Surrounded by forests, mountains, and shimmering water, this lakeside city feels built for the outdoors. Whether covered in snow or glowing beneath summer sunshine, the scenery here always takes center stage.
Tucked away in northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene sits beside the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nature. Once shaped by mining and forestry, the city has gradually transformed into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Days here are often spent out on the water or exploring the surrounding wilderness, while the downtown area offers a quieter mix of local restaurants, parks, and small museums overlooking the lake.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene
A very charming spot to explore, Downtown Coeur d’Alene is home to lots of little shops, local bars, and booming businesses. Bordered by both City Park and McEuen Park, its bustling blocks lie just a stone’s throw from the lake.
The main place in town to eat, shop, and go out, its streets are lined by over a hundred retail stores and specialty boutiques. Antique stores and art galleries are also scattered about as are coffee shops, fast food outlets, and family-run restaurants.
During the warm summer months, a vibrant farmers market takes place, while decorations and fairy lights are strung up around Christmas. At any time of year, locals and visitors can enjoy some lively nightlife in the numerous bars and nightclubs that dot downtown.
Coeur d’Alene Lake
The city’s standout sight and defining feature though has to be the large and lovely lake upon which it lies. Formed during the last Ice Age, its tranquil waters are enclosed by forest-covered mountains with beautiful beaches, bays, and viewpoints lining its shores.
One of the largest natural lakes in the state, it has all kinds of exciting outdoor activities for visitors to try out. Besides hiking and biking about its lakefront parks, you can swim and splash about in the lake with lots of wonderful watersports being on offer. These include not just kayaking and boating but jet skiing, kite surfing, and parasailing too.
While sunbathing or enjoying some of its action-packed activities, keep an eye out for the amazing eagles which often swoop about above the lake’s reflective waters.
Coeur d’Alene National Forest
Covering a huge area to the east of the city are the almost endless and idyllic confines of the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. Besides boasting lots of stunning scenery and nature, it has all kinds of fun outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
Part of the Idaho panhandle, its rugged mountains and verdant woods have been protected as part of a park since 1906. As well as being home to miles and miles of gorgeous nature trails, you can fish, swim, and kayak about its lovely lakes and rivers.
In addition to hiking and biking, you can hunt in the forest and stay overnight at its rustic campsites. Some great cross-country skiing and snowmobiling can also be had in winter.
Silver Mountain Resort
With a spa, indoor waterpark, and underground mine tours also on offer — Silver Mountain is not just your regular ski resort. A year-round destination, its shining condos, shops, and Morning Star Lodge are located just forty minutes’ east of Coeur d’Alene.
Established in 1968, the enormous resort sprawls across two snow-coated mountains and occupies the vast valley of the same name. Its total vertical drop reaches an impressive 2,200 feet with its 75 trails being serviced by several chairlifts and the longest gondola ride in North America.
Aside from skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing about its slopes, visitors can relax and unwind at the spa, play rounds of golf, and take a tour of its historic mine. In summer, the surrounding mounts are a treat to hike and bike about.
Farragut State Park
Another stupendous nature spot to hit up is the fantastic Farragut State Park at the south end of Lake Pend Oreille. With the majestic Coeur d’Alene Mountains rising up all around it, the quiet lakefront park is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities.
Formerly a training base for the US Navy during WWII, it was eventually turned into a state park in 1966. Nowadays, plenty of picnic areas and cozy campsites are strewn along its shoreline, alongside facilities for archery and disc golf among others. A small museum on the history of the naval facility is also located on-site.
While some people prefer to hike, cycle, or horseback ride along its shimmering shores, others dive right in for a refreshing dip. Boating and watersports can also be enjoyed out on the beautiful lake.
North Idaho Centennial Trail
If you want to see more of the city and its surroundings, don’t skip the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Stretching 24 miles in length, the picturesque paved path takes you right from Higgens Point all the way to Washington.
After following the lake’s northern shoreline and then the Spokane River to the border, it continues on as the Spokane River Centennial Trail. While walking, jogging, running or cycling the rambling route, you can bask in divine views over its twinkling waters. From time to time, eagles and eaglets can be spied above the reflective lake.
The path also passes through some wonderful parks and pristine nature spots. While some parts are calm and quiet, others snake their way through bustling neighborhoods and built-up areas.
City Park
Back in the center of town is the scenic City Park which occupies the waterfront west of downtown. Besides its beautiful views and beach, it has plenty of paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.
Lining the lakefront is a lovely tree-lined promenade for you to stroll along peacefully. Alongside it is the park’s soft, sandy beach and a secluded swimming area. From its long boardwalk you can rent kayaks and arrange sightseeing cruises or parasailing trips around the lake.
The sprawling park contains lots of landscaped green spaces, a spacious playground, and basketball and volleyball courts. Movie nights and live music performances are regularly held at its bandshell as are community events and festivals.
Tubbs Hill Nature Trails
Protruding out into the lake just south of downtown is the hulking great Tubbs Hill. Now protected as a park, the rugged and rocky peninsula is crisscrossed by a myriad of enticing nature trails.
As the humongous hill is surrounded on three sides by water, hikers often come across spellbinding vistas over the lake. Some gorgeous scenery and nature is also on show with its diverse landscapes, including some rough terrain, coniferous woods, and pebble-strewn coves. As well as enjoying all its phenomenal panoramas, you can sunbathe and swim at some of the hidden spots along its shores.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, the picturesque park and its peaceful nature trails feel a world away from the city center.