• Post Falls Dam

  • Photographed by Tom Holman

Empire Trails at Spirit Lake Grand Opening was on Saturday May 16, 2015

SPIRIT LAKE - Spirit Lake has developed trails to more recreational opportunities.

The chamber of commerce and volunteer groups held the grand opening of the 6.5-mile, non-motorized Empire Trails at Spirit Lake on the northwest side of the lake on Inland Empire Paper Company land toward Brickle Creek.

Trailhead at the Silver Beach gate: To get there, drive past the boat launch on Spirit Lake Road and continue about 4 miles just past Silver Beach.

The trails will be open to walk or ride mountain bikes

The trail system includes five bridges and sweeping views of Spirit Lake and at one point, you're 300 feet above the elevation of the lake

The trails will be open seven days a week through the end of September.

The new trail system is on separate Inland Empire Paper land that's open to recreational vehicles.

Trailhead: 4.5 miles from downtown on the northwest side of the lake on Spirit Lake Road.

The cost to utilize the trail system, will be $2.50 per person per day. Passes are available at C's Train and Antique Shop, Sondahl's Pottery and Miller's Harvest Foods in Spirit Lake as well as at the trailhead.

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Type Name Region Description Contact Info
RV, Camp Albeni Falls Dam Bonner
County
Four walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings (two reservable, two first-come, first-served sites). No hookups. Limit of eight people spending the night per site. Fees Charged: $18.00 per night per RV site (includes site fee, the primary camping vehicle and one extra vehicle if there is room for the vehicle on the site). No entrance or day-use fees. RV or Camp sites: 14. 2376 E. Highway 2
Oldtown ID 83822
877.444.6777
208-437-5517
www.recreation.gov
RV, Camp Alpine Country Store & RV Park Kootenai
County
Convenience Store • Showers Laundry • Picnic Areas Barbeque Pits • Complete Hookups 25 Camp Sites • Video Rentals Souvenirs • Gas & Oil RV or camp sites: 25. N. 175 6 8 HWY 95
Hayden ID 83814
208-772-4305
Beauty Creek Campground Benewah County Beauty Creek Campground
Facilities: 20 campsites, potable water. Fully accessible. Open from late spring to late summer. Attractions: Camping, hiking, Lake Coeur d'Alene
Contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District for actual opening and closing dates.
Directions: Take Exit 22 (Harrison-St. Maries) off of I-90, turn south on State Hwy 97 for 2-1/2 miles to Forest Road 438, turn east and follow paved road 1 mile to campground.
Beauty Creek Campground Kootenai County Kootenai County, Forest Service, Sites: 15 Phone: 208-769-3000
Reservations: 800-280-CAMP
  Beaver Creek Bonner County Located on the shores of Priest Lake at an elevation of 2,500 feet.
Open Memorial Day - Labor Day
Sites: 40 normal camp units and 1 group site
 
Bell Bay Campground Shoshone County Camping units, day use, potable water, trail system. 26 sites. Upper loop reservable as a group site to accomodate up to 60 people in 10 trailer spaces. Nearest boat ramp is in Harrison. Open from late spring to late summer. Attractions: Lake Coeur d'Alene, boat dock, hiking, Harrison Contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District for actual opening and closing dates.
www.recreation.gov
Berlin Flats Benewah County Silver Valley, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 9  
Big Creek Campground Benewah County St. Joe County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 8  
Big Hank Campground Shoshone County Silver Valley, Forest Service, Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. Sites: 30 spacious campsites for tent camping. Roads and campsite parking spurs are paved. Located along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Shore fishing, hiking and biking trails. Excellent base camp for hunters during season. Wildlife including mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds are often spotted.

Memorial Day - Labor Day
www.recreation.gov

 

Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and established fire rings are among the conveniences offered.

Bumblebee Campground Shoshone County Silver Valley, Forest Service, Sites: 2  
City of Harrison Campground Benewah County St. Joe County, Forest Service, Sites: 21 Phone: 208-689-3212
Bead and Breakfast, RV, Camp Coeur d'Alene KOA RV, Tent & Cabin Resort Kootenai County

Kootenai County, Private, Sites: 162. 3/10 mile South of I-90 & Hwy 97 at Exit 22. Address: 10700 Wolf Lodge Bay Rd., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

Phone: 208/664-4471
Website: www.koa.com
Copper Creek Boundary County Boundary County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 16 Phone: 208-267-5561
Bead and Breakfast, RV, Camp Country Lane Inn & RV Resort on the River Shoshone
County
Bed & Breakfast, Bunkhouse, Pool/spa, restaurant, bar, weddings and family reunions, conference room, kitchen units. Pets allowed. Power & water for the Campsites also available on the Coeur d'Alene River. RV or camp sites: 37. 5927A Old River Rd.
Kingston ID 83839
208-682-2698
877-670-5927
Country Lane Resort
Devil's Elbow Campground Shoshone County Silver Valley, Forest Service, Sites: 20  
Emerald Creek Campground Benewah County St. Joe County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 18  
Farragut State Park Kootenai County

Kootenai County, State. Sites: 82

Phone: 208-683-2425
Bead and Breakfast, RV, Camp Fireside Lodge Country Inn & RV Park Kootenai County

Full hook up RV Park open year round on Spirit Lake. Sites: 12.

Phone: 208-623-2871
Garfield Bay Boundary County Boundary County, Forest Service, Sites: 27  
Heyburn St. Park Benewah County St. Joe County, State, Open April-Oct. Sites: 138 Phone: 208-686-1308
Bed and Breakfast, Camp, Cabin Huckleberry Tent & Breakfast Bonner
County
Cozy, canvas tent cabins, queen-size beds, private camp kitchen--propane hotplate, vintage kitchen sink, old-time water pump, picnic basket, pots & plates -- Visit Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast to rediscover the simple joys of life. RV or camp sites: 3. 180 Thunderbolt Dr.
Clark Fork ID 83811
(208)266-0155
Huckleberry Campground Benewah County St. Joe County, Bureau of Land Mgt., Open May-Oct. Sites: 21  
Killarney Lake Coeur d'Alene Benewah County Sites: 15 Phone: 208-769-5000
Kit Price Campground Shoshone County Silver Valley, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 52  
RV, Camp Luby Bay Campground Bonner County Located on the shore of Priest Lake.
Kayaking, canoeing and power boating up the 3.5-mile thoroughfare that leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake cannot be accessed by car. Fishing, swimming, birding and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The Beach Trail #48 can be accessed from the campground. The 8-mile scenic excursion loops around the southern part of Priest Lake.
Size Restrictions: 22-65 feet
Dump Stations
Water and Electrical hookup available at some sites.
Sites: 24 of 52 units accessible
Picnic Sites: 4 available on a first-come, first-served basis

Priest Lake Ranger District
32203 Highway 57
Priest River, ID 83856
208-443-2512

Open May-Sept

Meadow Creek Boundary County Boundary County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 22  
Priest Lake State Park Bonner County North Lakes, State, Open All Year Sites: 150 Phone: 208-443-2200
Priest River Recreation Area Bonner County North Lakes, Army Corp of Eng., Open April-Oct. Sites: 20  
 cabin spot Red Ives Cabin Benewah County Located 86 miles southeast of St. Maries, Idaho on Forest Road 218 the Red Ives cabin features 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and covered front porch. No pets.
Lottery applications only. Lottery applications are accepted January through February.  More info
Phone: 208-245-2531
Fees     $60 per night
Open Season: May - September
Reeder Bay Bonner County Located on the eastern shore of Priest Lake near Elkin's Resort.
Wake boarding, jet skiing, bird watching and canoeing are among the many activities campers enjoy. Hike the 8-mile Lakeshore Trail which passes through alder, pine, young cedar and open hillsides of brush, providing memorable scenic views throughout the journey. Anglers seek Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout, as well as kokanee salmon, on the lake and nearby Priest River. Sites: 24

Closed for the 2018 season while the campground is upgraded to flush toilets, according to a U.S. Forest Service

Priest Lake Ranger District
32203 Highway 57
Priest River, ID 83856
208-443-2512

Riley Creek Recreation Area Bonner County North Lakes, Army Corp of Eng., Open April-Oct. Sites: 68  
Robinson Lake Boundary County Boundary County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct. Sites: 10  
Round Lake State Park Boundary County Boundary County, State, Open All Year Sites: 53  
Shadowy St. Joe Campground Benewah County St. Joe County, Forest Service, Open May-Oct.  
RV, Hotel, Camp St. Joe Lodge, Resort & RV Park Shoshone
County
Right on the banks of the St. Joe River. Restaurant, kitchen units. Pets allowed. 30 RV sites, 25 camp sites. Rooms: 7. RV or camp sites: 30. Mile marker 33.5 on Hwy 50
Calder ID 83808
208-245-3462
Smith Lake Boundary County Boundary County, Forest Service, Sites: 7  
Springy Point Recreation Area Boundary County Boundary County, Army Corp of Eng., Open April-Oct. Sites: 40  
Trestle Creek RV Park Bonner County North Lakes, Private, 42303 Hwy 200, 12 miles east of Sandpoint. Beautiful shady sites by Trestle Creek. Open year round Sites: 20, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Hiking. Phone: 208-264-5894
Twin Rivers Canyon Resort Boundary County Private, 1 mile east of Moyie Springs. Rafting expeditions, jet boat trips, wildlife refuge. Sites: 65, Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking. Phone: 208-267-5932
USFS Campgrounds around Priest Lake Bonner County North Lakes, Forest Service, For information please contact the Priest Lake Ranger District Phone: 208-443-2515
Wallace Ranger District Shoshone County Silver Valley, Forest Service Phone: 208-752-1221
RV, Cabin, Camp Wolf Lodge Campground Kootenai
County
Wolf Lodge Campground is a family oriented, Christian-owned campground located just east of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We are surrounded by mountains in a wooded setting. Our RV sites are shaded and grassy with spacious long level pull-thrus. All of our tent sites are grassy, with many sites shaded and by the creek. We have five unique cabins, each with their own special features. 100 RV and Tent sites. Free Wifi available. Open May 15th through September. 12329 E. Frontage Rd.
Coeur d'Alene ID 83814
208-664-2812
866-664-2812
www.wolflodgecamp
ground.com

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North Idaho is a region for bicyclists of all skills and abilities. The maintained and scenic Centennial Trail will take you from the Washington border all the way to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. If mountain biking is more your style, area ski resorts have incorporated rugged bike trails to challenge all levels of skill. You are sure to find a trail to challenge you... or make your own!

Canfield Mountain

The Canfield Mountain Trail System was designed for motorized trail bikes and bicycles. Trail 1562 is open to 4 wheel ATV's. Hikers are welcome as well. Motorized trail bikes have been using this area since the late 1950's. More recently, bicycles have become a major user of this area. All users are encouraged to respect the other types of uses.

View a trail map. A more detailed map with individual trail descriptions is available at the Fernan office of the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District - 2502 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Hiawatha Trail

Route of the Hiawatha

THE HIAWATHA TRAIL: The Route of the Hiawatha is a fun-filled adventure you won’t want to miss.  This groomed biking trail follows what was once the great Milwaukee Railroad, and weaves through the mountain tops of the Bitteroot Divide, which separates Idaho and Montana.  Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line.
With an incredible history beginning in 1906 of construction, hardships and calamities, unprecedented electrification, and of carrying passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest, generations of railroaders kept the Milwaukee Road running until it finally went bankrupt in 1977. The last train west of Butte, Montana passed through in 1980. After that the line was abandoned.
With government funding and private donations, the rails were removed, and the construction of this spectacular wilderness bicycle and hiking trail was undertaken in 1997. The Idaho portion of the trail first opened for public use on May 29, 1998. The St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, was completed in May of 2001, and is now open for bike riding.  If you’d like to experience a truly unique mountain adventure, head East on Interstate 90 and get off at Exit 0 for Lookout Pass. Purchase your tickets for the trail, rent bikes and helmets, and also get your bike repaired.  There is a nominal fee and no dogs or pets are allowed on the trail.  Open 7 days a week through September.

Prices and Schedules

The Hiawatha Trail opens daily from late May thru September. The Trail, trailheads, and facilities are open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. (Pacific Daylight Time). Adult supervision is required for all children under 14 years of age. The Route of the Hiawatha operates under a Special-Use Permit of the U.S. Forest Service, in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

Schweitzer Mountain Mountain Biking
Stand at the top and stare at three mountain ranges, Canada and three states. Offering magnificant views of Lake Pend Oreille, the surrounding mountain ranges and the town of Sandpoint.

Acreage: 2900 acres
Vertical Drop: 2,400 feet
Top Elevation: 6,400 feet
Cross Country Trails: More than 40KM of hiking and biking trails
www.schweitzer.com

Silver Mountain Mountain Biking
Silver Mountain's extensive network of downhill mountain biking trails is accessed via the world's longest gondola. From the time you unload at the top of the mountain, you're in for a roller-coaster descent back to the resort's Gondola Village. When you reach the bottom, load your bike back on the gondola and do it all over again. Take as many laps as you have energy for throughout the day.
Check their website to see when the Mountain bike trails and gondola opens for the summer season.
www.silvermt.com

Bike | Lookout-Mullan Pass Loop

Bike | Boundary County Biking & Hiking

Bike | Bernard Peak Loop

Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail

Bike | Hiawatha Trail

 

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Beaches in North Idaho


Inviting sandy strips of beaches provide the perfect waterscape for wading, splashing skiing, boating and swimming.

Coeur d'Alene Lake
Located on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene with 16 acres of white sandy beach. One can rent a paddle boat, go parasailing, ride around the lake in a seaplane, or just take a stroll on the beach. Tubbs Hill, located adjacent to the park offers hiking trails and great places to stop and enjoy the view.

Hauser Lake Park
A nice swim beach with a boat launch on the southern shore of Hauser Lake. Operated by Kootenai County.

Priest Lake
Called “Idaho’s Crown Jewel” because of the clarity and purity of its waters, offers the visitor 23,000 acres of fun in the center of the Selkirk Mountains. Explore 72 miles of shoreline, seven islands, and miles of public sandy beach by powerboat, sailboat, canoe, kayak, float boats or personal watercraft.

Sandpoint City Beach
City Beach Park, 18 acres wide and located on Bridge Street is the oldest and best known park in Sandpoint Idaho. Enjoy scenic views while playing on the sand and water.

Spirit Lake
The lake measures more than four and a half miles long and over a mile wide at its broadest point at Silver Beach. With 12 miles of shoreline, and 2440 feet above sea level, it is the highest elevation of all the small lakes in the Inland Empire and is nearly 100 feet deep in parts.

Q'emiln Park in Post Falls
The sandy beach of this 40-acre park operated by the City of Post Falls offers a swimming beach, trails, a boat launch and group picnic facilities. Spend time enjoying the facilities or just dipping around along the shores of the Spokane River.

Priest River-Albeni Falls Dam
is located on the banks of the Priest River just upstream from where it flows into the Pend Oreille (pond o'ray) River. Amenities include a boat ramp, pay phone, a playground, a shelter, a baseball field and a swimming beach.

Honey Suckle Beach
Located on Hayden Lake, this is a nice family friendly beach. Its the perfect beachy spot to splash, boat or fish.

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