trail head. Ride the single track to the Green Bay parking lot and then up the steep access road and back to Garfield Bay.
JERU CREEK ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE ROAD - If combined with Pack River Road, this mountain bike trail near Sandpoint 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.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, North of Sandpoint
Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north 13 miles to Pack river Road 231. Turn left and go 8 miles to Jeru Creek Road 293.
JOHNSON CABIN-GRANITE CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Lake Pend Oreille 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.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, East of Sandpoint
Directions: From Clark Fork take Johnson Creek Road 278 and follow 16 miles to the trailhead for Johnson Cabin Trail # 606
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT - Explore alpine meadows or the rugged mountain terrain by mountain bike on trails at Schweitzer Mountain. A vast trail system offers something for every ability level. Colorful hillsides explode with wildflowers and nearby Lake Pend Oreille becomes a valley of sparkling, sunlit glass. The high speed quad chairlift runs daily and lift tickets are available at the Plaza Cafe. Bike rentals are available at the Alpine Shop located in the Schweitzer Village.
10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. Sandpoint
263-9555 (800) 831-8810
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north approx. 2 miles to the Schweitzer Road and turn left. Take this road to Boyer Avenue. Turn right onto Boyer and follow the signs to Schweitzer - 9 miles
610 Bunker Ave Kellogg
783-1111
SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS - The gondola takes you to the top, where can ride 30+ miles of everything from rolling single track over varying terrain. While there are trails suited for a variety of levels, intermediate to advanced level skills are recommended. All trails lead back the Gondola Village -- where you can jump on for another lap.
Nearest City: Kellogg
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola
SILVER MOUNTAIN-BIG CREEK BANZAI BIKING TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Silver Mountain Ski Resort is 14.8 miles, one way, on a variety of track types from paved road to gravel road to single and double track. Trail is shared with horseback riders and hikers.
Nearest City: Kellogg
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola
13550 E. Hwy. 54 Athol
683-2425
FARRAGUT STATE PARK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS - There are two mountain bike trails in Farragut State Park. The Shoreline Trail, along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille is 3.5 miles, one way, on wide-track single track and a paved pathway. The Northside Loop is 4.7 miles of single trackpassing through grasslands and timber.
Nearest City: Athol
Location: North Idaho, 20 miles North of Coeur d'Alene
32203 Hwy 57 Priest River
443-2512
PRIEST LAKE LAKESHORE TRAIL #294 - This is a popular and well used trail in this area. It is an easy hike and parallels Priest Lake and is crossed by 5 streams. Many views of the lake are offered. This trail passes through dog hair stands of timber and also through hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches, isolation and wind protection. Nearest City: Priest Lake
Location: North Idaho, North of Priest River, Idaho
Directions: Go to Nordman. East on Forest Rd. 1339. North to end of pavement, right to Beaver Creek boat launch.
Trail has two main access points: # 1, Road 2512 above Granite Creek, # 2, Tule Bay at the Beaver Creek boat launch. Trail also has spurs to Rd
UPPER PRIEST LAKE NAVIGATION TRAIL - This excellent mountain bike trail near Priest Lake is up to 9.4 miles, one way, on single track in the old growth forest next to Upper Priest Lake. Riders share the trail with hikers and joggers. A few dispersed campsites exist along the trail with developed campgrounds located at the north end of Upper Priest Lake (Navigation campground) and the south end of the lake (Plowboy Campground). Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Priest Lake
Location: North Idaho, 10 mi. N. of Nordman MAP
Directions: N. on Hwy. 57 to Nordman, east on Forest Road 1339. North to Beaver Creek campground (12 miles). Trail has two main trailheads - one off Road 1341 at Beaver Creek Campground, the other is located on Road 1013 a mile past Hughes Meadows turnoff. Trail can be reached via Plowboy Trail 295
Looking for a cool bike ride? Try the Chafe 150, June 13, 2009
Another great local club is the Pend Oreille Pedalers Bicycle Club
Hiking & Climbing
The Centennial Trail, a 23 mile paved trail from Spokane, Washington through Coeur d'Alene, is ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride. Q'emlin Park, known for its natural climbing walls, also offers 14 miles of marked trails, as well as a city beach, public boat launch, and shady picnic facilities. Just two blocks from I-90 Exit 5 is Falls Park, where you can venture onto a platform overlooking a narrow canyon and view the Post Falls dam, with its dramatic 40 foot roaring waterfall. Also at the park, enjoy interpretive trails, a playground, picnic facilities and a stocked fishing pond for the kids, with wheelchair access. North Idaho is a region known for its secluded mountain lakes, clear blue streams and excellent fishing hotspots. If you are looking for a wilderness adventure, stop at the trailhead and hike up into the mountains to fish the cool waters of a mountain lake. The clear air and challenging terrain make for a truly rewarding experience. You can use a fly rod and/or regular tackle while fishing most of these lakes.
North Idaho is world-famous for huckleberries, succulent berries that can be found ripening at the 3,000 to 4,000 foot elevation beginning in mid-July. As summer progresses, huckleberries ripen at higher and higher elevations, and are still available for picking even after Labor Day. Huckleberries are great for making pies, desserts, and jellies, and are found in a variety of forms at the local restaurants if the harvest has been good. Hundreds of acres of National Forest weave through the mountains of North Idaho, providing the perfect growing environment for these wild delicacies. To find your own huckleberry patch, contact a Forest Service ranger station or the Idaho Department of Land for tips on getting started.
WALKING JAUNTS
The Pedestrian Long Bridge is perfect for a walk or bike ride; reach the bridge via the bike path on the south edge of the city limits. You can always expect dazzling views of the lake and Selkirk Mountains. Other possibilities are Travers Park on the 1900 block of West Pine Street, and City Beach downtown, where the city keeps bike paths open for walking and bicycling. The paved path to Dover along Highway 2 is another fine path for bicyclists or walkers. For a bit more adventure along the lake side right from downtown, follow the rough road on the north side of the City Breakwater, which leads past the city water treatment plant on north and east two miles to Ponderay. This road is only an unmaintained track, but offers solitude along the lake.
How About Snowshoe Hiking?
Strapping on a pair of snow shoes and making first tracks in fresh snow on a sunny winter day is as good as it gets for North Idaho outdoor recreation. If you're a novice or enjoying an outing with younger family members, the Centennial Trail is ideal. Park at the trailhead on Northwest Blvd. at I-90 Exit 11 in Coeur d'Alene and hike a flat trail along the Spokane River, through Coeur d'Alene City Park along the lake. Another popular route is beginning at Silver Beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene Road -I-90 Exit 15 at Sherman Avenue, with parking and year 'round restroom facilities and an stunning view with no changes in elevation.
Another trail in Coeur d'Alene is Tubbs Hill. It's short loop trail (3.2 miles) accessible from downtown that winds through a 120-acre natural park jutting out from the shore of Lake Coeur d' Alene. Start your hike at the south end of 3rd Street by the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Tubbs Hill is also accessible from 11th Street.
Falls Park in Post Falls is right in town, perfect for when you have a few hours to enjoy snowshoeing, maybe not an entire day. Exit 5 off of I-90, south a block to 4th Ave. and west two blocks. The park has family friendly trails and scenic overlook platforms to best view the wide open gates of the hydroelectric plant at the Spokane River falls.
For more advanced snowshoers, the following offer a backcountry hike. The winter wonderland scenery of North Idaho makes it worth your while. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Gold Hill-2 miles south of Sandpoint on US 95. turn east on Bottle Bay Road, 4.8 miles to the trailhead located on the right.
Length-3.7 miles one-way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-3400 feet
Elevation gain/loss-1200 feet
Panoramic views
Trail to Chimney Rock-a popular climbing destination. Getting to the trailhead in winter may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. From Sandpoint-north on US 95, 13 miles to Pack River Road -turn west onto Road 231, then 16 miles to West Branch Road 2653. Turn left and then a half mile to trailhead at bridge.
Length- 5 miles one way
Difficulty-last 2.5 miles are most difficult
Highest elevation- 6720 feet
Elevation gain/loss 1820 feet
The first 2.5 miles are along an old road, the last 2.5 miles are somewhat steep.
Moose Lake-from Sandpoint head east on Hwy 200 then 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road, turn left onto Road 275 then 16 miles to Lighting Creek Road 419, turn left and then 1.5 miles to Moose Creek Road 1022, turn right and 2 miles to the trailhead. This is also a trailhead for Blacktail Lake Trail 24 and Lake Estelle Trail 36.
Length- 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-6160 feet
Gain/loss-1240 feet
Depending upon snow conditions, accessibility may be limited to the backcountry areas. There are no restrictions to snowmobiles for both Moose Lake and Chimney Rock.
As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com
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