Are you planning to visit the quaint but modern town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho? If so, get ready for an adventure!
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a beautiful little city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With towering evergreen trees, gorgeous mountains, and lakefront views around every corner, Coeur d’Alene is a nature-filled destination to escape into nature while being close to modern comforts.
We’ve rounded up our can’t-miss and must-see places for your next visit to Coeur d’Alene. Keep reading to plan an adventure you’ll never forget!
Coeur d’Alene Lake
At the very top of our must-see list for Coeur d’Alene is a can’t miss experience — Lake Coeur d’Alene. The lake was once described by National Geographic as one of the top five most beautiful lakes in the world. Once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. In the winter, hundreds of bald eagles gather to feed on the Kokanee salmon near Wolf Lodge Bay. During the summer hundreds of people flock to the pristine beaches, nestled within a breathtaking mountain range.
Cruises
Enjoy a special tour of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers scenic daily cruises, river cruises, and sunset dinner cruises. Come back year-round for holiday cruises, eagle-watching cruises, and summer concerts. Many people even book Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises for parties and weddings!
Lake Coeur d’Alene Activities
There are tons of great experiences to have and memories to make on Lake Coeur d’Alene, especially during the spring and summer.
Bask on the Beach
Lake Coeur d’Alene has 135 miles of shoreline. Unlike other beaches, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to lay out your beach towel and enjoy the sunshine. Take a dip in the water, dig into some snacks, and have a great day on the lake. Pro Tip: If you have little ones, they’ll love that sand is perfect for making sandcastles.
Wakeboarding
Legend has it that wakeboarding first began on Lake Coeur d’Alene. All you need is a boat, tow rope, and a wakeboard. Watersports are common on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Wake surfers flock to Lake Coeur d’Alene for refreshing waters and miles of open lake.
Jet Skiis & Boat Rentals
Boating is one of Idaho’s favorite pastimes. Starting at less than $100, you can rent a boat and explore Lake Coeur d’Alene. Various Cobalt Sport Boats and Pontoons are available and can seat up an entire family comfortably. Cruise the entirety of Lake Coeur d’Alene and enjoy special amenities such as ice chest, spacious seating, and stereo system.
Or if you would rather zip around the lake in something smaller, jet skis are available to rent, starting at only $79 for an hour. Both agile and playful, jet skis give renters an easy way to explore the entirety of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Visit cdaboatrentals.com for more information.
Parasailing
For less than $100, you could soar hundreds of feet above the lake with Coeur d’Alene Parasailing. Flyers get harnessed to their parachute, like a swing, and fly high above the lake. Even the world-famous Evil Knievel has parasailed with Coeur d’Alene Parasailing.
Tubbs Hill
At the edge of the quaint city of Coeur d’Alene and McEuen Park rests Tubbs Hill. Tubbs Hill is a favorite hiking trail by both the locals and visitors. With 165 acres and 2.1 miles of hiking trails, Tubbs Hill is a stunning place to get out of the house and get some fresh air.
The trails are easy to climb and well-marked. It’s hard to get lost on Tubbs Hill, but easy to get swept away by the beauty. Three sides of Tubbs Hill are surrounded by the seemingly endless Lake Coeur d’Alene. Hikers are treated to views of towering trees, shimmering waters, and even wildlife. Deer, foxes, squirrels, birds, and more have been seen wandering the trail.
During the summer months, you’ll catch a glimpse of locals cliff jumping off the outcroppings and sunbathing in the various coves.
Finally, Tubbs Hill is a free, public area. Bring your family and friends and spend a day hiking this beautiful hill.
Centennial Trail
If you enjoy hiking, check out the beautiful Centennial Trail. This 23-mile trail extends along the scenic Spokane River from the state line of Washington and Idaho through Higgins Point. At the state line, the trail connects to the Spokane River Centennial Trail, which extends past Spokane to Nine Mile Falls.
Built by dedicated public funds, the Centennial Trail features pristine views of historical sites and untouched nature. This enjoyable hike is on an easy-to-walk paved pathway with rest areas, informative signs, and scenic overlooks.
Make sure to check out the monument at Independence Point. Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises board at Independence Point, which is a great way to experience Lake Coeur d’Alene at its finest — with beautiful blue waters and fresh air in every direction.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises provides year-round adventures on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Join us in the spring and summer for daily cruises, sunset dinners, and scenic river cruises. During the winter, our cruises go all the way to the North Pole in our Holiday Light Show. To learn more about Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, give us a call at (208) 292-5670.