Year round accessible hike with views of Lake CDA and eagles!
Okay, so here are the fast facts:
Distance: 3.3 mile loop – Can be cut shorter for an out and back to the main viewpoint
Elevation gain: 1000 ft
Rating: Easy/Moderate
Parking: Paved, just off the main road
Toilets: Pit Toilets at the trailhead
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this trail on a leash, doggie bags are even provided at the trailhead
Fees: None!
Features: 22 marked stations along the trail for an interpretive guided hike, picnic tables at the trailhead and at the top, and benches throughout the hike.
What makes this exciting: Bald eagles can be seen in this area around December during their annual migration, beautiful views of Coeur D’Alene lake, accessible in the winter time (great snowshoe trail).
Monica’s Real Talk: I have hiked/snowshoed this trail twice now and definitely think it’s worth seeing. The loop is nice, but if you are just a view hunter like I am sometimes or pressed for time, you can cut this hike much shorter by just hiking out and back to the main viewpoint. When you hit the split in the trail a few minutes into the hike, you will see a sign directing you to go right. If you go left instead, you will reach the main viewpoint much quicker (Site #22 on the BLM interpretive map). This hike is a steady incline with multiple switchbacks, but it is beautiful and there are benches at the viewpoints to stop and take breaks. Taking the shortcut route, it took us maybe 25 minutes to reach the viewpoint from the parking area (hiking, not snowshoeing).
With these trails becoming increasing popular, the area is subject to some abuse. Please always remember to pack out what you pack in and leave nothing but footprints.
Directions: 11 miles east of Coeur d'Alene city center. Take I-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then go south on Highway 97 for three miles, parking lot will be on the left side of the road.
We went to watch the eagles (check out my blog post about the eagle migration in this area!) and decided to do a quick hike while there! Gorgeous view and great day trip to Coeur D'Alene!