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Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes Snapshot 

Location
Begins in Plummer, ID
Ends Mullan, ID
There are 19 trailheads and 18 scenic waysides along the trail
 
Elevation
3,400 - 2,200
 
Trail length
72 miles
 
Trail top
10-foot wide asphalt
 
Types of use
Walk, bike, in-line skate, electric wheelchair
 
Overnight
Camping prohibited on trail, but there are several public and private operated facilities within easy distance
 
Idaho State Parks nearby
Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park
 
What to bring
Water, daypack, sunscreen, high-energy food, small first-aid kit, trail map, camera and sunglasses
 
Safety tips
Bikers and in-line skaters should always wear helmets
Always use lights at night
Obey road crossing signs
 
Winter
Nordic and snowshoe
 
Learning
Interpretive signage, Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park (Sacred Encounters Museum Exhibit)
 
Pets
Yes on leash and under control at all times
 
 

The Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes is a 72-mile paved trail spanning the Idaho panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. It was created through a unique partnership between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U. S. Government, and the State of Idaho. The trail begins in the historic Silver Valley, continues along the Coeur d'Alene River past scenic Lake Coeur d'Alene and through rolling farmlands to Plummer. Twenty developed trailheads provide entry points, and there are seventeen scenic waysides along the route for picnicking.

Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's Commission Member
Downloadable Application

 

Trail of Coeur d' Alene office

Javascript is required to view this map.
31732 S Mission Rd, Cataldo, ID 83810

 

Download Trail of Coeur d' Alene Maps

History of the Trail

The "Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes" is one of the most spectacular and popular trails in the western United States.Here, you will find 73 miles of newly laid asphalt that’s perfect for road bikers and in-line skaters.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes nearly spans the Panhandle of Idaho as it runs along rivers, beside lakes and through Idaho’s historic Silver Valley. The uniqueness of the trail isn’t simply the beautiful scenery and attractions along its route, but it’s an innovative solution to the environmental problems caused by the early miners in the Valley.

Silver was discovered in the Valley around 1884 and construction of the rail line to support the growing mining and timber industries was started in 1888. Much of the trail today follows this original rail line, giving it a gentle grade. When the rail line was built, mine waste rock and tailings containing heavy metals were used for the original rail bed. In addition, the bed was contaminated with accidental ore concentrate spillage.

Now, the trail itself is part of the environmental cleanup in a partnership between the Union Pacific

Railroad, the U.S. Government, the State of Idaho and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The thick layer of asphalt on the trail and the gravel barriers along the trail serve to isolate the contaminants and allow the area to be used once again. Although not all of the trail is susceptible to recontamination, it’s best to use caution and follow trail rules.

The section between Plummer and Harrison has been thoroughly cleaned and is not susceptible to

recontamination. Because the section between Harrison and Mullan is vulnerable to flooding, contaminants may be in the soil around the trail. Please stay on the trail and in designated picnic areas.

 

Protect Yourself by Following the Rules

  • Stay on the trail.
  • Wash hands and face before eating.
  • Eat at designated waysides and trailheads.
  • Remove dirt from clothes, toys, pets, shoes, and equipment before leaving the area.
  • Don’t let children play near shorelines or off the trail.
  • Carry water for drinking and washing.

Group Use

Any group wishing to host a special event or commercial activity on the trail must have authorization from the trail manager. Please contact trail rangers at (208) 682-3814 for more information.

 

 

See video

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Providing Savings for 2013!

When implemented, the Idaho State Parks Passport will allow Idaho motorists to check "Yes!" to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker will allow participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

 

What Will $10 Buy You and Your Family?

  • Admittance to all 30 Idaho State Parks for a year
  • Nightly discounts on camping
  • Hundreds of miles of hiking, cycling, mountain biking and Nordic trails
  • Your favorite boat launches
  • Countless historical and cultural sites within your state parks

Good for Idaho, Good for Idahoans!

Idaho‘s State Park Passport is simply a sustainable way to pay for the maintenance and management of Idaho’s 30 cherished state parks.  For those Idahoans who choose to participate in the program, the Idaho State Parks Passport sticker will replace the $5 per motor vehicle entry fee currently in place at state parks while also providing nightly discounts on camping.  

Out of State Guests

Our out-of-state guests have savings options too! You can purchase a $40 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual and receive access to all of Idaho's State Parks and nightly discounts on camping. MVEF Annuals can be purchased at any Idaho State Park and online.

 

Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes Snapshot 

Location
Begins in Plummer, ID
Ends Mullan, ID
There are 19 trailheads and 18 scenic waysides along the trail
 
Elevation
3,400 - 2,200
 
Trail length
72 miles
 
Trail top
10-foot wide asphalt
 
Types of use
Walk, bike, in-line skate, electric wheelchair
 
Overnight
Camping prohibited on trail, but there are several public and private operated facilities within easy distance
 
Idaho State Parks nearby
Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park
 
What to bring
Water, daypack, sunscreen, high-energy food, small first-aid kit, trail map, camera and sunglasses
 
Safety tips
Bikers and in-line skaters should always wear helmets
Always use lights at night
Obey road crossing signs
 
Winter
Nordic and snowshoe
 
Learning
Interpretive signage, Heyburn State Park, Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park (Sacred Encounters Museum Exhibit)
 
Pets
Yes on leash and under control at all times
 
 

The Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes is a 72-mile paved trail spanning the Idaho panhandle between Mullan and Plummer. It was created through a unique partnership between the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the U. S. Government, and the State of Idaho. The trail begins in the historic Silver Valley, continues along the Coeur d'Alene River past scenic Lake Coeur d'Alene and through rolling farmlands to Plummer. Twenty developed trailheads provide entry points, and there are seventeen scenic waysides along the route for picnicking.

Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's Commission Member
Downloadable Application

 

Trail of Coeur d' Alene office

Javascript is required to view this map.
31732 S Mission Rd, Cataldo, ID 83810

 

Download Trail of Coeur d' Alene Maps

History of the Trail

The "Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes" is one of the most spectacular and popular trails in the western United States.Here, you will find 73 miles of newly laid asphalt that’s perfect for road bikers and in-line skaters.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes nearly spans the Panhandle of Idaho as it runs along rivers, beside lakes and through Idaho’s historic Silver Valley. The uniqueness of the trail isn’t simply the beautiful scenery and attractions along its route, but it’s an innovative solution to the environmental problems caused by the early miners in the Valley.

Silver was discovered in the Valley around 1884 and construction of the rail line to support the growing mining and timber industries was started in 1888. Much of the trail today follows this original rail line, giving it a gentle grade. When the rail line was built, mine waste rock and tailings containing heavy metals were used for the original rail bed. In addition, the bed was contaminated with accidental ore concentrate spillage.

Now, the trail itself is part of the environmental cleanup in a partnership between the Union Pacific

Railroad, the U.S. Government, the State of Idaho and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The thick layer of asphalt on the trail and the gravel barriers along the trail serve to isolate the contaminants and allow the area to be used once again. Although not all of the trail is susceptible to recontamination, it’s best to use caution and follow trail rules.

The section between Plummer and Harrison has been thoroughly cleaned and is not susceptible to

recontamination. Because the section between Harrison and Mullan is vulnerable to flooding, contaminants may be in the soil around the trail. Please stay on the trail and in designated picnic areas.

 

Protect Yourself by Following the Rules

  • Stay on the trail.
  • Wash hands and face before eating.
  • Eat at designated waysides and trailheads.
  • Remove dirt from clothes, toys, pets, shoes, and equipment before leaving the area.
  • Don’t let children play near shorelines or off the trail.
  • Carry water for drinking and washing.

Group Use

Any group wishing to host a special event or commercial activity on the trail must have authorization from the trail manager. Please contact trail rangers at (208) 682-3814 for more information.

 

 

See video

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Providing Savings for 2013!

When implemented, the Idaho State Parks Passport will allow Idaho motorists to check "Yes!" to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker will allow participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

 

What Will $10 Buy You and Your Family?

  • Admittance to all 30 Idaho State Parks for a year
  • Nightly discounts on camping
  • Hundreds of miles of hiking, cycling, mountain biking and Nordic trails
  • Your favorite boat launches
  • Countless historical and cultural sites within your state parks

Good for Idaho, Good for Idahoans!

Idaho‘s State Park Passport is simply a sustainable way to pay for the maintenance and management of Idaho’s 30 cherished state parks.  For those Idahoans who choose to participate in the program, the Idaho State Parks Passport sticker will replace the $5 per motor vehicle entry fee currently in place at state parks while also providing nightly discounts on camping.  

Out of State Guests

Our out-of-state guests have savings options too! You can purchase a $40 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual and receive access to all of Idaho's State Parks and nightly discounts on camping. MVEF Annuals can be purchased at any Idaho State Park and online.