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The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a paved, multi-use recreational trail stretching roughly 72 miles across northern Idaho, running between Mullan, Idaho in the east and Plummer, Idaho in the west. It follows former Union Pacific Railroad corridors through the Silver Valley mining region, alongside the Coeur d'Alene River, and along the southern shore of Coeur d'Alene Lake. Despite the trail being almost entirely within Idaho, its western terminus near Plummer connects to the Spokane area of Washington via highway, and many visitors base themselves in Spokane or the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho city area.
The trail is managed cooperatively by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The surface is smooth asphalt throughout, making it accessible to road cyclists, hybrid riders, inline skaters, and families with strollers or young children on bikes. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are also accommodated on much of the route.
The scenery shifts dramatically as you travel the corridor — from the industrial heritage of the Silver Valley mining towns in the east, through wetlands and riparian habitat along the Coeur d'Alene River, to sweeping views of Coeur d'Alene Lake near the western end. Wildlife sightings of osprey, eagles, herons, and white-tailed deer are common, particularly in the quieter central stretches.
Because the trail passes through a historically significant Superfund cleanup area — the Bunker Hill Superfund Site in the Silver Valley — some sections carry specific advisories around soil disturbance and leaving the paved surface. Travelers should be aware of these designations and follow posted guidance.
Before You Go
Superfund Awareness
Portions of the trail, particularly around Kellogg and the eastern Silver Valley, pass through or near the Bunker Hill National Priorities List Superfund site. The paved trail itself is safe to use, but visitors are advised not to disturb soils off the trail surface, not to let children play in bare soil adjacent to the trail in affected areas, and to wash hands before eating. Check current EPA and Idaho DEQ advisories before your visit.
Permits and Fees
Access to the trail is generally free for non-motorized users. A parking fee or day-use fee may apply at some trailheads managed by Idaho State Parks — verify current fees on the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation official site before arriving, as these can change seasonally.
What to Bring
- Plenty of water; potable water is not available at every trailhead
- Sun protection — the lakeside sections offer little shade in summer
- A trail map or downloaded offline route; cell coverage is inconsistent in the river corridor
- A basic bike repair kit if cycling (flat tires are uncommon on smooth asphalt but distances between services are long)
- Cash or card for shuttle services or rentals in gateway towns
Visas
This destination is in the United States. For visa requirements based on your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Department of State websites.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington, approximately 30–40 miles west of the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho area and western trailheads. Coeur d'Alene does not have commercial air service. From Spokane, rental cars are the most practical option for reaching trailheads.
Interstate 90 is the primary road corridor connecting Spokane to the trail's gateway towns. Kellogg, Wallace, and Coeur d'Alene all sit along or just off I-90. From the west, the Plummer trailhead is accessible via US-95 south from Coeur d'Alene.
Amtrak does not serve the immediate trail corridor directly, but the Empire Builder route stops in Spokane, from which travelers can arrange onward transport. Verify current Amtrak schedules at amtrak.com. Greyhound and other bus services connect Spokane to Coeur d'Alene — check current routes and schedules locally or online before travel.
Getting Around
Cycling the Full Trail
Most visitors cycle the trail as a point-to-point ride, typically west to east (Plummer to Mullan) or the reverse. The full 72-mile length is achievable in a single long day for fit cyclists, but most travelers break it into two or three segments over multiple days, basing themselves in gateway towns overnight.
Shuttle Services
Several local outfitters and shuttle companies operate vehicle shuttles between trailheads, allowing one-way rides without backtracking. Availability and pricing vary by season — verify locally or contact visitor centers in Kellogg or Coeur d'Alene for current providers.
Bike Rentals
Bike rentals are available in Kellogg and in Coeur d'Alene city. E-bike rentals have become more available in recent years, making the longer distances more accessible. Confirm current rental availability and hours before relying on a specific shop.
Driving Between Trailheads
For those not cycling the full distance, driving to a specific trailhead and doing an out-and-back section is a common approach. Parking is available at multiple access points along the route; signage is generally clear from the main highway.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options directly along the trail are modest. Kellogg and Wallace both have motels and small hotels suitable for trail visitors, and Wallace in particular has some characterful historic lodging options. Harrison has limited but functional lodging. Verify availability and current pricing directly with properties, especially in summer when demand from cyclists and outdoor visitors peaks.
Camping is available at some points near the trail; Heyburn State Park near Plummer is the most notable option, with lakeside camping in an Idaho state park setting. Reservations are advisable in summer — check Idaho State Parks' reservation system.
Many visitors choose to base in Coeur d'Alene city, which has a broad range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. From there, day trips to specific trail segments by car are straightforward. Spokane, Washington is also a viable base for the western end of the trail.
Things to See & Do
Cycling and Walking the Trail
The primary activity is using the trail itself. The most scenic section for casual visitors is generally the stretch along Coeur d'Alene Lake's southern shore between Harrison and Plummer, where the lake views are expansive and the terrain is flat. The eastern Silver Valley sections offer a different experience, with mining-heritage interpretive signage and the dramatic backdrop of the Bitterroot Mountains.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
The Coeur d'Alene River corridor is a productive area for birding. Osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and various waterfowl are regularly observed. The wetlands near Harrison are particularly rich habitat. Bring binoculars.
Exploring Gateway Towns
- Wallace, Idaho: A small, well-preserved Victorian mining town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown is compact and walkable, with a mining museum and distinctive architecture.
- Kellogg, Idaho: Home to the Silver Mountain Resort, which offers gondola rides and mountain biking in summer, and ski access in winter.
- Harrison, Idaho: A small lakeside town roughly at the trail's midpoint that serves as a rest stop and overnight option for through-riders.
Silver Mountain Resort
Located in Kellogg, Silver Mountain has one of the longest single-stage gondolas in the United States. Summer activities include hiking and mountain biking at elevation; winter brings downhill skiing and snowboarding. Verify current operating seasons and fees directly with the resort.
Food & Drink
Dining options along the trail itself are limited to the gateway towns. Kellogg and Wallace have the broadest selection of casual restaurants, cafes, and bars in the eastern portion of the trail. Harrison is small but has a handful of establishments oriented toward trail visitors and boaters.
In the long central sections of the trail between towns, there are few or no food or drink facilities. Carrying sufficient food and water for your planned segment is important, particularly if you are riding through mid-week or off-season when some seasonal businesses may be closed.
Coeur d'Alene city (accessed from the western end of the trail) has the widest variety of dining — from lakeside casual to sit-down restaurants — and is a natural base for western-end exploration. Spokane, Washington, just across the state line, offers a full urban dining scene for those based there.
Practical Information
Time Zone Alert
Almost all of the trail is in Idaho, which observes Mountain Time (MT). If you are based in Spokane or elsewhere in eastern Washington, you cross a time zone at the Idaho state border. This can affect shuttle coordination and business hours — confirm times in the correct zone.
Cell Coverage
Coverage is unreliable in significant stretches of the river corridor between towns. Download offline maps before setting out. Let someone know your itinerary if you are riding alone.
Weather
Summers are warm and generally dry, though afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain. The trail can be icy or snow-covered from late November through March in eastern sections — verify conditions before off-season visits.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for all emergencies in the United States. Cell coverage gaps mean you should note your nearest town at any given point on the trail. The Idaho State Police and Shoshone County Sheriff serve the eastern sections; Benewah County serves areas near Plummer.
Safety
The trail is generally considered safe for recreational users. The primary safety considerations are environmental and physical rather than crime-related.
Heat and sun exposure are real risks on exposed lakeside sections in July and August. Carry more water than you think you need; heat exhaustion is possible on long summer rides without adequate hydration.
As noted, the Superfund site areas in the eastern valley require staying on the paved surface and following posted guidelines. This is not a cause for alarm when using the trail as intended, but requires awareness.
Bicycle traffic can be heavy on summer weekends, particularly on the scenic lakeside stretch. Observe trail etiquette — announce when passing, keep right, and manage speed on shared paths where pedestrians, children, and slower riders are present.
