Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene is the star of the region, a long, deep lake ringed by pine-covered mountains and dotted with coves and beaches. On its northern shore, the city of Coeur d'Alene wraps around a harbor, with a public beach, a boardwalk and a resort complex with a famed floating boardwalk. Just beside downtown, Tubbs Hill is a wooded headland that juts into the lake and carries a loop trail of a couple of miles with water views through the pines, accessible without a car if you are staying nearby. A day here can be as active or relaxed as you like. In summer you can swim at the public beach, rent a kayak, paddleboard or boat, or take a lake cruise, and in the cooler seasons you can walk the hill and the boardwalk, browse the shops and watch the light change on the water. The tourism region of North Idaho lists excursions and tours across the area, including lake cruises, scenic rides and outdoor activities, which makes it simple to add a paid activity to a free day.

Tubbs Hill itself is free and open throughout the year. The main loop is easy to moderate, with short climbs and good viewpoints, and it takes roughly an hour at a casual pace. Wear shoes with grip, bring water, and watch for slippery surfaces after rain. Dogs are generally allowed on a leash, and swimming spots on the hill are popular in summer. At the foot of the hill the city beach offers sand, picnic areas and a playground, which is a good plan for families.

If you prefer a guided overview first, the city and Segway tours in this guide are good starting points. Because Coeur d'Alene is in Idaho, remember that sales tax and some rules differ from Washington, and enjoy the fact that you can go from city waterfalls to a mountain lake in one morning.

Finish with a few simple ideas. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for an hour if the water is calm, or sit on the beach with a book. Ask local shops about boat rentals, fishing charters and winter events. If you want to see a bigger part of the lake, plan a longer cruise or a drive along the scenic roads on the shore. Check the forecast for smoke or storms in late summer, which can change views and plans, and carry a layer for the evening breeze off the water.

Wildlife on and around the lake includes osprey, bald eagles, herons and the occasional deer on the hill, so a small pair of binoculars is a pleasant addition. Respect local rules on swimming, fires and pets, and take your trash with you. In winter, the shore can be icy and windy, so wear traction and a warm hat.