Benewah County: Nature, Trails and River Landscapes

Benewah County combines expansive nature with diverse trails, river landscapes and a vibrant regional history. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for a varied trip can focus specifically on hiking, cycling, water activities, scenic drives or cultural discoveries. The combination of protected landscapes and places where the region's history remains visible is particularly impressive.

Between Palouse Prairie, Forests and Wilderness

Benewah County is home to Heyburn State Park. It covers approximately 5,744 acres of land and 2,332 acres of water and is the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park preserves a different landscape: The original Palouse Prairie, an endangered ecosystem, is protected throughout the park. You can also enjoy views of the Palouse Divide, cedar forests, open stands of ponderosa pine and trails suitable for a variety of uses.

In the northeastern part of Benewah County lies the Crystal Lake Wilderness Study Area, with more than 9,000 acres of public land. The area is suitable for hiking, camping, sightseeing, hunting, fishing and berry picking. Crystal Lake is a destination for hikers who use Sheep Springs Campground and the trailhead located immediately outside the Wilderness Study Area. Depending on your preferred travel day, you can choose between forest trails, open landscapes and activities on the water.

Trails for Active Days and Scenic Routes

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 73-mile paved trail that stretches through the Idaho Panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. Along the route are 20 developed trailheads and 20 scenic rest areas with tables for picnics or short breaks. This makes the trail a practical reference point for planning a day when you want to combine a longer route with freely selectable access points.

In Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, Skyline Drive runs through the park as a gravel road. It is mostly single-lane and slightly more than 17 miles long. The trail system is open to mountain bikers, motorcyclists, horseback riders and hikers. Those choosing a vacation rental as a base for active excursions can therefore focus on whether their preferred vacation should be defined primarily by hiking trails, a scenic drive or a longer cycling route.

River, Wildlife and Experiences in St. Maries

The St. Joe River Scenic Byway begins in St. Maries and follows the St. Joe River 75 miles eastward. The scenic route particularly appeals to birdwatchers and anglers. Bald eagles, ospreys, trout, deer, elk, moose and bears can be found along the route. In St. Maries, the Aqua Park provides a boat launch onto the St. Joe River.

You can also discover the local character of St. Maries. The farmers market takes place on Fridays from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Mullan Trail Park. It offers locally grown, handmade and homemade products. For a trip with multiple interests, a visit to this market can be combined with a river route or a day in nature, without limiting the vacation to just one activity. For additional orientation in the area, you can also explore Fernwood.

History and Regional Traditions

The Historic Hughes House Museum is located in a log cabin built in 1902 and opened as a museum in 1990. Logger’s Memorial Park commemorates more than 250 loggers from the St. Joe River area who lost their lives in the timber industry. Paul Bunyan Days also takes place every year over Labor Day weekend. The history of the transportation routes goes back even further: Between 1859 and 1862, John Mullan surveyed and built the Mullan Road from Walla Walla in Washington State to Fort Benton in Montana.

Benewah County therefore offers several clear travel profiles: natural areas and hiking trails, water and fishing, scenic routes or regional history. Choose your accommodation based on the experience you want to define your vacation, then organize the remaining excursions accordingly.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

For further comparison, pages on Madison County, Bannock County, Elmore County, Washington, Cassia County and Nez Perce County are also available.

For the broader travel overview: Idaho.