Dog About Town

Summer time in the lake city of Coeur d’Alene has something for everyone and his dog. As a matter of fact, in August of 2011, this lovely North Idaho town was declared Dog Town USA by Dog Fancy Magazine. With two dog parks, numerous nearby trails, dog-friendly patios, and water water everywhere, this town of 50,000 has a lot to offer vacationers with pets.

Things to do with Rover:

Take a Hike
Tubbs Hill is right downtown; the west, south, and east sides of the park are bordered by Lake Coeur d’Alene. This park consists of 120 acres with several miles of hiking trails. A 2.2 mile trail that follows the perimeter of the hill, provides spectacular lake views. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leashes.

Hike the ridge trail. Mineral Ridge National Recreational Trail (pictured right) offers breathtaking views of Beauty Bay on the east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This scenic loop trail of 3.3 miles is 11 miles east of Coeur d’Alene.

Take a Walk or Bike Ride
Stay in town and take in lake and river views on the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which runs through the city of Coeur d’ Alene.

Take a Plunge at Higgins Point

At Higgins Point there is a boat-launch facility, a picnic area overlooking the lake, and docks. Fido can take a dip in the lake with you. It’s also a good place to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Higgins Point is at the east end of the North Idaho Centennial Trail and at the end of Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive.

Grab a Paddle
If your dog likes the water and is good at chillin’, paddleboarding and/or kayaking may be for you.
Coeur d’ Alene Paddleboard Company has rentals and lessons; located downtown at 512 E. Sherman Ave.

Kayak Coeur d’Alene has rentals, lessons, and paddleboards also. Located at 307 E. Locust Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

Go to the Dog Park
Skippy can romp freely and meet new friends at the dog park. Coeur d’Alene has 2 off-leash dog parks: Central Bark and Cherry Hill, one is on the west side of town and the other is on the east side. (Be sure your dog is current on his vaccinations.) For more information, click here.

Go Shopping
Christmas at the Lake, located at 519 E Sherman Ave at 6th Street, is the place where everyday is a celebration. Not only is Christmas year-round, but so are other holidays. Pets are celebrated too! The two Labishes (lab mixes) on staff insist that there’s a wide array of dog and dog lover gifts, such as over 100 different dog breed ornaments that can be personalized. Then there are picture frames, collars, and collar bling charms, perfect for presents. Feeling charitable? You can purchase a handmade dog bone ornament, personalized with your pet’s name, and it’s for a good cause, the profits go to the local dog park association. Need treats? Who can resist locally made dog cookies in the shape of Idaho state? These are the perfect treats to take home to your waiting pup. Didn’t bring your baby with you? No, problem, free dog love is available from the shop’s Laboradorables - AJ & Mica.

Kootenai County Farmers Market (May -Oct) in downtown Coeur d’Alene on Wednesdays from 4 pm - 7 pm at Sherman Avenue & 5th Street. You can check out the market with your pup on tow. There will be fresh produce and an array of local products, such as cheese, chairs, artisan bread, and organic dog treats.

GoodDog - Didn’t bring enough dog chow? Need a leash? Puppy life jacket? No worries, GoodDog has a wonderful selection of good eats and treats, not to mention toys, doggie gear, beds, apparel … just about anything your pooch might need. They offer high quality products to help keep your pets healthy and happy while away from home.

Get a Bite
Rogers Ice Cream & Burgers - Stroll on down Sherman Avenue to 12th Street and get a taste of nostalgia; this eatery was established in 1940. Want something to go with your nostalgia? Get a 100% fresh ground beef hamburger, turkey burger, or garden burger. Don’t forget the homemade fries! Save room for a shake, 17 flavors, like moose tracks and caramel caribou. Get your order to go or have a seat with your pup at the covered patio.

*A number of eateries along Sherman Avenue allow well-behaved dogs at their outdoor seating areas. If you don’t see a dog already present, best to check with the wait staff before being seated.

Go to a Doggie Event
Please see our Facebook page for doggie events like Dog d’Alene.

Get Some Rest
Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Coeur d’Alene, situated right off I-90, is the perfect location for easy access to nearby attractions.

Near Lake Coeur d’Alene, only 1.5 miles from the lake, this hotel is within walking distance to movie theaters, great shopping, and restaurants. There’s something for everyone nearby.

PET FRIENDLY - At the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Cd’A, they love their pet patrons. At time of check-in there is a $15.00 one-time payment. Guests can even take Guest Services Manager Dodger, a very sociable Weimaraner, on a walk. Not only that, he can have sleep overs in guests’ rooms!

Stay Outdoors - RV Parks & Campgrounds
Blackwell Island RV Park is located on the water with full hookups and drive-thru convenience. Sit on the beach or take a dip in the water, or catch bass from the dock. Large rigs are no problem. Located near downtown; 1-888-571-2900.

Beauty Creek Campground if you’d like to get out of town, this campground is located 15 miles from Coeur d’Alene, and it’s on the rustic side. The campground has 20 campsites and a day use/group site area with a covered pavilion. Campground roads and campsite parking spurs are paved. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water supplied from a hand pump. Contact Idaho Panhandle National Forests Headquarters; 208-765-7223.

Written by Chris Shafer