North Idaho    |    Eastern Washington

North Idaho

Cougar Bay Preserve
Have you been to Cougar Bay Preserve yet? It is foot traffic only (good news for dog owners with herders who like to chase bikes) and your dog can be off leash. It’s always good to have a leash with you, of course.

Facilities: Cougar Bay includes 5+ miles of interpretive hiking trails, and information kiosk.

Directions: From Coeur d'Alene, travel south on Hwy 95 about 2 miles to the preserve entrance sign on the east (left) side of the road.

English Point National Recreation Trail

Facilities: Lovely and easy trails: 1, 2, or 3.8 miles, well marked. Horses are allowed on trails, so keep dogs under your control (leash or verbal) at all times! Safer for all concerned. Fully maintained, bathrooms provided, and some nice views.

Directions: From Hwy 95, turn east on Lancaster Road for 3.6 miles to the English Point Road. The trails start at the junction of Lancaster and English Point Roads.

Q’melin Park
12201 W. Parkway Drive, Post Falls, Idaho

Directions: Take Spokane Street exit from I-90. Go south (toward river) on Spokane Street. Cross over river, continue on Spokane Street. Turn right onto W. Parkway Drive. Stay on W. Parkway Dr past first entrance to park to second entrance with ticket booth (no charge until Memorial Weekend). Sign says "No Dogs in Park." However, dogs are allowed on leashes on the trail.

Riverstone Park
1805 Tilford Lane, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho

Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail
A scenic hiking trail - 3.3 total miles, skill level easy - moderate.

Driving Directions: Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail is located 11 miles east of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Drive I-90 east from CoeurÊd'Alene for 8 miles to the Wolf Lodge Bay exit (exit 22), then south on State Highway 97 for 3 miles. The trailhead is at Mineral Ridge Scenic Area.

Tubbs Hill
From I-90 take NW Boulevard South, continue on as the road curves left and turns into Sherman Avenue. Take right onto Front St. and to a city parking lot at Third St. Main trailhead begins at boat launch and ends at McEuen Field.

Chilco Mountains

North Chilco Peak is the northern peak of a long ridge called Chilco Mountain, about 30 miles from Coeur d'Alene, ID, and about 60 miles from Spokane, WA. The North Chilco summit is one of the highest peaks in the Coeur d’Alene vicinity - 5,635 ft, with wonderful views of Pend Oreille and Rathdrum Prairie. After approximately 1.8 miles, take a left (marked) to the summit. Go 0.2 miles to summit and site of a dismantled fire look out. Take in the views and relax. Heading back take the other trail fork and go down the west side of the mountain. The trail drops to Chilco Saddle (could be ATVs in this area) and then climbs to South Chilco Mountain, elevation 5661 ft. Returning from here, 9.6 miles. Be sure to bring plenty of water for you and your best friend.

9.6 mi
Skill Level - Moderate
Duration - 4 to 5 hours
Season - Mid-May to early November

Directions: From Coeur d’Alene head north on U.S. Hwy 95, about 15 miles. Turn right on E. Bunco Road, which is slightly south of Silverwood . E. Bunco road turns into Nunn Road. Take a left at N. Bunco Rd. From Hwy 95 following Bunco Rd, which turns into Forest Road 332, it’s about 13.3 miles to trailhead. The trailhead is on the SE corner of the junction with Forest Road 385. Concrete posts mark entrance to Trail 14.

For more information: Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District: (208) 664-2318

Eastern Washington

Liberty Lake Creek Loop
The 6.5 mile loop takes about 3-4 hours. The trail is nestled among trees to keep you cool and is well maintained. This is a great fall hike, no hunting allowed. Be prepared to pay a day use fee. Trail head is inside the campground.

Directions: From I-90 take the Liberty Lake exit, head south to Appleway, turn east on Appleway, south on Molter and east on Valley Way (which turns into Lakeside Rd) for 2.5 miles, turn right on Zephyr Rd, follow the signs. (Photo: Paw Prints by CnE Photo)