Autumn anywhere in Idaho is a beautiful sight, but in Coeur d’Alene, one of the jewels of northern Idaho and surely the most popular northern Idaho destination, Autumn is an especially gorgeous spectacle. Trees lining the shores of pristine Lake Coeur d’Alene burst with color and the mountainsides glow with tamarack and deciduous trees alike. Thankfully for locals and visitors there are plenty of ways to get out and witness the fall beauty in the Coeur d’Alene area.
Fall Foliage Close to Town
If you’re wanting to get out and see the colors but not venture too far from downtown, Tubbs Hill and the North Idaho Centennial Trail via the Rutledge Trailhead are two perfect options.
Tubbs hill is a popular spot in the summertime for hikers, joggers and water goers as it borders Lake Coeur d’Alene. The well maintained trails have a variety of different linkups that you can do to make your outing into anything from a quick jaunt to a long walk/hike depending on your inclination. What Tubbs Hill itself lacks in color (it is of a mostly evergreen forest constitution) it makes up for in spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas which are overflowing with fall color. For the best views of the lake I would recommend the two-mile loop trail which circumnavigates Tubbs Hill. You can walk from downtown, pass McEuen Park, and be on the trail in no time. There’s even a beach for taking a break and relaxing on the southwestern side of the loop. Take in the views of Harrison Slough while you hike, then loop back to where you started.
Another close-to-town option is the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which is a paved five-mile point-to-point path along the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Take in the tranquil scenery and listen to the lake waters lap against the shoreline as you stroll down the colorful path which is perfect for biking, walking, running or taking your dog for an outing (while on a leash). Even on the busiest days you won’t find the trail crowded. If a leisurely, leaf peeping bike cruise is what you’re after this is the ideal trail. With only 255 feet of elevation gain the hills are mellow at worst. Grab a friend and a fall-esque coffee at one of the local shops and hit the trail!
Fall Hikes near Coeur d’Alene
If you’re looking for more trail options there are a plethora in the area. For more mellow trails look at the 2.6-mile Blue Creek Trail, the 0.9-mile Higgins Point Trail, the 1.3-mile Fernan Lake Trail, the 0.7 mile Riverstone Park Loop trail, the 0.5-mile Beauty Bay Lookout and Loop, or the trail system at the scenic Q’emiln Park in Post Falls, which is also a fantastic rock climbing location.
For a more involved hike, check out the 3.0-mile Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail which has view of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the 8.7-mile Marie Creek Trail, the 10-mile Big Tree trail, the 2.7 mile John Pointner Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary Trail, the 3.8-mile Trail 8, Penn, and Cave Trail link-up-loop or any of the moderate/hard hikes you can find here. Regardless of what you’re after, there is a trail for you around the Coeur D’Alene area.
Mountain Biking Routes to Find Fall Foliage
If you crave more speed and adrenaline for your color seeking you’ll have to check out the extensive trail system at Canfield Mountain. While you can still hike some of the trails, Canfield Mountain really shines when it comes to the mountain and dirt biking. For mountain biking there are 76 miles of trails ranging from mellow cross-country riding to technical downhill and jump lines. If easygoing is your speed then put Trail 6, Trail 7 and Penn Trail on your radar. A step up from those are Trail A, Trail D and Cave Trail, which are ‘blue rated’ trails. Cave Trail is fast and flowy with a few optional, small, non-consequential jumps. Finally, if you’re an advanced rider looking for some challenge and fun check out 001, 005, Trail C/3 and Trail D Ridgeline into Trail 10.
A Scenic Fall Foliage Drive near Coeur d’Alene
If you’d like to take a car cruise through the colors, the road to Harrison along the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway is worth every second. You’ll twist and turn as the flowing road contours and hugs the southeastern shore.
Dedicated leaf peepers and everyday fall color seekers alike have many options to get outside and soak up the beauty of the fall season in and around Coeur d’Alene. The proximity of activities to town make this an ideal destination.
Wanting a morning pick me up before heading out to see the fall colors? Look no further than Vault Coffee or Evans Brothers Coffee in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Another local classic is Hudson’s Hamburgers for a quick lunch or bite to eat.
Feature image credited to Jasper Gibson.
Jasper Gibson is a born and raised Idahoan, growing up in Sandpoint, Idaho. He has worked with major U.S. companies including The North Face, Mountain Hardware, Marmot and Smartwool. His work has been published in Outdoor Magazine, National Geographic’s Extreme Photo of the Week and on Redbull.com. Aside from his commercial work, Jasper has been a photographer on multiple expeditions around the world.
Published on September 19, 2023
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