The Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes is a 72-mile paved trail spanning the Idaho panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. It was created through a unique partnership between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U. S. Government, and the State of Idaho. The trail begins in the historic Silver Valley, continues along the Coeur d'Alene River past scenic Lake Coeur d'Alene and through rolling farmlands to Plummer. Twenty developed trailheads provide entry points, and there are seventeen scenic waysides along the route for picnicking.
The "Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes" is one of the most spectacular and popular trails in the western United States.Here, you will find 73 miles of newly laid asphalt that's perfect for road bikers and in-line skaters.
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes nearly spans the Panhandle of Idaho as it runs along rivers, beside lakes and through Idaho's historic Silver Valley. The uniqueness of the trail isn't simply the beautiful scenery and attractions along its route, but it's an innovative solution to the environmental problems caused by the early miners in the Valley.
Silver was discovered in the Valley around 1884 and construction of the rail line to support the growing mining and timber industries was started in 1888. Much of the trail today follows this original rail line, giving it a gentle grade. When the rail line was built, mine waste rock and tailings containing heavy metals were used for the original rail bed. In addition, the bed was contaminated with accidental ore concentrate spillage.
Now, the trail itself is part of the environmental cleanup in a partnership between the Union Pacific Railroad, the U.S. Government, the State of Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The thick layer of asphalt on the trail and the gravel barriers along the trail serve to isolate the contaminants and allow the area to be used once again. Although not all of the trail is susceptible to recontamination, it's best to use caution and follow trail rules.
The section between Plummer and Harrison has been thoroughly cleaned and is not susceptible to recontamination. Because the section between Harrison and Mullan is vulnerable to flooding, contaminants may be in the soil around the trail. Please stay on the trail and in designated picnic areas.
Wash hands and face before eating.
Eat at designated waysides and trailheads.
Remove dirt from clothes, toys, pets, shoes, and equipment before leaving the area.
Don't let children play near shorelines or off the trail.
Carry water for drinking and washing.
Any group wishing to host a special event or commercial activity on the trail must have authorization from the trail manager. Please contact trail rangers at (208) 682-3814 for more information.
In conjunction with the Sesquicentennial Celebration taking place throughout Idaho this year, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce a new program – "150 Miles for 150 Years".
This program encourages groups, families or individuals to get out and recreate specifically on these three trail systems – The Coeur d'Alene Trail and the Coeur d'Alene Parkway in northern Idaho, and the Ashton-Tetonia Trail in southeastern Idaho.
Each group, family, or individual that logs 150 miles of non-motorized recreation on these trails from June 15, 2013 – June 15, 2014 will receive a certificate of recognition, Idaho State Parks lapel pins, and will also be entered to win an annual MVEF pass to all 30 of Idaho's State Parks.
These three trail systems are ideal to include in Sesquicentennial programming because they are located in regions that are historically rich and were vibrant during the Territorial Era. More information about the three trails is below.
Participants will need to submit their completed trail logs and a photo or two for documentation as well as their names, addresses and telephone numbers in order be considered eligible. Mileage logs are available for download at the bottom of this page.
Submissions will be accepted via email, regular mail, or fax. Remember, only non-motorized trail use counts as acceptable entries. A similar program is being offered by Boise City Parks and Recreation – while the two programs are unrelated, this statewide program allows residents in northern and eastern areas of the state a chance to participate in a Sesquicentennial recreation challenge as well.
Keep in mind that participants have the option to do this as individuals, classes, groups, and couples – whatever. Only one entry per 150 miles, though. For example, if a class of fifty students does a three-mile interpretive hike on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene, they, as a whole entity, will get one certificate. If an individual logs 150 miles, he or she will get a certificate. If a family of four logs 150 different miles through several different outings, the family will receive one certificate.
The "Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes" is one of the most spectacular and popular trails in the western United States.Here, you will find 73 miles of asphalt that's perfect for road bikers and in-line skaters.
Silver was discovered inthe Valley around 1884 and construction of the rail line to support the growing mining and timber industries was started in 1888. Much of the trail today follows this original rail line, giving it a gentle grade. When the rail line was built, mine waste rock and tailings containing heavy metals were used for the original rail bed. In addition, the bed was contaminated with accidental ore concentrate spillage.
Now, the trail itself is part of the environmental cleanup in a partnership between the Union Pacific Railroad, the U.S. Government, the State of Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The thick layer of asphalt on the trail and the gravel barriers along the trail serve to isolate the contaminants and allow the area to be used once again. Although not the entire trail is susceptible to recontamination, it's best to use caution and follow trail rules.
Begins in Plummer, ID, ends in Mullan, ID.
Interpretive panels on the trail.
There are 19 trailheads and 18 scenic waysides along the trail.
Walk, bike, in-line skate, electric wheelchair.
Camping prohibited on trail, but there are several public and private operated facilities within easy distance.
Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park.
Water, daypack, sunscreen, high-energy food, small first-aid kit, trail map, camera and sunglasses.
Bikers and in-line skaters should always wear helmets; always use lights at night; obey road crossing signs.
Interpretive signage, Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park (Sacred Encounters Museum Exhibit).
Yes, on leash and under control at all times.
Walkers, hikers and cyclists of all ages love Coeur d' Alene Lake Parkway State Park. Spend the day on foot, on bike wheels or on the half-mile long beach. The paved parkway lies along the north shore of Lake Coeur d' Alene and has 5.7 miles of non-motorized fun. The parkway is part of the nationally famous North Idaho Centennial Trail, a multi-use recreational trail system that meanders for 24 miles from the Idaho/Washington state line. Along the parkway is Higgens Point where there is a boat launch facility and group picnic area overlooking the lake.
The parkway also includes an exercise course, roadside picnic tables, restroom facilities and benches for those who wish to stop and just enjoy views of the lake and the soaring Veterans Memorial Bridge. During the winter, spectators watch as Bald Eagle visit the park during the southern migration.
Coeur d' Alene Parkway is proud to manage a portion of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which is a part of the Millennium Legacy trail system.
Just east of Coeur d'Alene. Alongside the trail is Higgens Point, where there is a boat launch facility and group picnic area overlooking the lake. Also features: exercise course, roadside picnic tables, restroom facilities and benches.
The Ashton-Tetonia Trail officially opened in 2010 and extends nearly 30 miles between the towns of Ashton and Tetonia, Idaho. The trail occupies an abandoned rail spur once operated by Union Pacific (the Oregon Short Line). The trail includes five bridges and restored rail trestles. The gravel trail is enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers alike. Users might consider traveling from Ashton to Tetonia so that they can enjoy views of the Teton Mountains, but should keep in mind it is slightly uphill in this direction (only 800 feet elevation gain over the course of the trail).
Begins in Ashton, ID, and ends in Tetonia, ID. Includes five bridges and restored rail trestles.
One of the trestles along the Ashton-to-Tetonia Trail.
Walk, bike, horseback, snowmobile in winter months.