4 Scenic Bike Trails in North Idaho for Families and Adventurers

Northern Idaho, with its rugged landscape of sweeping mountains, glassy lakes, and cedar-lined forests, attracts nature lovers looking to escape it all. While people flock in droves to Schweitzer and Silver Mountain for their thrilling mountain biking runs, tucked within the panhandle of Idaho are a handful of idyllic bike trails that offer accessibility for a wider variety of bikers.

We’re no strangers to biking the trails in North Idaho, and come summertime, it’s one of our favorite ways to spend our time. Here are some of the most scenic bike trails in North Idaho, each suited to varying skill and endurance levels.

Here’s a fun trivia fact: North Idaho is home to two nationally recognized Hall of Fame bike trails, celebrated for their scenic beauty and rich history. You can learn more fun Idaho Trivia here.

4 Amazing Bike Trails In North Idaho

1. Route of the Hiawatha

Perhaps the most famous bike trail in Northern Idaho, the Route of the Hiawatha, is the first of the two trails with the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame designation. Built along a former railway line, the trail features towering trestles and long, dark tunnels, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. The trail starts at Taft Tunnel, a 1.66-mile tunnel shrouded in complete darkness. It’s a thrilling and eerie start to the adventure! While the trail is 15 miles one way, the gentle 2% downhill slope makes it accessible and enjoyable for cyclists of all skill levels. We did it with our five-year-old, and he loved it! To top it off, a shuttle can take you back to the trailhead if you don’t want to circle back and ride uphill. While the train trestles and tunnels make for a fun ride, the scenic views of the Bitterroot Mountains are incredible and not to be missed.

Biking the Route of the Hiawatha is a popular summertime event that draws people worldwide. To help you best prepare, we highly suggest reading our full post about riding the Hiawathat Bike Trail. The trail is not something you can just show up for; you’ll want to be prepared with tickets and rentals beforehand.

2. The Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is the second Hall of Fame Trail from the Rails to Trails Conservancy. This grand trail offers 73 miles of scenic, paved pathway through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Northern Idaho has to offer. The gentle terrain means families and beginner cyclists can enjoy this route, taking advantage of the many rest spots and scenic overlooks along the way.

Cutting through the panhandle of Idaho from east to west, the trail winds gently through serene forests, quiet wetlands, and along the picturesque Coeur d’Alene River, making it an ideal route for cyclists craving nature and solitude. While nature is the main draw, the path passes through fantastic small towns like Harrison, Kellogg, and our favorite, Wallace.

READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

3. North Idaho Centennial Trail

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile scenic, multi-use path that stretches from the Washington-Idaho state line through the sparkling city of Coeur d’Alene and ends at Higgens Point on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a versatile route that caters to both casual outdoor enthusiasts and more serious athletes.

One of the key attractors of this trail is its variety of scenery. Riders will traverse peaceful forests, glide alongside the sparkling Spokane River, and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. As you pass through Coeur d’Alene, the trail becomes an urban trail, where you’ll encounter popular points of interest, including downtown Coeur d’Alene, McEuen Park, and Tubbs Hill, perfect for a quick break or a picnic.

The trail’s accessibility makes it suitable for nearly everyone. Families can enjoy shorter sections, while avid cyclists can tackle the 23-mile stretch. With a relatively gentle grade, it’s easy enough for beginners but offers plenty of scenic rewards for more experienced riders.

READ NEXT: A Guide to Biking the North Idaho Centennial Trail

4. Auto Tour at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

The Auto Tour Trail in the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers a fantastic 4.5-mile loop for cyclists who want to experience nature up close. Located just west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, this gravel trail begins at the refuge entrance and loops through a vast prairie of wetlands and open grasslands, all within the steady silhouette of the Selkirk Mountains.

The trail is open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians, as well as cross-country skiers in the winter. While sharing the road with cars might deter some, its remote location makes it a peaceful spot with very little traffic.

The refuge is a sanctuary for over 300 species of birds, including eagles, ducks, and herons, as well as larger animals like moose, elk, deer, and bears. Along the way, interpretive signs provide insights into the different habitats and species that call this area home.

The Auto Tour Trail is well-suited for cyclists of all levels, offering a mix of gentle slopes and flat sections.

Several spots along the route allow you to stop and rest, take photos, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

TIP: While the trail is 4.5 miles, it’s not a true loop in that it circles back to the original spot. You will have to bike on a paved road back to the trailhead, adding an additional two miles. The road is wide and safe for families to ride on.

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With a variety of scenic bike trails in North Idaho, riders can enjoy peaceful, well-maintained routes that meander through picturesque landscapes. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride or a more extended adventure, cycling in Idaho is a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature’s salve.

Here’s to planning your next biking adventure in North Idaho and discovering all this incredible region has to offer!

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