This author is a paid content writer for Idaho Tourism.
If you’re looking to explore some unfamiliar territory, all you have to do is take a short drive east of Seattle to Idaho, and you’ll be in the heart of some of the Northwest’s most beautiful destinations. These adventures are close enough to home that you can pack up the kids, leave on Friday, and be back before school starts on Monday. Check out these five vacations and make plans for your family’s holiday weekend in Idaho.
1. Spend a day at the beach in Coeur d’Alene
Who’d of thought you could spend a day at the beach in the northern mountains of Idaho? Nestled in Idaho’s panhandle in the quaint city of Coeur d’Alene, you’ll find City Park & Beach – a diverse park that offers a Summer Concert Series, family and group picnic facilities, barbecue pits, a swim beach and outdoor shower, volleyball, basketball, and Fort Sherman Playground.
The locals will tell you, there’s no better feeling on a hot summer day than swimming in fresh Idaho mountain water.
2. Play cowboy at Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Head on over to Harrison, Idaho, and experience first-rate western hospitality on 300,000 acres of untamed Idaho wilderness. Red Horse Mountain Ranch offers guided ranch adventures through some of Idaho’s most scenic backcountry.
Try your hand at horseback trail riding, take a riding lesson, cast a line, go clay shooting, or try one of the many other activities offered such as ziplining, climbing, yoga, hiking, bike tours, kayaking, boat tours, and swimming. All-inclusive dude ranch vacation is an understatement.
3. Live like a local in Moscow
Moscow is a lively college town in North Central Idaho surrounded by the rolling Palouse Hills. There’s a reason why Idahoans frequent this city on the regular- the food is out of this world, the scenery is spectacular, and it’s within a day’s drive.
Take a short drive on the weekend, stroll through the Saturday Market, and snack on mouth-watering homemade baked goods, or take the kids on a hike up Moscow Mountain and enjoy the sweeping valley views.
4. Ride the Route of the Hiawatha
Discover one of the most spectacular destinations in the Northwest – ride your bike on a beautiful downhill biking and walking trail that stretches more than 15 miles. The Route of the Hiawatha was once a railroad track winding through the northern mountains of Idaho.
Now visitors can coast through 10 train tunnels, glide over seven trestle bridges that stand over 230 feet high, and gaze in wonder at the mountains that surround the trail.
The journey begins at Lookout Pass Ski Area where you can get mountain bike rentals, helmets and lights, and an optional return shuttle service. Be sure to call ahead and reserve rentals ahead of time, spots for this popular attraction fill quickly!
5. Fish at Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Pend Oreille spans nearly 50 miles from Sandpoint to Idlewilde Bay at Farragut State Park and is known for its diverse catchable species. Anglers who journey here find Kamloops, whitefish, cutthroat and brown trout, lake trout, large and smallmouth bass, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and bullhead catfish.
If you’re lucky, you may even real in the famous trout hybrid known as the “cutbow,” that is said to be lurking in Pend Oreille’s vast waters. It’s rumored that the biggest cutbow ever caught in the Gem State was a 24-pounder at Lake Pend Oreille by Irwin Donart in 1991.
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Published on August 30, 2016
