Heyburn State Park is the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908, it is comprised of approximately 5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water. The park includes three lakes; Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes, with the shadowy St. Joe River meandering along the eastern boundary of the park.
Natural and cultural history is plentiful at Heyburn. Before it was a park, the general area was a gathering place for the Coeur d' Alene Indian tribe. In the 1930's, the park was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and those hardworking crews built many of the park's buildings.
Heyburn is a natural park with a variety of different habitats. Large, tall Ponderosa pines tower over grassy hillsides covered in wildflowers. On shadier slopes, cedar trees mix with hemlocks and huge white pines. On the edges of the lakes, the wetland/marsh areas are home to many types of wildflowers and plants.
The Park Today
Come and see for yourself what Heyburn State Park has to offer! Thanks to a wetter than normal spring the park is thriving with blooming wildflowers, lush vegetation, and the sounds of wildlife all around. All campgrounds, trails, bike paths and marinas are open and ready for you and your family. Both Hawley’s Landing and Chatcolet campgrounds can be reserved online and ahead of time. Our Benewah campground is first come, first served. We also have 3 Cottages and 2 Cabins available for overnight/extended stays. Please note that these must be reserved ahead of time. Click on the “Stay Overnight’ tab above to learn more about Heyburn’s overnight opportunities.
No matter how you choose to get around we’ve got a trail for you! Miles of hiking trails are open, taking you from the lakeshore to the mountains and from the trees to the meadows. Our equestrian trails are groomed and ready for your relaxing ride through Idaho’s oldest State Park. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s is one of the nation’s premier bicycle trails. Built on the old Union Pacific railroad bed, this paved bike trail gently meanders through over 70 miles of Idaho’s history.
Our two marinas and 3 boat ramps are a perfect place to launch your next boating excursion. Public boat ramps are open and accessible at Chatcolet, Rocky Point and Benewah. Kayaks, canoes and pedal boats can be rented at Rocky Point as well.
So grab your gear and hit the road. Whether you’re looking to catch the big one, pedal a day away, relax by the campfire or ride off into the sunset, Heyburn State Park can make it happen. See you soon!
History
The Coeur d’Alene Indians were the first inhabitants of the area now known as Heyburn State Park. It was an ideal place for an encampment. Then, as today, the lakes provided an abundance of fish, the marsh areas had plentiful waterfowl and the heavily timbered slopes and open meadows were ideal habitat for deer, bear and upland birds.
Heyburn State Park was created from the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation by an act of Congress, on April 20, 1908. The deed, signed by President William Howard Taft, granted 5,505 acres of land and 2,333 acres of water to the State. The park was named in honor of U.S. Senator W.B. Heyburn of Idaho.
Much of the early construction was performed by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp SP-1. Starting in 1934, Camp SP-1 members built roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters and the Rocky Point Lodge (now the Rocky Point Interpretive Center). Today, many of these facilities are still in use—the CCC's proud legacy.
Learn more about Heyburn State Park with an informative video.
Recreation
Fish for pike, bass, or pan fish in the lakes. Bird watching is terrific at Heyburn, with osprey and blue heron as common as sparrows back home. Boating, water skiing, sailing and canoeing are also popular pursuits. Trails for hikers or horseback riders are shaded by 400-year-old ponderosa pines. The Rocky Point Marina offers a public boat ramp, store, fuel dock, restroom and parking.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 72 mile paved bike trail, goes right through Heyburn State Park. You can bike or walk the 3100 foot bridge/trestle across the St Joe River to the other side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The gentle grade is easy for just about anyone.
FAQ's
- Is Heyburn State Park part of Coeur d'Alene Lake?
- Yes we are located at the southern tip of what most people think of as Lake Coeur d'Alene. The Lakes making up this portion are, Lake Chatcolet, Benewah Lake, and Hidden Bay.
- Do you have boat slips for rent or boats?
- Yes we have moorage for boats in two different marinas. The Rocky Point Marina and The Chat Marina. We have two row boats, two kayaks, two canoes and two paddleboats which for rent for $15.00 per hour and $40.00 per day.
- How far is your park from Coeur d'Alene and Spokane?
- We are approximately 40 miles from Coeur d'Alene and 40 miles from Spokane.
Heyburn Recreational Residences Lease Information
Information is available online detailing recreational residences and lease infromation within Heyburn State Park. Click here to learn more.