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Itineraries are provided as day trip
suggestions. The content is as reliable as can be determined from the
sources available at the time. These editorial contributions are not
recommendations or endorsements, merely time and travel outlines for
successful adventures!
When you want to spend a day or a few hours in the great
North Idaho outdoors, these back-to-nature itineraries are
ideal for the whole family!
View Eagles
Bald eagles enjoy Lake Coeur d’Alene as much as we do,
arriving in November in their annual migration. A popular
place at the east end of the lake is Higgins Point, a paved
trail with a viewing area about 1/4 mile from the parking
lot. Information kiosks and a view of the eagles from your
car also makes this a fun outing for all ages. The eagles
remain in the area until about the third week of January. It
takes less than ten minutes to get from Coeur d’Alene to the
eagles winter habitat. From I-90 and U.S. Highway 95, go
east on I-90 to exit 15-Sherman Avenue, then continue on
Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive to Higgins Point. See p. 42 for
more info.
Rock Stacks
 Spend a morning or afternoon in Farragut State Park and
Bayview where the scenery is spectacular, even by North
Idaho standards. From Coeur d’Alene drive north on US 95 for
20 miles to Highway 54 where you’ll head east to the visitor
center entrance. One mile north of the center on the west
side of the road there’s a number of rock piles in various
heights and configurations. Up close they’re fascinating, a
balancing act of roadside rocks in an assortment of
formations. Just as interesting are the explanations for the
rock stacks...created by extraterrestrials? Maybe Native
American in symbolism and structure? A resident with
abundant artistry? Local legend notes about the Farragut
rock stacks is that when one tumbles, it’s replaced
seemingly overnight. Continue on another 3.5 miles to
Bayview, and enjoy the views and one of several marina
cafes.
Aviation Museum
Opened in July 2007, the Dr. Forrest Bird Aviation Museum
and Invention Center is a world-class educational experience
centered around the themes of aviation and innovation. The
display features twenty of Dr. Bird’s personal aircraft
dating back to 1929. From Coeur d’ Alene travel north on US
95 for approximately 34 miles towards Sandpoint to Sagle
Road. Turn right (east) for 11.8 miles and turn left onto
Bird Ranch Road, which leads to Bird Aviation Museum and
Invention Center.
www.birdaviationmuseum.com
Snow Shoe
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. See p. 46 for more on snow
shoeing.
Historical Coeur d’Alene
There’s history on every street corner in Coeur d’Alene and
in 2008 walking and driving tours will point visitors to the
sights. Local historian Robert Singletary, in collaboration
with the City of Coeur d’Alene and the Downtown Coeur
d’Alene Association, will have information available on the
city’s website, www.coeurdaleneidaho.org. The City of Coeur
d’Alene also has an online brochure available through the
Parks Department for the Historical Forest Cemetery walking
tour.
Fernan Lake
At the east end of Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene turn
right, just past the Idaho Panhandle Forest office and go
two blocks to the paved parking lot at Fernan Lake. Sit on
the public dock and drop your fishing line or watch the
hundreds of wild ducks and Canada geese who make their
winter home there. This quiet lake is the ideal spot for the
family to enjoy a picnic lunch just a few blocks from
eastbound and westbound entrances to I-90.
Ancient Cedars
 Settlers Grove of Ancient Cedars is an Idaho National Forest
hiking and biking trail just north of historic Murray in the
Silver Valley. The grove contains century-old trees, some
with trunks up to 10 feet in diameter. Plan to spend the
entire day on this outing. Take I-90 east from Coeur d’Alene
to Kingston Exit 43 (29 miles). Drive the scenic Coeur
d’Alene River Road another 25 miles northeast to Eagle. A
gravel road takes you 5 miles to the grove. An easy walk on
hard packed trials, the trail head features a large parking
area. A few miles east of Eagle is the Sprag Pole Inn and
Museum in Murray where you can have
Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast treat at
Pita Pit (320
Sherman.)
Park in city parking lot (one block S. of Sherman at 3rd St) and walk west
around The Resort to Independence Point. Enjoy the morning near the park.
Parasail, rent paddle boats or canoes, or for real adventure, rent a jet ski
(Vacation Sports Rentals, 622 Sherman Ave or
www.vacationsportsrental.com)
and tour the lake.
Lunch: Enjoy a famous Huddy Burger at
Hudson's Hamburgers. Opened by Harley Hudson in 1907 and operated by the
Hudson family on the same block ever since. Or head down to
Moon Time
(1602
Sherman) for great salads, soups or pasta.
Play downtown - shops abound within a 12 block
area. Check events calendars for concerts at the Rotary Band shell in the
city park (where Sherman Ave. meets the lake), OR visit Fort Sherman
Playground, a 14,000 square-foot wooden playground constructed by Panhandle
Kiwanis and the citizens of Coeur d'Alene.
Dinner: at
Crickets (424 Sherman Ave) Wide
variety on menu, mini-train running overhead. Kids love it. For fine, romantic dining try
Angelo's
Ristorante a few blocks north on 4th Street.
Take I-90 East to Exit 39. Visit the oldest
standing building in Idaho. The Cataldo Mission of the Sacred Heart and Old
Mission State Park Interpretive Center open 8 am June - Aug.
Go 15 min. east to Kellogg. Visit the Staff
House Museum (displays and history of Bunker Hill Mine) in Kellogg. Grab a
snack or lunch later in Wallace.
Go 15 min east to Historic Wallace. The
entire downtown is listed in the register of historic sites. Wallace
District Mining Museum (memorabilia from early hard rock mining) and The
Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum. A unique museum, the Oasis Bordello
Museum, originally a hotel & saloon, became one of five area brothels in
1895. Make a day of it and visit the Sprag Pole Museum in quaint Murray (15
min. from Wallace) and John Mullan in Mullan, then back to dine at the
historic Jameson Hotel and entertainment at the Sixth Street Theatre in
Wallace. Or return to Coeur d'Alene to continue tour.
West on I-90 to Sherman Ave. exit, Coeur
d'Alene. Through town to Ft. Sherman Powder House Museum on North Idaho
College campus. Exhibits depict life at the fort and smokejumper cabin.
Go 5 min. to CdA's Museum of North Idaho
(Sherman Ave. at NW Blvd) Steamboats, lumber, Native American featured lobby
displays.
Some other North Idaho museums include; The
Crane House in Harrison, Post Falls Museum/Post Falls Historical Society,
the Hughs House in St. Maries and the Priest River Museum & Timber
Educational Center in Priest River. (Schedule written in an attempt to
accommodate various summer hours. Verify days and schedules.)
Start your day with a walk or bike ride
along the
Centennial Trail and pause among the pines to look at the roaring
water in Falls Park.
Fill your shopping bag at the Post Falls
Factory Stores and Prime Outlets, and then cruise into the
Hot Rod Cafe for
lunch and step back into the '50s.
Take an afternoon cruise on the Red Lion River Queen, a Mississippi
paddle-wheeler from Templin's Marina with views of wildlife and spectacular
Spokane Riverfront private homes.
Try the authentic Greek cuisine of the folksy White House Grill for
dinner (reservations recommended). Make plans for tomorrow to
play on one of three beautiful
Post Falls golf courses;
Highlands, Prairie Falls, and The Links..
Take in stock car race excitement in the
evening at Stateline Speedway... One day just isn't enough to see and do
everything in Post Falls - Idaho's River City!
 There's no better way to see and feel the wonders of North Idaho than
seated on two wheels. Local enthusiasts and visitors alike share the road to
take in the great outdoors, scenic attractions and hot spots for food and
fun along the way. Some favorite day trips include;
Cruise 'round Lake Coeur d'Alene
Heading east on Interstate 90, our tour follows the shore of
Lake Coeur d'Alene then rises above it all as you cross
Veteran's Bridge before dropping down to Bennett Bay and
Wolf Lodge Bay, home to a large winter Bald Eagle
population. Head south on Highway 97, along the rugged shore
of the lake past the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area (with a
nature trail, picnic area and rest stops). The road winds
around several bays, and after crossing the Coeur d'Alene
River, you'll come to the community of Harrison and the
junction of Highway 3.
You may continue on to St. Maries and the St. Joe River,
or turn on Highway 3 and enter the serene valley of the
Coeur d'Alene River where you will discover the Chain Lakes
area. Highway 3 rejoins Interstate 90 at Rose Lake for the
return trip to Coeur d'Alene.
Circle Hayden Lake
From Coeur d'Alene, north on Government Way (or Hwy 95) to
Lancaster Rd., turn right, approx. 25 miles around scenic
Hayden Lake. Lower Hayden Lake Rd. intersects with
Honeysuckle. Left to Government Way.
Turn right where Honeysuckle meets Government Way and
visit Sargent's Restaurant and Lounge (just two blocks
north) for a taste of the local's favorite food and
beverage. Or head south to Daanen's Deli (corner Government
Way and Prairie Ave.) for a quick bite and great
micro-brews.
Hayden to Sandpoint
It's all highway but nice stops and side tours.
Silverwood's 12 acre water park "Boulder Beach", is
about half way or once to Sandpoint head east through Hope
to Clark Fork for a beautiful ride along the north shore of
Pend Oreille Lake. Great camping at Sam Owen Park or stop
for dinner at The Old Ice House Pizzeria.
North of Coeur d'Alene on Hwy 95 at the small town of
Athol is the junction of Hwy 54. East on Hwy 54 is the town
of Bayview and Farragut State Park. The second largest State
Park in Idaho, located on Lake Pend Oreille, is on the site
of a former U.S. Naval Training Center opened during World
War II. The Navy still operates an Acoustical Research
Center at Bayview. This beautiful area has lots to see and
do... mountain biking, cross country skiing, camping,
picnicking, swimming, boating and wildlife watching,
including majestic mountain goats on the steep cliffs above
Lake Pend Oreille.
The scenic route to
The Coeur
d'Alene Casino
East on I-90 over 4th of July Pass to Exit 34. The White
Pine Scenic Byway goes south through Rose Lake to St.
Maries. Then west on state Route 5 through Heyburn State
Park (some nice rest areas for wading or fishing) on Lake
Chatcolet. Continue on to Plummer then North on Hwy 95 to
The Casino. Meals all day, drinks and major events. About
120 miles.
Idaho and Montana laws require helmets for riders under
the age of 18. Washington law requires helmets for all
motorcycle riders.
Find out more & for local scheduled rides:
www.idahobikerinformationguide.com
Go North to Priest Lake. Ask 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 camera - views are awesome, and plan to take a dip at one of the
secluded beaches along the way.
OR... Take I-90 from Coeur d'Alene to
Lookout Pass (Wallace). 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.
OR... Ride the Gondola up Silver Mountain -
Miles of trails. Rough - not recommended for light duty bikes or hybrids.
Check
Silver Mountain for evening events all summer to end your day.
Heading east on Interstate 90, our tour
follows the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene then rises above it all as you cross
Veteran's Bridge, drops down to Bennett Bay and Wolf Lodge Bay, home to a
large winter Bald Eagle population. Head south on Highway 97, along the
rugged shore of the lake past the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area (with a nature
trail, picnic and rest stops). The road winds around several bays, and after
crossing the Coeur d'Alene River, you'll come to Harrison and the junction
of Highway 3.
You may continue on to St. Maries and the
St. Joe River, or turn on Highway 3 and enter the serene valley of the Coeur
d'Alene River and discover the Chain Lakes area. Highway 3 rejoins
Interstate 90 at Rose Lake for the return trip to Coeur d'Alene.
A tour of the beauty left by mother nature
when she took away the glaciers. Start this tour in the north on Hwy 2 or 95
to see the Kootenai and the Moyie rivers, both which flow from Canada. Watch
for white water rafters before reaching the picturesque lumber town of
Bonners Ferry on the Kootenai River. Traveling south on Hwy 95, you'll enjoy
forests between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains. You'll next reach the
city of Sandpoint. Plan to stay and enjoy this lakeside community for
awhile. State Hwy 200 east off of Hwy 95 north of Sandpoint takes you along
the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, through the town of Hope which
dates back to the early days of the railroad era and on to Clark Fork on the
Montana border. You may return to Hwy 95 or continue east on 200 to pass the
impressive Cabinet Gorge Dam to Bull Lake Road (Highway 56).
If you opt for the latter, turn left on Bull
Lake Road and follow sign directing you to Ross Creek Cedars. The park
offers picnicking and an interpretive nature trail featuring huge, virgin
cedar trees. Return same route to Hwy 95 or leave Hwy 200 at Clark Fork and
follow unpaved road to Bayview. Remote, so travel prepared. West from
Sandpoint on Hwy 2 will take you along the Pend Oreille River past the
lumber town of Priest River and Albeni Falls Dam. Turn south at Oldtown on
Hwy 41 on a two lane through forested areas and the communities of
Blanchard, Spirit Lake, and Twin Lakes. Beautiful golf course at Twin Lakes
with on premise restaurant worth stopping for. Hwy 41 will take you through
Rathdrum, one of the fastest growing communities in Kootenai County, and on
to I-90.
There's no better way to experience the wonders of North
Idaho than from the open road, by car or seated on two
wheels. Locals and visitors alike share the road to take in
the great outdoors and scenic attractions along the way.
Cruise ‘round Lake Coeur d'Alene
Head east on Interstate 90, following the shores of Lake
Coeur d'Alene. The highway rises above it all as you cross
Veteran's Memorial Centennial Bridge before dropping down to
Blue Creek Bay and take Hwy 97 at Wolf Lodge and travel
south. This area in winter is famous for viewing bald
eagles. Drive along the rugged shore of the lake past the
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area (with a nature trail, picnic area
and rest stops). The road winds around several bays and
after crossing the Coeur d'Alene River you come to the
community of Harrison and the junction of Highway 3.
Continue on to St. Maries and the St. Joe River, or turn on
Highway 3 and enter the valley of the Coeur d'Alene River
where you'll discover the Chain Lakes area. Highway 3
rejoins Interstate 90 at Rose Lake for the return trip west
to Coeur d'Alene.
Circle Hayden Lake
From Coeur d'Alene head north on Highway 95 to Lancaster
Road, turn eastbound and travel approximately 25 scenic
miles around Hayden Lake.
Northern Sights...
Pend Oreille River/Priest Lake
From Sandpoint head west on Highway 2 following the
scenic route along the Pend Oreille River. At Priest River
you can turn north on Highway 57 (use same route for return
trip) and visit Priest Lake, a popular summer resort area
known as one of the most pristine lakes in the world. With
miles of snowmobile and cross country ski trails, it is also
a worthwhile winter trip.
Optional route - at Priest River you can proceed west to
Oldtown, Idaho. Just west of Priest River is Albeni Falls
hydroelectric dam and visitors center. Continue west, turn
south at Oldtown onto Hwy 41. The two lane road proceeds
through forested areas and the communities of Blanchard and
Spirit Lake. Beautiful golf courses in Blanchard (Stoneridge)
and Twin Lakes (south of Spirit Lake) have on-premise
restaurants Just south of Spirit Lake, the junction of Hwy
54 allows you to return to north to Sandpoint or south to
Coeur d'Alene via Hwy 95. Or continue south on Hwy 41 and go
through historic Rathdrum and on to I-90.
Enjoy the View in Bayview
North of Coeur d'Alene on Hwy 95 at the small town of
Athol is the junction of Hwy 54. East on Hwy 54 is the town
of Bayview and Farragut State Park. The second largest State
Park in Idaho, located on Lake Pend Oreille, it's on the
site of a former U.S. Naval Training Center opened during
World War II. The Navy still operates an Acoustical Research
Center at Bayview. This beautiful area has lots to see and
do... mountain biking, cross country skiing, camping,
picnicking, swimming, boating and wildlife watching,
including majestic mountain goats on the steep cliffs above
Lake Pend Oreille.
Scenic Route to
The Coeur d'Alene Casino
East on I-90 over 4th of July Pass to Exit 34. The White
Pine Scenic Byway goes south through Rose Lake to St.
Maries. Then west on state Route 5 through Heyburn State
Park (some nice rest areas for wading or fishing) on Lake
Chatcolet. Continue on to Plummer then North on Hwy 95 to
The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort. 24-hour gaming, restaurants
and major events. About 120 miles.
See the Silver Valley
Start your day early and from Coeur d'Alene head east on
I-90 around Lake Coeur d'Alene and over 4th of July Pass.
Just past the Cataldo Mission take Kingston Exit 43 and
travel north. Pop into the Enaville Resort (established in
1881), also known as the Snake Pit and famous for Rocky
Mountain Oysters. Follow the Coeur d'Alene River road for 26
scenic miles to Murray and experience yesteryear at the
Sprag Pole Museum and Inn. Museum admission is free.
Continue east back to I-90 and Wallace where every downtown
building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Take a Sierra Silver Mine tour and see the famous Oasis
Bordello. On I-90 westbound, sidetrip to Kellogg for a
gondola ride to the top of Silver Mountain. See the sunset
over Lake Coeur d'Alene as you return from this full day
ride.
Free Ride
The Citylink bus system is a ride free service. With over
44 stops, the green and white buses are bustling around all
over the area with stops at Riverstone, North Idaho College,
the Coeur d'Alene Resort and all the way out to K-Mart and
the Silver Lake Mall. Watch for them zipping around from
Coeur d'Alene to Worley and the Coeur d'Alene Casino,
Hayden, Post Falls and even Rathdrum. Citylink represents
the first time in the United States that a tribal government
(the Coeur d'Alenes) and a local government (Kootenai
County) have collaborated to create free public
transportation.
Schedules and route information for Citylink Bus can be
accessed at:
www.idahocitylink.com or by calling: 1-877-941-RIDE
Named the "West's Best New Scenic Drive" by Sunset
Magazine the International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile scenic
drive traversing through Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington
and Southern British Columbia.
Starting in Sandpoint, Idaho the route goes through
dozens of charming rural towns. Experience small town
friendliness, attractions at a relaxed pace without the
crowds.
You'll travel through classic glacial valleys, along
100-mile long lakes surrounded by 7,000 foot peaks. The
region is home for endangered species such as the woodland
caribou and grizzly bear as well as the white sturgeon in
the Kootenai River. Deer, elk and moose are prevalent.
Activities along the route include 17 top notch golf
courses, 4 ski resorts, world-class fishing, 2 National
Wildlife Refuges and one Canadian wildlife management area.
There are hiking trails throughout the surrounding Panhandle
National Forest and Colville National Forest as well as
hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails. In BC the
route goes by 5 Provincial Parks with plenty of RV and tent
camping.
Other attractions along this route are the worlds longest
free ferry ride (45 min), a brewery tour, a gold mine tour,
hot springs, a mining ghost town, a historical Russian
village tour, award winning museums, a house made of glass
embalming bottles tour, nationally recognized small arts
communities with world class shopping and rails to trail
cycling paths.
For longer stays there are five Super Side Trip Loops
that depart from the main route varying in length from 50
miles to 110 miles. All roadways are two-lane paved with
pull-outs and periodic passing lanes. Call (888)823-2626 or
www.selkirkloop.org.
As of 2006, US citizens do not need a passport or visa to
enter Canada, unless they are arriving in Canada from
somewhere other than the USA. They do need to have proof of
citizenship plus photo identification. For more information
about traveling into Canada, locate the nearest Canadian
customs district office: From outside Canada, call:
204-983-3500; or, 506-636-5064
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises provides a scenic day trip up
the St. Joe River via Lake Coeur d'Alene, seasonal eagle
watching cruises as well as lake brunch and dinner cruises.
The Spokane River Queen offers views of multi-million dollar
homes along the river. Lake Pend Oreille Cruises in
Sandpoint offer Clark Fork Delta, eagle and goat watching,
and fall foliage cruises throughout the year. Heyburn State
Park offers St. Joe River Cruises.
Brooks Seaplane Service on Lake Coeur d'Alene has scenic
flights over North Idaho waterways (www.brooksseaplane.com.)
Bald eagles arrive in November to Lake Coeur d'Alene in
the annual migration of over 100 of America's majestic
symbol. A popular place at the east end of the lake is
Higgens Point, a paved trail with a viewing area about 1/4
mile from the parking lot. The eagles come for the kokanee
salmon, which begin to spawn before dying. The migrating
eagles remain in the area until about the third week of
January, feasting on native salmon. From I-90 and U.S.
Highway 95, go east on I-90 to exit 15-Sherman Avenue, then
continue on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive to Higgens Point. Bring
your binoculars and camera.
Coeur d'Alene Eagle Watch Week is December 26 to January
1. Join volunteers and wildlife biologists at the Coeur
d'Alene Lake - Wolf Lodge Bay wildlife viewing area to
observe 30 - 60 bald eagles feeding. Attend staff
presentations, learn from the eagle exhibits and watch
hundreds of waterfowl.
Bald eagles reach peak numbers by the end of December.
You'll find exhibits with telescopes at the Mineral Ridge
Boat Launch and the Mineral Ridge Trailhead. Biologists and
volunteers will be available every day during the week to
answer your questions, except during the very worst weather
conditions (such as excessive snow, ice and wind).
To get there, drive about 8 miles east of Coeur d'Alene
on Interstate 90 and take the Wolf Lodge exit. Turn right
and follow State Highway 97 to the BLM boat launch and the
Mineral Ridge Trailhead.
http://www.id.blm.gov/eagle_watch/index.htm
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.
North Idaho is one of the best kept secrets for rock
climbs in the Northwest, offering top quality adventure
close to home for all skill levels.
Q'emiln Park/Post Falls is the best 5.10 and below cragging
area in the Inland Northwest. I-90 Exit 5, Spokane Street,
south on Spokane Street across the bridge to the Q'emiln
Park entrance. Parking pay station is open seasonally or
park on street and walk in. Q'emiln Park Trail System
signage just inside park.
Chimney Rock: On the east side of Priest Lake. Take Service
Road 24 about 4 miles to Service Road 2 and follow to end.
35+ routes. 5.3 to 5.11+. 400-450 vertical depending on
side. Two hour hike in from parking area.
Castle Rock/Kingston I-90 Exit 43 north to Beehive cutoff.
Go over the Coeur d'Alene River and turn right (north). The
crag is at mile 11.5 on west side. The trail is on the south
side of the small stream. |