A Complete Guide To Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: North Idaho’s Premier Biking Path
Biking has always been one of our favorite ways to explore nature. Luckily, living in Idaho has allowed us to explore some of the best biking trails in North Idaho. Top on the list is the Hall of Fame path, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This Rails to Trails path offers a perfect blend of easy access, stunning scenery, and compelling history. We’re not the only ones who think so! The Rails to Trails Conservancy named it one of the top 25 bike trails in the nation.
This summer, we did the entire 73-mile trail (with our seven-year-old!), and it was an absolute blast. It’s a trail that can be enjoyed by all kinds of cyclists, from the avid hardcore biker looking to clock some mileage to a go-with-the-flow, stop-and-look-at-all-the-sight family of three. We even saw a group of bikers paralyzed from the waist down, zooming down the path using their hands.
In this complete guide to biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your biking adventure on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes a memory to cherish.
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History and Location of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Originally part of the Union Pacific Railroad, this historic route played a key role in transporting silver, lead, and zinc from the rich mining regions of the Silver Valley. Over time, as railroads became less essential for local industry, the trail was transformed into a paved path through a partnership between local tribes and government agencies.
Beginning in the small town of Plummer in the west and Mullan in the east, the trail takes you through North Idaho’s magnificent landscapes and historic mining towns. As you pedal along, you’ll pass through dense forests, glide over wetlands teeming with wildlife, and ride alongside the pristine waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The path offers stunning views that shift from rugged mountains to serene lakeshores, all while crossing over historic railway bridges that stand as reminders of the region’s past.
Best Time To Bike The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
The path is available to bike all year (weather permitting), but there are times when it is at its most beautiful. North Idaho has a long winter that continues into a rainy, cooler spring. The best time to bike the trail will be from late Spring (May) to early Fall (September). Every year will be different, depending on the climate extremes.
Spring: The lake, rivers, and creeks will be gushing from rain and snow melt, so it’s a great time to see them bursting with life. You’ll also get spring wildflowers. The downside is rain is much more likely during this period. You can expect temperatures to range from the 50s to 70s.
Summer: The busiest time on the trail and when you can use the bike shuttle provided by The Cycle Haus. The weather will be hot, so getting out on the trail early is ideal, as large portions aren’t shaded. If you don’t mind the heat, it’s a great time to ride the trail. You can expect temperatures from the 80’s to 90’s.
Fall: The best time to bike the trail is early fall when the weather is still pleasant, there are very few people, and the leaves are just beginning to turn. Though it isn’t common, North Idaho can get light snow as early as October. You can expect temperatures in the 50s to 70s.
Winter: Generally not recommended for biking since North Idaho has big winters, and the trail may or may not be maintained. If you want to bike in the winter, fat bikes are recommended.
You can learn more about the weather in Idaho with our in-depth post on the best time to Visit Idaho.
What To Pack for Biking The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
- Water Bottle: You’ll want to bring plenty of water for the trail. There is no water available on the trail, but a couple of times, we refilled our bottles at cafes and restaurants along the way.
- Snacks: You can stop for food at some places, but it’s best to have plenty of snacks to keep you nourished. The trail runs through small towns, so opening hours and days can be sporadic. Bring snacks!
- Helmet: While adults are not required by law to wear helmets, we felt more comfortable wearing our Thousand helmets.
- Sun Protection: Large parts of the trail have no tree coverage, so you’ll want sun protection for sunny days. We used Supergoop sunblock every day and wore sun protective clothing. We like the UPF Quick Dry shirts commonly used for hiking or fishing.
- Bike Repair Kit: While our bike was fine for our ride, we once popped our tire riding the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Now, we always ride with a bike repair kit! It’s a small thing to pack and great when you need it.
- First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit with bandages and sting relief is always a good idea. The summer we biked, there were big swarms of yellow jackets throughout the trail.
- Binoculars: For wildlife enthusiasts, a good pair of binoculars like Nocs Provisions can give you better views of the eagles and moose you might see on the trail.
- Zoom Lens: If you enjoy wildlife photography, you’ll want a zoom lens so you can capture the animals without getting close to them
Safety While Biking The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
While biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, it’s important not to touch the surrounding areas, such as the soil or water, due to contamination from the region’s mining history.
When the trail was created, a protective asphalt barrier was laid over the old railroad bed to cover the contaminated soil. This layer helps prevent exposure to the toxic substances beneath it. However, touching or disturbing the soil around the trail could potentially expose you to hazardous materials. Likewise, the mining waste may still affect the nearby water sources in some areas, making it unsafe to drink or interact with.
The trail is perfectly safe, but it’s important to stay on the paved path and avoid digging, picking up soil, or disturbing any areas along the trail.
Shuttle Services For the Trail
If you visit in the summer, you can use trail shuttles to avoid backtracking.
- The Cycle Haus has a shuttle that runs roughly from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September. It only operates from Harrison to Mullan. We used it and would definitely recommend it.
- Lou’s Bicycle Shuttle Service provides private shuttles that cover the entire trail length, making them an excellent option for reaching sections beyond the Cycle Haus service range. While we didn’t personally use them, they’re a convenient choice for anyone needing transport to Plummer.
Map of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Here’s a general map of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Sometimes, the trailheads will have paper maps, but it’s not guaranteed, so I would advise taking a screengrab of the map.
Our Journey Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Here’s an overview of our itinerary for biking the trail. Keep in mind that we were with a seven-year-old, had to backtrack, and only used a shuttle once. Easy ways to shorten your days would be to use an e-bike and the shuttle services mentioned above.
Day 1: Harrison to Plummer (31 miles round trip)
We started our first day pedaling from Harrison to Plummer. It was a great way to start the trail since the path clings to the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene, offering sparkling views of the water. A major highlight was crossing the Chatcolet Bridge– it’s a bit of a leg-pumping journey to the top, but going down is super fun and was thrilling for our little one (and me, too!). With its panoramic views, the bridge is like something out of a postcard, so we stopped to take lots of photos.
From Heyburn State Park to Plummer, the trail becomes forested and has a gradual 2-3 percent grade. We found it a bit challenging, especially with our seven-year-old in tow, but we got through it. Families with younger children might find this incline more difficult. Our little adventurer powered through, and we rewarded him with a well-deserved popsicle from the gas station in Plummer. The upside is that the ride back was pure joy as we cruised downhill!
The Gathering Place, also known by its native name Hn’ya’)pqi’nn, marks the western end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and is home to a striking metal sculpture—a war memorial honoring Coeur d’Alene tribal members who served in the U.S. military. It’s a beautiful work of art and worth visiting.
TIP: If you do not want to backtrack, I suggest using Lou’s Bicycle Shuttle Service for a one-way drop-off. The Cycle Haus in Harrison does not go west of Harrison.
Day 2: Enaville to Harrison (32 miles one way)
Riding from Enaville to Harrison brings you into the heartland of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is the scenic core of the trail and is not to be missed. This portion of the trail runs alongside the Coeur d’Alene River and includes towering trees, rocky outcrops, and peaceful wetlands.
We took an early morning shuttle with the Cycle Haus to avoid having to turn around and cycle back. This section is where you’re most likely to spot wildlife. We were lucky enough to spot some incredible wildlife—a mother moose with her two calves grazing near the trail and at Gap Rock, a majestic bull moose crossing the river. As we rode, we also saw turtles sunning themselves, a river otter darting through the water, and various birds, including herons, ospreys, and a golden eagle soaring above.
The trail winds through the small town of Cataldo, where, according to the map, there is a viewpoint of the Old Mission, the oldest building in Idaho. For the life of us, we couldn’t spot a view of the Mission. Perhaps the trees have grown too tall and now block the sightline? If you’re curious and want to visit the Old Mission, be aware the trail doesn’t connect directly to it. From the Cataldo Trailhead, it’s a 3.8-mile detour off the trail. I recommend using your phone’s GPS for directions. If you want a preview, check out the video we made of the Mission!
After a long but rewarding ride, we arrived back in Harrison in the early afternoon, hot and tired. The first thing we did was head straight to Harrison’s city beach to cool off. It’s a small area, but the clear, refreshing waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene were the perfect reward after a day of biking in the summer sun. We also stopped by the Harrison Trading Post for some soft serve. I highly recommend it!
Safety: All wildlife should be observed from a distance and never fed or touched. While moose are generally not aggressive, a bull moose in rut is unpredictable, and a cow moose with her young is fiercely protective and should never be approached.
Day 3: Enaville to Wallace (24 miles round trip)
After having based ourselves in Harrison for the last two nights, we checked out from our home rental in the morning and drove east to stay overnight in Wallace, Idaho, to tackle a new section of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This part of the trail runs closer to Highway 90, making it far less scenic than the western stretch. It’s not without its charms, though, and offers a different perspective of North Idaho as we cycled into the Historic Silver Valley and old mining towns. Though the highway is nearby, the route gives glimpses of the region’s history, with remnants of old railroad bridges and the occasional open view of the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of this ride is passing through Kellogg, home to Silver Mountain Resort. The gondola to Silver Mountain is the longest in North America, and during the summer months, it’s a hotspot for mountain biking. We’ve done the gondola before, but for anyone who wants a little break, it’s a beautiful ride to the top.
While in Kellogg, we paused for a break at The Beanery for an ice-cold drink. It’s right along the trail, and it was the perfect refreshment before continuing on to Wallace.
Day 4: Wallace to Mullan (14 miles roundtrip)
On our final day, we tackled the home stretch from Wallace to Mullan. The trail climbs steadily with a 2-4% incline as you make your way up into the mountains, which made this part of the ride more demanding than previous days. However, the cooler air and natural shade from the towering trees made the uphill effort much more manageable. Knowing that we were in the final moments of our four-day journey kept us going! I was riding an e-bike, but my husband and son weren’t so they were feeling the burn. The good news is that we got to ride back going downhill!
We chose this as our shortest biking day to allow time to walk around the charming town of Wallace, Idaho. Wallace is an incredible small town in North Idaho that is jam-packed with fun stories and history. If you want to learn more about Wallace, you can check out our complete guide on things to do in Wallace. For us, Wallace is one of the best places to visit in North Idaho.
Final Thoughts and Tips on Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes was phenomenal, and I highly recommend it. Now that we’ve done the entire thing, here are my thoughts on what I would do differently and the itineraries that I suggest.
If I were to do it again, I would only focus on the area from Enaville to Chatcolet. It’s the most beautiful section and captures the essence of the trail. Rather than biking Enaville to Mullan, I would stay in Wallace for a night or two and explore that wonderful area as a non-cyclist. Wallace is also a good jumping-off point for biking the other Rails to Trails path, the Route of the Hiawatha.
- If you are committed to riding the entire thing, I would base yourself out of Harrison and use the Cycle Haus shuttle to take you to Mullan to ride back to Harrison in one day. The next day, bike from Harrison to Plummer and cycle back to Harrison or use Lou’s Shuttle Service for a one-way ride.
- If you only want to ride the best sections, I would base yourself out of Harrison, take the Cycle Haus shuttle to Enaville, and ride back to Harrison in one day. The next day, ride from Harrison to Chatcolet and cycle back to Harrison.
These are just two options, but there are several different ways to enjoy the trail.
Where To Stay
Harrison and Wallace are the best towns to stay in while biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Harrison is on the western section of the trail, while Wallace is on the eastern section. We stayed in Harrison and Wallace and think it’s a great home base for its restaurants, home rentals, and other fun things to do. I also included somewhere to stay in Kellogg, the town next to Wallace, as Silver Mountain could be a fun choice for families.
We chose to stay in house rentals since they were a better value for our needs, but we recommend a few hotels below that you might like.
With the exception of Heyburn State Park, you can not camp directly off the trail.
Here are some suggestions on where to stay near the trail:
Harrison
Guest House: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 2
CDA Bunkhouse: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 4 (great for a family!)
Lake View House: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 6
Wallace
The Great Catsby: Historic home, 4 beds, 1 bath, Sleeps 8
Church House: Historic home, 2 beds, 1 bath, sleeps 6
Evergreen Escape: 1 bed, 1 bath, Sleeps 2
Stardust Motel: A great throwback motel located right in the center of town.
Kellogg:
Silver Mountain Lodging: The hotel connected to Silver Mountain Ski Resort. If you stay there, you get free access to their indoor water park. A fun option for kids.
Where To Eat
I highly recommend having snacks and water on the trail, but there are stops along the way if you need to grab a cold drink or want a full meal. Here are some nice spots to eat along the trail going west to east.
These are small towns, so the restaurants will not be open daily. I suggest checking the days and hours (and the season!) they will be open so you can plan accordingly.
Harrison (Mile 15)
The Cycle Haus: Great for breakfast and lunch, they have sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pizza, salads, and smoothies.
Harrison Creamery: Great stop for a post bike ice cream!
One Shot Charlies: Classic bar/restaurant with hamburgers and beer.
Cataldo (Mile 42)
Timbers Roadhouse: Burgers and pizza with gluten free options.
Enaville (Mile 47)
The Snake Pit: Open since 1880, it’s the oldest restaurant in Idaho. A fun stop along the trail. The have sandwiches, burgers, and fun cocktails.
Kellogg (Mile 53)
The Beanery: A great stop right along the trail for coffee, drinks, bagels, and light snacks.
Wallace (Mile 64)
Muchachos Tacos: Our favorite place to go whenever we’re in Wallace. Perfect for taco lovers! Fainting Goat Wine Bar + Restaurant: Offers brick-oven pizzas and a nice selection of beer and wine.
Blackboard Cafe: A great choice for lunch or dinner, the Blackboard Cafe offers a slightly more elevated restaurant ambiance while staying true to Wallace’s laid-back charm. You can also stop in to pick up sandwiches.
City Limits Pub and Grill: A local favorite, City Limits is precisely what you’d expect from a pub with an in-house brewery: delicious hamburgers and fantastic beer.
FAQ’s About Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bike Path
What kind of bike should I use on the trail of the Coeur d’Alenes?
The path is entirely paved and mostly flat, so specialty bikes are unnecessary for the trail. Ebikes are a great option if you are doing a long stretch or need extra assistance.
Are e-bikes allowed on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes?
Class 1 and 2 ebikes are allowed on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. I rode my beloved RadRover E-Bike and am so glad I did!
Is the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes suitable for beginner cyclists?
Yes, the trail is suitable for cyclists of all levels, including children. It is mostly flat, except for the tail ends (Heyburn to Plummer and Wallace to Mullan), where it has a 2-3% grade.
How long does it take to bike the whole trail?
The time it takes to bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes varies for each person. Some people choose to bike the entire trail in one day by having a shuttle drop them off at Mullan so they only have to bike one way. Depending on your speed and how much you stop, it would take, on average, 6-8 hours to bike the path one way.
We took four days to bike the trail and found that to be a perfect amount of time for biking, resting, taking in local sights, and not pushing our seven-year-old to exhaustion.
After having done the trail, 2-3 days is the sweet spot for most people if you want to combine biking with leisurely sightseeing.
Can I rent bikes on the trail?
You can rent bikes for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in a few different spots.
- Harrison: The Cycle Haus offers bikes, e bikes, and kids bikes.
- Kellogg: CDA Bike Co offers bikes, e bikes, kids bikes, and bike rack rentals.
- Wallace: The Spokehouse offers e bikes.
- Coeur d’Alene: Gear Garage offers e bikes and bike rack rentals, CDA Bike Co offers bikes, e bikes, kids bikes, and bike rack rentals.
What’s the best section of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes for families with young kids?
If you’re biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes with kids, there are two sections that I highly recommend for a fun, family-friendly adventure.
The first is the stretch from Harrison to Chatcolet Bridge, a scenic route that hugs the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene the entire way. It’s 16 miles round trip and includes crossing the Chatcolet Bridge. The town of Harrison adds to the fun by stopping at Harrison Creamery for ice cream or a dip in the lake to cool off. You can even rent bikes directly from Cycle Haus in town, making it easy for families who don’t have their own bikes.
The second section I recommend is the ride from Cataldo to Enaville, which is perfect for families looking to soak in the pure beauty of North Idaho. Often considered the most picturesque stretch of the trail, this 10-mile round trip offers a shorter, more leisurely ride, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing or even a day trip from Coeur d’Alene. With lush forests, meandering rivers, and the serene countryside, this section showcases the breathtaking natural landscapes that make North Idaho unique.
Are there bathrooms and rest stops along the trail?
Yes, there are plenty of bathrooms and places to stop along the trail for resting, eating, and using the bathroom. While there are trail maps along the way that will tell you when the next bathroom is, I recommend taking a screenshot of the map so you can also look at your phone for reference.
What is the most scenic part of the trail of the Coeur d’Alenes?
The best section of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is from Chatcolet to Enaville. This 40-mile section is where you feel like you’re pedaling through a nature documentary. The path winds along the shimmering waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene takes you through lush wetlands teeming with wildlife and gives you front-row views of the Coeur d’Alene River.
Who’s ready to bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes? I hope our guide to biking the path helps you easily explore this incredible North Idaho bike trail.
Happy Adventures!
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