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
The Park Today - March 31, 2009
Spring is definitely just around the corner. All the ice is gone from Chatcolet Lake and the boat ramps at Chatcolet and Rocky Point are ice free. The water is still low but there have been some boats on the lake. The trails in the park are mostly clear of snow but you may find patches of snow in the shadier areas. For the early camping enthusiast Hawley’s Landing Campground will open as scheduled on April 1, 2009. We are still receiving plenty of rain and have even had some snowy mornings.
Good news for the Park and our visitors: DEQ issued a clean bill of health for our new well and it is up and running. This certainly makes for a bright spot in our spring and summer camping season.
Trail Of the Coeur d’Alene Update, 3/31/09
For all you trail lovers out there who have been anxiously waiting to dust off the seat of your bicycles or dig the roller blades out of the closet we are happy to report that the trail is free of snow from the Chatcolet trailhead to Harrison. This is approximately a 16 mile ride out and back with plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. If you go watch out for loose rocks and forest litter on the paved surface. Approximately 90% percent of the Trail is snow free from the Plummer Trailhead to the Chatcolet Trailhead. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe anticipates conducting trail sweeping activities as soon as the Canyon is completely cleared of snow.
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.
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.
2009 Update about Taking a Cruise
We're sorry that the cruise boat Idaho will be out of service for the upcoming 2009 summer season. Please check back with us next year when we hope the cruises will be up and running again.
You can still see information about the lakes in Heyburn State Park aboard the cruise boat Idaho or view the brochure.
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 $5.00 per hour and $20.00 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.