Local Favorite Trails:

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
This beloved trail extends 73 miles between Mullan and Plummer and runs through the Silver Valley. It is one of the most spectacular trails in the northwest as ranked by Rails to Trails. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is also a cornerstone of the Silver Valley recreation atmosphere and lifestyle. On any given day you will find many locals enjoying the greenbelt. In the summer you’ll see bikers, joggers, runners, fishermen, skaters, and even wheelchairs, and in the winter it’s perfect for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Year-round you can enjoy the natural beauty along the trail and spot wildlife. There are 20 trailheads that provide entry points, and there are scenic waysides along the route that are perfect rest spots. Here is a downloadable PDF map as you will probably lose cell phone service while out enjoying nature along this gorgeous trail.

Bitterroot Trails
The Bitterroot National Forest extends between Idaho and Montana. This pristine and rugged terrain is accessible through various access points. This gorgeous forest has 1.6 million acres for you to explore, and half of the forest makes up the largest continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states.

Little Guard Lookout
One of the last remaining fire lookouts, this lookout tower is now available to the public for recreation. Its relatively high elevation provides gorgeous vistas, and it’s perfect for day hiking the Shoshone Ridge Trail #81. Check the Forest Service’s website for rental availability, fees, and details.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest Trails
The Panhandle National Forest is divided into 5 different areas:

Coeur d’Alene River Area
Lower Kootenai River Area
Pend Oreille Lake Area
Priest Lake Area
St. Joe River Area

The Coeur d’Alene River Area is what surrounds the Silver Valley, but there are even more options if you venture into other areas of the forest. Within the forest trails, you’ll find alpine lakes, historic sites, rushing rivers, ancient cedar groves, wildlife, and more. Many of the trails are easily accessible, depending on weather and seasonality.

Settler’s Grove of Ancient Cedars Interpretive Trail
Wander through towering cedars in this Idaho trail that borders Montana. The oldest trees in this grove date back to the early 1500s. The trail meanders under the massive trees while crossing a peaceful creek several times. Perfect for a day hike or an afternoon stroll. The trailhead has restrooms, ample parking, and is about an hour from Kingston, Idaho.

Pulaski Tunnel Trail
A short 5 minutes from Wallace, this trail follows part of the escape route that a crew of firemen used to survive the 1910 fires. The area is now lush and green while signs along the trail tell the story of “Big Ed” Pulaski and his crew. This is an ideal half-day hike.

Thompson Pass
Noted as one of the most beautiful drives in the region, the Thompson Pass sits at 6,814 feet on the Idaho/Montana border. From this Pass, there are plenty of trailheads to explore. Revett Lake Trail #9 is a trail that is perfect for any level of hiking skill, and it features a lake and a waterfall. Keep in mind that the road to Thompson Pass is not maintained through the winter.

Old Milwaukee Road: Rails to Trails
This scenic road travels through the St. Joe River Valley, connecting the Route of the Hiawatha to the towns of Avery, Marble Creek, and Calder. This low-grade trail is perfect for biking or hiking and beautifully travels through a National Forest.

Stevens Lake Trail
Rated as a more difficult trail, the hike up to Steven’s Lake is gorgeous. It goes through a variety of terrain including meadows, forest groves, across loose rock, and over streams neighboring waterfalls. The views and lake at the end are worth the hike if you’re up for a bit of a challenge.