Best Hiking Trails in Coeur d'Alene: 5 Favorites for Your Next Adventure

Tubbs Hill

This is the quintessential CDA hike. Located right downtown next to the Coeur d'Alene Resort, it's a family-friendly loop that hugs the shoreline. You'll get stunning views of the lake and several opportunities to take side paths down to hidden beaches and rock outcroppings. You can start your hike from two main points: the 3rd Street entrance (near the McEuen Park boat launch) for the classic route, or the 11th Street entrance (the "backside") if you want a quieter start or a slightly different perspective of the hill.

• Mileage: 2.2-mile loop
• Location: Downtown CDA
• Rating: Easy
• Local Tip: This trail is popular for a reason, so expect company, especially on sunny weekends.

Mineral Ridge

For those looking for a bit more of a workout with a massive payoff, Mineral Ridge is a must. Located about 11 miles east of town, you can get there by taking I-90 East to Wolf Lodge (Exit 22) and following Highway 97 south. The trail switchbacks up the ridge, offering some of the most famous panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

• Mileage: 3.3-mile loop
• Location: Highway 97 (Wolf Lodge District)
• Rating: Moderate
• Local Tip: The parking lot is notorious for filling up fast during peak season. Plan to arrive early in the morning or try a weekday to snag a spot.

Cougar Bay Nature Preserve

If you prefer a quieter experience centered on wildlife, head over to Cougar Bay. Located just a few minutes west of downtown on Highway 95, this area is managed by the Nature Conservancy and is a haven for bird watching. Keep an eye out for ospreys and herons as you wind through the marshes and forested hillsides.

• Mileage: Roughly 2 miles of interconnected loops
• Location: Highway 95 South
• Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Local Tip: Bring your camera or binoculars—the waterfowl activity here is top-tier.

Canfield Mountain

If you want the absolute best bird's-eye view of the city and the surrounding prairie, Canfield is the place to go. The trailhead is located at the end of Nettleton Gulch Road. While it's a bit of a climb, once you reach the lookouts, you can see all the way across the valley. It's a great spot for a more rugged, "mountain" feel without driving far from town.

• Mileage: Varies (Multiple trails, but the main lookout is about 3-4 miles round trip)
• Location: End of Nettleton Gulch Road
• Rating: Moderate to Hard
• Local Tip: Definitely bring your binoculars here; you can spot landmarks across the entire region from the top.

Fernan Lake Natural Area

Located on the south side of Fernan Lake, this area features a series of hillside loops that offer a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown. To get there, head east on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive and turn onto Potlatch Hill Road to find the trailhead. The terrain here provides a great mix of forested paths and open viewpoints where you can look down over the length of Fernan Lake.

• Mileage: 1 to 2.25-mile loops
• Location: Potlatch Hill Rd (Off Coeur d'Alene Lake Dr)
• Rating: Easy
• Local Tip: With four different interconnected loops to choose from, you can easily customize your distance. It's a fantastic alternative to Tubbs if you want lake views without the downtown crowds.

A Note on Trail Etiquette

To keep these trails beautiful for everyone, we have a few "unspoken" rules that we'd love to keep spoken.
First, let's talk about dog poop. There are no trash cans along these trails, so please do not bag your dog's waste and leave the plastic bag on the side of the path with the intent to "get it later"—most people forget, it ruins the scenery, and plastic doesn't biodegrade!
Secondly, please be mindful of the noise. Many people head to the woods to enjoy the sounds of nature, so leave the portable speakers at home and use headphones if you need your music.

We hope this guide helps you discover a new favorite hiking spot in Coeur d'Alene. Whether you're a lifelong local or just visiting for the weekend, these trails are the heart of our community. Grab your water bottle, respect the land, and enjoy the views!