Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Day Trip

47 miles of stunning North Idaho goodness!

Mile 0 - 14

This trail is consistently voted as one of the best Rail-to-trail destinations in the country. Our guided trip will show you the best section of this fully paved trail, from Plummer Idaho, to Enaville Idaho. A distance of 43 miles.
We begin the day with a 45 minute drive to the trailhead in Plummer Idaho, where we unload the bikes, and fill up our snack bags with provided snacks and drinks.
Our first section of trail leaving Plummer is a scenic treasure, where grassland and farmland slowly give way to a diverse botanical ecosystem of deciduous trees, and massive Ponderosa Pines.
Our first view of Lake Coeur d’Alene comes at the bottom of the hill, where the stunning Chatcolet pedestrian bridge comes into view after passing through Idahos’ first State Park..Hayburn.

From the Chatcolet bridge, look out for Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons that use the bridge for nesting.

After crossing the bridge, we pedal for 8 beautiful lakeside miles until reaching the historic lakeside town of Harrison at mile 15.3 of our trip. Here we will meet up with our van, fill up our water bottles, and eat lunch at the local favorite Cycle Haus restaurant and bike shop. If we are lucky, the huckleberry season will be a good one, and we can stop at the Harrison Creamery for a giant scoop of Huckleberry Ice cream.

Chain Lakes, Wildlife, and Pedal Power!

Mile 15 - 35

Chain lakes, rivers, and wildlife galore!

The shoreline of Lake CDA recedes as we pedal into the Chain Lakes region. This area is world renowned for its wildlife, fishing, bird-watching, and wetlands. Views of the forest covered mountains surround us as we glide through one beautiful scene after the other. Moose sightings are a common occurrence here, as well as the occasional Beaver dragging a stick across the path, or a sparrow diving for its next meal. This is a magical place, full of life, sounds, and smells that are sure to leave a lasting impression. And we get a front-row seat by pedaling through this wonderful place. Bring your binoculars, take your time, and soak it all in. Many picnic tables, shaded gazebos, and restrooms can be found along this stretch at any of the trailheads.
At mile 34, we will see the van once again for our snack stop at the Bull Run trailhead, where we can rest, fill our bottles, and load up on snacks for the last section of trail.

Coeur d’Alene River, and Rocky Mountain Oysters!

Mile 35 - 47

History buffs rejoice. Leaving Bull Run, we will be traveling along the Coeur D’Alene river for the remainder of our trip. We will pass through fragrant pine forests, marshy lowlands, open pastures full of flowers, and Countless opportunities for pictures. This history of this section is fascinating, with evidence of the old mining activity evident all around us. At mile 41 we will pass by the oldest standing building in Idaho, the Cataldo Mission, and the Old Mission State Park. Stop to read the many interpretive signs along the trail here, to get a sense of the history of this beautiful stretch of trail.

14 miles after leaving Bull Run, we will come to the end of our ride, with a visit to the oldest bar in Idaho, The Snake Pit, where you can sit at the bar or out on the patio for a drink, or grab a table for a plate of their famous Rocky Mountain Oysters.

Here, after a 47 mile day, the bikes will be loaded for our 45 minute return trip back to Coeur d’Alene, and a much needed rest!