Mineral Ridge Trail

You don’t have to go far to enjoy great hiking around Coeur d’Alene. Tubbs Hill is the most popular spot for a short trek around the lakeshore, and just fifteen minutes from downtown there’s another great trail that offers spectacular views of our area. The Mineral Ridge Trail is located across from Beauty Bay at the far east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. To get there, hop on I-90 until you reach Wolf Lodge Exit 22. Turn right toward Harrison, and in about 2.5 miles you’ll see a parking and picnic area. This 3.3 mile loop is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is a great hike for families, as the switchbacks are fairly gentle. If you’re looking for exercise you can hike the trail in about an hour, but if you’re wandering and snapping photos plan on a two hour trip.

Before you begin, grab a pamphlet at the trailhead. Along the way you will find corresponding posts to the guide that explain local trees, vegetation, and offer interesting tidbits about the mining history in the area. The trail begins with several short switchbacks as you eventually gain about 650 feet in elevation. After the first mile the switchbacks lengthen out and the slope is more gradual. The trail is hard packed, wide, and has very few rocks and boulders to navigate around. About a mile in, there is an opportunity to check out an abandoned mining cave. It’s only 400 feet off the main trail and is a hit with the kiddos.

About a mile and a half in you’ll reach the top and be greeted by the Caribou Cabin. There is a picnic table where you can take a break and take in the great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. As you continue along the ridge, you’ll soon come to the best photo opportunity on the trail. From Silvertip Viewpoint the lake opens up and on a clear day you can see for miles. It’s quite a sight considering you’re only 15 minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene. The hike down might be the most challenging part as it’s quite steep and the switchbacks are quick. Hikers have blazed their own trails down, but remember to stay on the main trail as cutting can lead to erosion problems. If you’re at all active, you can conquer this short trail and when you’re finished, you’ll be glad you did.

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