Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes!

(Image of Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from ParksandRecreation.Idaho.gov) There are so many outdoor places to explore in the Inland Northwest! Over the last several posts, we’ve shared with you the Centennial Trail, the Hiawatha Trail, the Q’emiln Park area, and now we’d love to tell you about the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes!

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

This is an award winning 72-mile trail that started as a path used by the Coeur d’Alene Indians. It then became a mining transportation rail line that operated from 1887 until 1992. After that, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes became a narrow Idaho State Park that stretches from Mullan to Plummer and crosses 40 bridges and goes through 13 towns. So, all that means it’s paved but non-motorized and offers mostly alpine terrain and an almost flat path to wander. Sounds fun to explore! Since this is a fully developed trail, it offers tables, benches, outhouses, kiosks, and trailheads with parking. So whether you want to see a small part of it or try to take in all 72 miles, this is a great way to see Idaho and there is no fee to use the trail. Also, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is open year-round, so don’t be shy if you visit in colder months. They even groom part of the trail for cross country skiing and snowmobiling. For more details and maps, check out Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Trail.