Guided Tour of Benewah County

From I-90 go south on HWY 97 to follow the eastern shore of the lake. Coast around the lake leisurely, stopping for the numerous natural and historical highlights, unique to the area.
[1] Beauty Bay Recreation Area. Four miles down HWY. 97, you'll find an excellent spot to ../picnic, hike, camp or just relax. The Mineral Ridge Hiking Area offers a gentle uphill climb to the top of the ridge for a spectacular view of the Coeur d'Alene lake. Camping is available at a USFS campground on Beauty Creek. The five-mile long Caribou Ridge hiking trail up to the Mt. Coeur d'Alene Vista starts from the campground.

[2]Beauty Bay Picnic Site. Further south on HWY 97, at the top of the hill, look for the sign for this site where you can picnic and stroll on a short nature trail. Enjoy a stay at Squaw Bay Resort, where you can rent a boat, relax in a cabin, or enjoy a lakeside RV spot.

In less than an hour's ride from the City of Coeur d'Alene along the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, you'll find yourself in the charming little town of [3]Harrison. This town has become the ideal destination among the fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts who don't like crowds. Located at the mouth of the Coeur d'Alene River, in the early 1900s Harrison was a main port for big passenger steamers. Harrison also offers a sandy beach, a protected swimming area, lakeside camping, public docks, boat and jet ski rentals, restaurants, a motel, and a nicely appointed Bed & Breakfast, the Osprey Inn. Hwy 97 ends south of Harrison at the junction of Hwy 3. Take Hwy 3 north, past the chain of lakes and back to I-90, or continue south to St. Maries on the [4]White Pine Scenic Byway.
The town of [5]St. Maries is nestled in the beautiful St. Joe Valley where the St. Joe and the St. Maries Rivers meet. Locals call St. Maries the gateway to the "Joe" and the St. Joe portion of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Visit the historic Hughes House Museum and Visitor Center for a glimpse into the past and to learn more about the logging town's colorful history. St. Maries is a hub for many recreational activities, including a the beautiful St. Maries Golf Club, a nine-hole golf course located just one mile east of town. Many summer softball tournaments are held in scenic community. St. Maries offers camping, lodging, small specialty shops as well as a variety of restaurants for the shopper or sportsman.
In the nearby Panhandle National Forest, you can walk the easy half-mile trail at the Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area (ancient giant cedars). Digging for the star garnet in the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, (see map) is a memorable experience for many visitors.
Established in 1908, [6] Heyburn State Park is both the oldest state park in the Northwest and the largest State Park (5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water) in Idaho. Located just west of St. Maries, the park includes Benewah, Hidden and Chatcolet Lakes and is home to one of the largest nesting populations of osprey in North America. There are three campgrounds, a marina, museum, and beach. Continue on Hwy 5 along the lake and back to the junction of Hwy 95 to the town of Plummer.
[7]Plummer is the headquarters for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Chatq'ele Interpretive Center, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Bingo Casino. Drive north on 95 to return to Coeur d'Alene and I-90.
Another excellent travel choice takes adventurers through the spectacular [8] St. Joe River Region. From St. Maries, go north on Hwy 3, then turn east on the St. Joe River Road towards Avery. Refreshments and recreational services are available along this route. The Shadowy St. Joe and Huckleberry Campgrounds are located on the banks of the St. Joe River, a premier fly-fishing stream. Further east; take a break at the [9]Marble Creek Historic Interpretive Site. Here, you'll find photos and stories about steam donkeys, iron horses, and the steely loggers who tried to tame the wild Joe.
The old pioneer town of [10]Avery displays a large interpretive sign, which tells the history of the area. A man-made trout pond offers up-close views of the normally elusive trout that populate the St. Joe River. Sixty miles of the St. Joe River above Avery have been declared part of the National Wild & Scenic River system. As you travel the river road along the lower part of the River, you'll understand why. The upper 29 miles is accessible only by trail.
Returning to I-90 from Avery, it's 65 miles to St. Regis, Montana. Along this route you'll find several prime campsites. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, moose, and other wildlife along the way.
The adventuresome traveler will enjoy the [11]Moon Pass Route. Go north out of Avery on FS Road 456 over Moon Pass (a well-maintained gravel road). This road, which follows the Old Train Route, will lead you to Wallace. Along the way, you'll travel through seven former railroad tunnels and across two trestles. Thirteen miles of the Hiawatha Trail is now open to the public for mountain biking and hiking. Check at the Avery Ranger Station (just west of the town of Avery) for more information on the Hiawatha Trail. For more information on Wallace, see the Silver Valley.