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
Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail