Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes Archives - Out There Venture https://outthereventure.com/tag/trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ Mon, 17 May 2021 21:32:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://outthereoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-OTO_new-favicon-32x32.jpg Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes Archives - Out There Venture https://outthereventure.com/tag/trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ 32 32 Take a Spring Ride on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/take-a-spring-ride-on-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ https://outthereventure.com/take-a-spring-ride-on-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/#respond Mon, 17 May 2021 21:31:46 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=47018 Stretching across the Idaho Panhandle for 73.2 miles, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a great spring and early summer ride.

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One of Northwest’s longest paved biking trails, stretching across the Idaho Panhandle for 73.2 miles, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a great spring and early summer ride. You can ride shorter out-and-back sections from one of several trailheads or take on a larger one-way stretch of the trail.

Whatever distance you choose, your ride could have you pedaling past lakes, along a wild river, through small towns, and past wetlands and woods teaming with birds and other wildlife.

Recently named one of the top 25 trails in the United States by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the trail extends from the towns of Plummer to Mullan.

Wetlands along much of the route afford the opportunity to see many species of birds, including eagles, swans, hawks, owls, and migrating songbirds. Frequently-sighted wildlife along the trail include coyotes, deer, moose, and elk.

For more info on riding the trail, read past articles about the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from the OTO archives.

A line of cyclists stopped along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, with water bodies on both sides of the trail. People using binoculars for bird watching.
Stop for bird watching on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. // Photo courtesy of the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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ROW Adventures Adds Rail Trail Biking Tours https://outthereventure.com/row-adventures-adds-rail-trail-biking-tours/ https://outthereventure.com/row-adventures-adds-rail-trail-biking-tours/#respond Mon, 17 May 2021 17:27:19 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=46999 ROW Adventures now offers fully-guided bike tours of Inland Northwest rail trails. Guided trips include meal stops, support van, and comfortable hotel lodging each night.

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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

For over four decades, ROW Adventures has been leading people on guided outdoor adventures here in the Inland Northwest and around the world. While the Coeur d’Alene-based company is most well-known locally for guided whitewater trips, ROW recently started offering fully-guided bike tours here in the Inland Northwest.

This new service includes several options for multi-day bike tours on trails like the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes with the potential to link up to the Route of the Hiawatha and other North Idaho rail trail routes. These new tours will no-doubt be a hit with cyclists from around the world looking to explore the region’s truly world-class rail trail network, but they are also a great option for local cyclists who may not be comfortable with a self-supported multi-day bike tour.

Two bikers pedaling on a trail through a meadow in a forest in North Idaho.
Biking in North Idaho. // Photo courtesy of ROW Adventures.

Some of the biggest challenges for any DIY bike tour are the shuttle and having to haul all your own gear. ROW’s guided trips include meal stops, a sag wagon (van) providing support if riders need it, and comfortable hotel lodging each night. The tours also come with knowledgeable guides who can help you learn about the places you’re pedaling past, and is a great option for people who want to focus on the ride and get a good night’s rest each night.

Check out all of ROW’s bike tour options, including the Bitterroot Bonanza that includes biking, rafting, and kayaking in the same week, at Rowadventures.com/biking.

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Ride These Short, Scenic Sections of North Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/ride-these-short-scenic-sections-of-north-idahos-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ Wed, 23 Sep 2020 13:15:01 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=43609 73-miles of Paved, Mostly Flat Pathway Make for Fun and Easy Riding The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, named one of the 25 top trails in the nation by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2010, is one of the longest paved biking trails in the Northwest. Much of the trail is flat with frequent restrooms and […]

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73-miles of Paved, Mostly Flat Pathway Make for Fun and Easy Riding

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, named one of the 25 top trails in the nation by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2010, is one of the longest paved biking trails in the Northwest. Much of the trail is flat with frequent restrooms and wayside rest stops, making it the perfect biking destination for anyone looking for a trip with several days’ worth of easy-to-moderate enjoyable bike rides.

Stretching across the Idaho Panhandle between the towns of Plummer and Mullan, the trail takes riders past lakes, along a wild river, and through woods and wetlands with frequent wildlife sightings. Riding the trail, which is designated a state park, is a unique experience during all seasons, although the cooler daytime temps, fewer people on the trails, and typically smoke-free skies make autumn one of the best seasons to plan a visit.

Completing the full, 73-mile trail length all in one day is too daunting for many riders, but it’s easy to take on several shorter sections of trail between trailheads or towns. Here are three of the most scenic sections that will make for perfect out-and-back or shuttled rides. Take a look at the interactive digital trail map here and plan to spend anywhere from a long weekend to a full week exploring this incredible corner of the Northwest. For shuttle options, contact the Cycle Haus Bikes & Brews, Lou’s Bicycle Shuttle Service, or Wallace Inn. The Silver Express Bus, which runs from Kingston to Mullan weekdays 3 times per day is another free shuttle option. 

Harrison to Lake Chatcolet (8 to 16 miles)

The trail bridge near Heyburn State Park. Photo: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

This trail section travels along the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene’s southeast shoreline. At one end is Heyburn State Park, where the bike trail crosses over Lake Coeur d’Alene along a former railroad draw-bridge, which marks the boundary with Lake Chatcolet. At the state park day-use area, you’ll find a trailhead restroom, picnic shelter, and water spigot (some facilities may be closed depending on the season). At the other end of this route is the charming, historic lake town of Harrison with a city park, beach, marina, shopping/dining services, and a bike shop with shuttle service. Ride this section as a 16-mile out-and-back adventure or a more mellow 8-mile pedal with a shuttle.

Photo: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

Harrison to the Chain Lakes of the Coeur d’Alene River (multiple distances)

Starting from the Harrison trailhead right in town, enjoy the serenity of nature as the trail travels along the Coeur d’Alene River, passing a series of small lakes connected to the river by narrow channels. Moose, deer, and many types of birds are frequently seen along this section of trail through the Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area.

Photo: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

There are four trailheads along this stretch, including Springston, Medimont, Blackrock, and Bull Run with access near Harrison from Highway 3, making it easy to choose the perfect length ride. The full distance between the towns of Harrison and Cataldo that bookend this section of trail is 20 miles and can also make for a great day ride with a shuttle.

Historic Wallace, Idaho

Cataldo to Enaville (10 miles or longer)

This flat, tree-shaded section of trail along the Coeur d’Alene River connects two small towns with post-ride dining options. The trailhead in Enaville at the I-90 Kingston Exit is a short drive from lodging in nearby Kellogg and Wallace too. Near the small town of Enaville, the Coeur d’Alene River splits into the North and South forks, and the trail keeps heading east along the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. For those looking for a longer, shuttleable ride from Cataldo it’s 11.5 miles to Kellogg and Silver Mountain Resort and 23 miles to the historic mining town of Wallace, which is a rare city that is entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sacred Heart Mission near Cataldo // Photo: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

Also worth a visit, the Sacred Heart Mission, at the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park near Cataldo, is the oldest standing building in Idaho. Constructed in the early 1850s, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Because the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes doesn’t directly connect with the state park, you can either drive there or ride from the Cataldo Trailhead on low-traffic side roads (take E Canyon Road to Dredge Road and then on to the park). 

Extend Your Ride with an Electric-assist E-bike

Electric-assist bicycles, which provide an electric motor boost in addition to the rider’s pedaling, are allowed on the full length of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. The e-bike rules for the trail allow both Class I e-bikes that provide electric motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling and Class II e-bikes that provide electric motor assistance with a throttle even when the rider isn’t pedaling. Class III e-bikes that continue assisting a rider to higher speeds of up to 28 mph, however, are still prohibited on the trail. You can rent e-bikes and other bikes from the Cycle Haus Bikes & Brews in Harrison, Silver Mountain Resort, or Spokehouse E-bike Rentals in Wallace.

Bring the right gear for your trip. Photo: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

Be Prepared for a Safe Ride

Especially when riding the trail in the fall, winter, or spring, it’s essential to be prepared. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so dressing for the season and daily conditions as well as bringing along extra layers of warm clothing and a rain-and-wind-proof jacket in a backpack or bike bag are critical. Every rider should always carry plenty of water and food in case you end up out on the trail longer than you expected. A headlamp or flashlight, first-aid kit, phone and backup charger, map, bike pump, helmet, bike light, and tire patch kit are also essential riding gear when out on the more remote stretches of the trail.

As long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, hand sanitizer and a mask are also a good idea for any restrooms, stores, or restaurants you might visit on your ride. Be sure to check out the State of Idaho’s guidelines for recreating during the COVID era too.

As you explore the trail and the region’s history, the trail-side communities of Harrison, Kellogg and Wallace each continue to offer lodging and dining options during the COVID-19 pandemic, but always play it safe and follow the latest guidelines for protecting yourself and others. You can find more information about overnight accommodations and restaurant options in many of the towns along or near the trail here.

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Safe Adventuring on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/safe-adventuring-on-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:28:26 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=42927 How to explore 73.2 miles (or more) of North Idaho on this scenic trail North Idaho is as beautiful as ever in the age of coronavirus. With forested hills, mountains, streams, and alpine lakes, it’s a great location to get away from it all. While traveling is a bit more complicated these days, North Idaho […]

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How to explore 73.2 miles (or more) of North Idaho on this scenic trail
Biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a great activity for any age.

North Idaho is as beautiful as ever in the age of coronavirus. With forested hills, mountains, streams, and alpine lakes, it’s a great location to get away from it all. While traveling is a bit more complicated these days, North Idaho has an awe-inspiring rail trail that will let you and your friends socially distance and ride for miles (or days) along the rugged countryside.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is one of the Northwest’s longest paved biking trails, so it’s great for beginner bikers, seasoned riders, or families who have a mix of both. Stretching from Plummer to Mullan, Idaho, the trail will take riders past lakes, along a wild river, and through woods and wetlands teeming with wildlife. It’s an epic ride in summer or fall. Here are a few of our favorite things about it. 

The Cataldo Mission is the oldest standing building in Idaho // Photo courtesy of Coeur d’Alene Old Mission State Park

Historic Stops

On the trail, you’ll bike past or near two state parks, which makes it easy to stop, admire from a distance, or keep cruising if the area is too crowded. The Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park features the Cataldo Mission, the oldest standing building in Idaho. Heyburn State Park is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, created in 1908, and will give you great access to the southern end of Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The state parks are just the beginning—the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene is packed with historic sites and monuments like old railways and mines that will give you a rich experience of the area. These include the Crane House Museum, Crystal Gold Mine and Sierra Silver Mine Tours, the Grant Mill/ Gateway Marina, Sunshine Miners’ Memorial, Shoshone County Mining & Smelting Museum, the historic Chatcolet Bridge, Springston “Barren” Ghost Town, Captain John Mullan Museum, and the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum.

The Pulaski Tunnel Trail is a great opportunity to hop off your ride near Wallace, Idaho, and take an easy 4-mile round-trip hike to retrace a route that played a major role in the Great Fire of 1910.

The historic town of Wallace, Idaho, has a series of wooden stairs to explore.

Local Lodging

As you explore the trail and the region’s history over several days, the trail-side communities of Harrison, Kellogg and Wallace each offer their own unique, friendly vibe with lodging, dining, and entertainment options. The trail runs right through each of these Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes gateway communities. Plan to stay a few nights and hop on and off the trail in different communities to experience historic buildings, museums, memorials, and other sites that you can easily explore on foot.

Find more information about overnight accommodations in Harrison, Kellogg, and Wallace here.

Safe Recreating in the Age of Coronavirus

While the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is open, some outdoor facilities and outfitters are just starting to reopen and need your help for safe recreation and participation. Before you go, look up your favorite campsites or day-use areas to make sure they’re open and see what sort of guidelines they have.

One important rule of thumb is to have a Plan B in place: if your destination is at capacity when you arrive, continue on to the next adventure spot. Luckily, with the mileage on this trail, you’ll have plenty of options. 

Here are a few guidelines for recreating in Idaho right now: 

  • Maintain six feet of physical distance from people outside your family pod.
  • Bring a mask in case a trail, boat dock, or other passing area is crowded.
  • Be cautious while doing extreme sports, as outdoor staff and rescue crews are running at limited capacity. 
  • Pack your own food and water, plus safety essentials such as a flashlight, rain jacket, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer so you can minimize physical contact.
  • Keep it close to home and enjoy Idaho’s natural wonders from an access point near you to reduce traveling. 
The Hiawatha Trail is just one adventure you can access a short distance from the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. // Photo courtesy of the Inland Northwest Trails & Conservation Coalition

Bonus Adventures

Biking, walking, or running the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is just the beginning of your adventure. You can think of the trail as a connecting thread between a myriad of recreational opportunities. Stop at a local waterway or park to swim, hike, fish, float the river, rent a kayak, camp, or more. Take a detour to ride the famous Route of the Hiawatha, or tackle a single-track mountain bike trail like Beauty Bay Loop near Harrison. The areas of Harrison, Kellogg, and Wallace are great places to rent gear. You can also take historic walking tours in the towns of Harrison or Wallace, Idaho, which can definitely fill an afternoon.

Wallace offers a treasure of attractions for the history buff. The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with four renowned museums, an underground mine tour, and a four-acre open air historic mine exhibit. Plus, the town offers self-guided tours of its historic homes, churches and commercial districts.

Harrison will treat you with a waterfront and downtown self-guided tour. You can explore the Harrison Commercial Historic District, see the remnants of the first bridge to be built over the Coeur d’Alene River, the historic I.O.O.F Hall now home to local boutique businesses and the (in) famous One Shot Charlies, all while taking in the breathtaking view of this waterfront town. Indulge one or both tours as you relive the logging and rail history that built the American West.

Plan a few days for your summer or fall trip on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to pack it all in!

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E-bikes Allowed on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/e-bikes-allowed-on-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalene/ Mon, 13 Jan 2020 00:09:01 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=40800 Cataldo, Idaho Electric-assist bicycles are now officially allowed on the 73-miles of North Idaho’s paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Meandering from Plummer to Mullan along Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene River and through scenic wildlands and small towns, the trail was named one of the 25 top trails in the nation by the Rails […]

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Cataldo, Idaho

Electric-assist bicycles are now officially allowed on the 73-miles of North Idaho’s paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Meandering from Plummer to Mullan along Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene River and through scenic wildlands and small towns, the trail was named one of the 25 top trails in the nation by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2010. The rule change involved cooperation between the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the two agencies that manage the trail.

Shutterstock

The new e-bike rule applies to both class 1 e-bikes that provide electric motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and class 2 e-bikes that provide electric motor assistance with a throttle even when the rider isn’t pedaling. While class 1 and 2 e-bikes’ motors only deliver power until the bicycle reaches 20 mph, class 3 e-bikes that continue assisting a rider to speeds of up to 28 mph are still prohibited on the trail. Whether you have an e-bike or not, winter is a great time to get out and ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes on a fat bike in the snow or any bike if the trail is snow free. More info on riding the trail in the winter at: Outthereoutdoors.com/winter-riding-on-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes.

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Summer Events along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/summer-events-along-the-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ Wed, 22 May 2019 20:52:46 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=37563 The 73.2-mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is the connecting thread between a network of outdoor recreation activities and events across the Idaho Panhandle. The friendly towns along this world-class biking and walking trail boast many historic buildings and sites and incredible scenery and outdoor activities. The lakeside community of Harrison, Kellogg in the […]

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The 73.2-mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is the connecting thread between a network of outdoor recreation activities and events across the Idaho Panhandle. The friendly towns along this world-class biking and walking trail boast many historic buildings and sites and incredible scenery and outdoor activities. The lakeside community of Harrison, Kellogg in the Silver Valley, and the historic mining town of Wallace all have in-town access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and plenty of lodging, dining, and entertainment options that make for a comfortable base-camp for exploring the trail.

Biking and birding near Harrison.

A great way to experience the natural beauty along the trail and the unique culture and personality of the trail-side communities is to plan one or more days of riding the trail around one of these events planned throughout the summer and early fall. Whether you choose to ride the trail in several sections or one long epic ride, you’ll find uncrowded recreation in a beautiful setting; friendly people; and fun, authentic events that will be one of the highlights of your summer. Shuttles are available from the major trail gateway communities by contacting the chambers of commerce in Harrison, Kellogg, or Wallace.

Mountain Man encampment at Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park Historic Skills Fair

MAY & JUNE

Acoustic Sundays (all summer long): Catch acoustic live music and play cornhole on Sunday’s in Harrison.

Saturday Music in the Park (Saturdays May 25-August 31): Relax in Harrison’s City Park overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene and listen to a wide range of music, from country and Americana to rock and blues, all season long from 2-5 p.m.  Different musicians each week with something for everyone.

Harrison Grange Market (Saturdays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend): Enjoy an authentic, community farmers’ market across from the Harrison City Park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids and Kickstands (June 1): A kid’s biking event, part of bike month in Kellogg.

79thAnnual Gyro Days and Lead Creek Derby (June 12-15): BBQ, a three-day carnival with Midway rides, and the Lead Creek Derby from Mullan to Wallace on Saturday afternoon. Win a cash prize if you correctly guess how long it takes a giant, multi-colored leather ball to float seven miles down the river.

Silver Valley Community Market and Music Series (Starts June 13): Every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. June 13- Sept 12 can catch live music, a beer garden, and market goods such as plants, fresh cheese, coffee, and preserves in Kellogg, Idaho. Find the full music schedule here.

Pig in the Park (Saturday, June 16): food, music, yard games, vendors, and activities at this annual event at Harrison City Park.

18thAnnual Silver Valley Jeep Jamboree (June 20-22): Set in the heart of the world’s largest silver-mining region, this Jamboree starts off at Wallace, an old mining camp on the National Historic register. Travel up old military wagon trails that wind their way through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. There’s lunch on a mountain top with unparalleled views of Idaho and Montana as the backdrop. Weather permitting, you will enjoy an evening cookout in the scenic setting of Shoshone Park. Mine tours and one-day fishing licenses are available.

Ride the Wall Bike Ride (June 21): A 13-mile bike course that follows the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s from Enaville to Cataldo then along the historic CCC-Wall Ridge route with beautiful views of the Coeur d’Alene River and the Silver Valley, ending back in Enaville.

Mountain Extreme Challenge (June 22-23): This white-knuckle enduro dirt bike race features spectacular views for both riders and spectators in the mountains above Kellogg.

Kegs and Kickstands (June 29): Bike around Kellogg for a tour of the town’s culinary and adult-beverage delights.

JULY

Wallace Idaho Statehood Day Parade (July 3): This parade through downtown Wallace’s streets will celebrate Idaho’s 129thbirthday. 

4th of July Fireworks (Thursday, July 4): Enjoy live music, food, vendors, games, and fireworks at dusk in Harrison City Park.

Live Music & Community Market (July 4): Shop from local farmers and vendors and enjoy live music from 2-8 p.m. in Kellogg City park.

Historic Wallace Blues Festival (July 12-15):The 8th-annual Wallace Blues Festival is sure to be a hit. It’s been voted best blues event three years running in the Inland Northwest, and was selected as best blues festival of 2018 by the Inland Empire Blues Society.

Annual Historic Skills Fair in Kellogg (July 13-14):Participants dress in period clothing and demonstrate historic skills such as spinning and flint knapping with the backdrop of Idaho’s oldest standing building, the Cataldo Mission. A large cannon will be fired on the hour all day Sunday, and you can visit with the Frontier Regulars Army Corps re-enactors or the Mountain Men re-enactors as they do their thing. Food and handmade crafts will be available for purchase, with free live music.

Wallace ATV Jamboree (July 23-27): ATV and UTV enthusiasts band together in Wallace for a week’s worth of riding in the 1,000-plus miles of trails and roads in North Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains.

Old Time Picnic (July 26-28): A traditional community celebration in Harrison complete with a parade and family-friendly games such as sack race, baby crawling contest, and the greased pole climb. There is also a ladies’ nail driving contest and a men’s obstacle contest.

SilverHoops 3 on 3 Tournament in Kellogg (July 27-28):One of the largest streetball tourneys in the northwest, great for all ages! Register your team online. 

Coeur d’Alene Tribe dancer at the Annual Coeur d’Alene Tribe Pilgrimage and Feast of the Assumption

AUGUST

Pinehurst Days (August 2-4): A weekend of fun with a traditional parade, local vendors, food, and kids’ activities.

Coeur d’ Alene District Mining Contest (August 3): Miners come from around the West to compete in the events starting at 8 a.m. in Gene Day Park in Osburn: Jack Leg Drilling, Team Jack Leg, Hand Mucking, 12-B Mucking, and Spike Driving for men and Hand Mucking and Spike Driving for women and children.

Wallace Accordion Jubilee (Aug 9-11):Accordion players from around the world will come together at Wallace’s iconic Red Light Garage and Fainting Goat Restaurant for concerts, parades, live music and dancing. 

Coeur d’Alene Tribe Pilgrimage and Feast of the Assumption (Aug 15):Celebrate the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and its return to the river, commemorating Chief Circling Raven, and celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary at the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park near Kellogg.

Wallace Huckleberry Festival & 5k Walk/Run (Aug 16-17):An annual celebration of all things huckleberry. You’ll find music, street dancing, huckleberry pancake breakfasts, street vendors, kid’s activities, a dunk tank, and the 5k Walk & Run. 

Dave Smith Motors Jeep Jamboree (Aug 16-17): Jeeps from past and present will be on display during this JeepFest that occurs at the same time as the Huckleberry Festival in Wallace.

Under the Freeway Flea Market (Aug 30-Sept 2): Hundreds of vendors will display their treasures in the protected open-air space under I-90 in downtown Wallace. There will also be live music, kids’ games, street drinks & eats, and more. As you stroll along the booths you can enjoy views of the river, historic town, and mountain landscape.

SEPTEMBER

Haul Ass to Harrison (Saturday, September 14): A classic car show in Harrison, located in the center of town, with music, raffle, and voting for the best cars.

Gamblers’ 500 Road Rally (Sept 14-15):A 500-mile road rally for auto enthusiasts. The local car club trolls the internet, auctions, and estate sales for vehicles less than $500, then sets out on a 500-miles road trip with an overnight stay at the midpoint in Wallace.

Re-dedication of the Center of the Universe (Sept 21):Wallace is a town that likes to celebrate whimsy, as with this event, that marks the anniversary weekend of the night in 2004 that a manhole cover at the junction of Sixth and Bank Streets was named the probably center of the universe. 

OCTOBER

Wallace Idaho Fall for History Festival (Oct 3-6): Celebrating Wallace’s colorful history during the most colorful time of the year. You’ll find guided tours of the National Register of Historic Places homes and churches; trolley rides to Nine Mile Cemetery, where actors portray past notable townspersons; lectures; plays; dinner shows; and other special events. 

Oktoberfest (Saturday, October 5): Features area micro-breweries and home brewers, vendors, food, music, games, and activities for the kids, including face painting and a bounce house in Harrison. 

DECEMBER

Winterfest (Saturday, December 14): Caroling, scavenger hunt, raffle, food and more to celebrate winter on the lake in Harrison.

For more information and tips for planning your ride on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, check out this article on Out There Venture.

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Family Biking Adventures on North Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes https://outthereventure.com/family-biking-adventures-on-north-idahos-trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes/ Mon, 20 May 2019 22:44:34 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=37717 When it comes to planning a biking trip with kids, nothing quite compares with the ease, beauty, and endless side adventures and activities of a family vacation to explore sections of North Idaho’s 73.2-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Families with children of almost any age can enjoy segments along the easy-to-beginner, mostly-flat, scenic family-friendly […]

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When it comes to planning a biking trip with kids, nothing quite compares with the ease, beauty, and endless side adventures and activities of a family vacation to explore sections of North Idaho’s 73.2-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Families with children of almost any age can enjoy segments along the easy-to-beginner, mostly-flat, scenic family-friendly paved trail—extending between the towns of Plummer and Mullan. While the full trail length would be daunting for kids, little legs can pedal shorter trail sections between towns that provide activities, amenities, and other delights for both parents and children.

Family adventure along the trail near the community of Cataldo.

Trail Sections Best for Kids

Here are four sections and their kid-favorite highlights, organized by the three major trailhead communities—Harrison, Kellogg, and Wallace—with easy trail access, lodging, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and other services for families.

Harrison to Lake Chatcolet

This trail section travels along the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene’s southeast shoreline. At one end is Heyburn State Park, where the bike trail crosses over Lake Coeur d’Alene along a former railroad draw-bridge, which marks the boundary with Lake Chatcolet. At the state park day-use area you’ll find a trailhead restroom, picnic shelter, playground, and state park restroom and water spigot.

Staying overnight in Harrison provides time for families to enjoy all the friendly charm, natural beauty, and history the town has to offer, including a city park and playground, swimming beach, marina, and ice cream parlor, as well as a bike shop for gear rentals and bike maintenance and supplies. Check out more of the local attractions and amenities for families here.

One of the many scenic bridge crossings along the trail.

Harrison to the Chain Lakes of the Coeur d’Alene River

Starting from the Harrison trailhead right in town, families will enjoy wilderness serenity as the trail travels along the Coeur d’Alene River and passes a series of small lakes, which are connected to the river by narrow channels. Moose, deer, and an array of bird species are commonly seen along this section of trail through the Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area. There are also numerous wayside points, as well as four trailheads along this stretch. The Springston, Medimont, Blackrock, and Bull Run trailheads each provide trail access near Harrison from Highway 3.

Because it’s more than 20 trail miles between Harrison and Cataldo, families with young children should ride out-and-back from Harrison. Be sure to ride a reasonable distance that will keep the whole family happy. To experience the other end of the scenic Chain Lakes area, start riding out-and-back from the Cataldo, Blackrock, or Bull Run trailheads.

Riders enjoying the lush scenery along the trail. Photo: Dorothy Hall

Cataldo to Enaville

This flat, tree-shaded section of trail along the Coeur d’Alene River connects families to two small towns. The trailhead in Enaville at the I-90 Kingston Exit is a short drive from lodging in nearby Kellogg, making this historic Silver Valley town a great basecamp for checking out this section of trail. Near the small community of Enaville, the Coeur d’Alene River splits into the North and South forks. In Cataldo, the Sacred Heart Mission, at the Coeur d’Alenes Old Mission State Park, is the oldest building in Idaho. Constructed in the early 1850s, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Because the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes doesn’t directly connect with the state park, families should drive to the park.

Kids learning bicycle safety at the Kids & Kickstands event in Kellogg set for June 1, 2019

Kellogg to Wallace

The most developed trail section with the easiest access to amenities is between these two Silver Valley towns. Both offer family-friendly activities, including museums and mine tours, as well as plenty of lodging, dining, and shopping options. Wallace also hosts many summer festivals and events, including the Huckleberry Festival every August. Here is a complete list of local attractions and special events along the trail and in other nearby North Idaho communities.

Face painting and other kids’ activities abound at the Historic Skills Fair at the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park near Kellogg. This year’s event is July 13-14, 2019.

Family Biking Tips

To ensure your family bike-ride is safe and as easy and comfortable as possible, bring essential supplies with you, including a trail map; tire pump and bike tools and supplies to fix flat tires and any bike mechanical problems (e.g., broken chain); clothing layers; first aid kit; and plenty of water and snacks for everyone. You can download an interactive digital map of the trail that highlights trailheads, rest areas, historic sites, and parks here.

Be sure to follow Leave No Trace ethics—pack out all garbage. And of course, everyone should wear a bike helmet and obey road crossing signs. Keep to the right of the 10-foot wide trail unless passing another trail-user, whether a runner, walker, cyclist, or electric-wheelchair user. Try to limit long rest-stops to trail waysides and trailheads.

Planning Your Trip

A multi-day biking vacation on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes based out of Harrison, Kellogg, and Wallace provides the opportunity to explore different trail segments with time to play and rest, whether it’s going out-and-back on the trail from town or driving among towns for different stays each night to explore other trail segments. Find more information about overnight accommodations in Harrison, Kellogg, and Wallace here.

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