Kootenai County: Nature, History and Winter Experiences

Kootenai County combines nature experiences, history and a wide range of activities around Lake Coeur d’Alene. When planning your trip, the main question is which experiences should be the focus: extensive paths for walking and cycling, wildlife observation, water activities, historic sites or winter offerings. It is best to choose a suitable vacation rental or accommodation based on which of these aspects you would like to explore most intensively during your stay.

Trails, Lakes and Natural Areas

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile paved trail for walking, jogging and cycling. At the state border, it connects with the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Printed maps are available at the visitor centers in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. This allows you to plan your own day based on a specific route without limiting your stay to a single activity.

Shorter nature experiences are also part of the region’s appeal. The Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail is 3.3 miles long and offers views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. An interpretive trail guide with 22 marked stations describes plants, animals and ecological relationships in the forest. On Tubbs Hill, a 2.2-mile interpretive trail runs along the shoreline; the nature park itself covers 165 acres and has several miles of hiking trails.

The Coeur d’Alene River WMA encompasses wetlands, lakes, shoreline areas and coniferous forest in Kootenai and Benewah Counties. In sections, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs into and out of this area. Cougar Bay also provides habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. The John C. Pointner Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary Trail follows a 1.2-mile route through a 155-acre area managed by the BLM near Coeur d’Alene.

Water, Recreation and Winter

The 78.5-acre Q’emiln Park features a lifeguarded swimming area, a boat launch, barbecue areas, picnic shelters and access to the Q’emiln Climbing Walls. The park therefore offers a variety of options for a day by the water, a break outdoors or visitors interested in climbing. Access to the Post Falls Community Forest is also part of the park’s offerings.

The destination reveals a different side in winter. From November through February, more than 200 bald eagles come to Mineral Ridge to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. During this season, Farragut State Park offers classic cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes and sledding opportunities. If you are looking for a vacation rental for a winter stay, these seasonal nature and recreational offerings may play an important role in choosing your preferred base.

Experience the History of North Idaho

The Museum of North Idaho preserves and presents the history of North Idaho. The Museum at the Brig houses the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from the United States Farragut Naval Training Station from 1942 to 1946. The Brig at Farragut State Park is one of the few remaining structures from this former station. The former Farragut Naval Training Base was converted into Farragut State Park.

Another historical highlight is Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park. It presents Idaho’s oldest building; the park also includes a restored Parish House. The visitor center features the exhibition “Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet & the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West,” which conveys the history of the mission, the Tribe and the missionaries. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was built between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The state park is located near the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and can be a day stop for travelers on this trail.

Places for Further Planning

Depending on your preferred focus, you can tailor your search for a vacation rental to different location pages. For further orientation, Coeur D'alene, Cataldo, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden, Huetter, Worley, Hayden Lake and Bayview are available. This allows you to combine nature, culture, water experiences and winter activities with a search for accommodation suited to your trip.

For the higher-level travel overview: Idaho.