Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, ID

I don't know the answer to your question, but you might try PM'ing a few of the regulars as I know Jean is traveling and it's a holiday weekend so many may not be checking the forum.

I've done the entire trail about 10 years ago. The most scenic in my opinion is from Plummer on the west end, riding east. If I remember correctly, we did about 42 miles the first day. (We had a drive person to pick us up, so did not have to retrace route.) We did the rest of it the next day. Stayed overnight in Wallace.

Quite a bit of the going-east portion to Mullin is close to freeway. The map shows where you are riding along side the freeway. I remember it as hot and noisy. The Plummer portion going east to Wallace is mostly flat with the most elevation on the bridge that goes over Lake Coeur d'Alene.

We didn't need to leave the car unattended, so can't answer that question. I didn't feel unsafe anywhere on the trail.

I don't remember what time of year we went, but the flies were terrible. The bit right through bike gloves. Bring repellant just in case.

PM me if you have more questions.

I’m not a cyclist but my brother has done parts of it. You can start in Plummer as there is a big parking lot there but to my knowledge it’s not monitored. You could start at the Heyburn State Park which if you parked at the Visitor Center might be the best location for having a safe area for your car. There is an entry fee…maybe $10? Not sure since I get a yearly pass with my car tag. This is going to be a longer trip off I90.

Harrison as you mention is a possibility and there may be more people around here for security near the bike shop.

There is also an area where we go so my brother can bike and I can walk the paved trail that is not far south of the Rose Lake exit from I 90 along Highway 3. It’s Bull Run Lake which has a parking area and vault toilet BUT no security whatsoever. This also is along the area that was a Superfund cleanup site so there are big signs warning you not to leave the paved path due to heavy metal contamination.

Let me know if you are headed to the West Entrance of Yellowstone and I’ll tell you the fastest, least trafficked route if I havent already.

I would recommend the Hiawatha Trail. You go through numerous tunnels and over many old rail trestles.

https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/

All, Thanks.

Pam - Thanks. Heyburn Visitor Center looks like the answer. From there out to one of the lakes 2 to 4 miles beyond Harrison and back should be perfect. 24 to 28 miles RT. Two hours on the bikes, plus a stop for lunch in Harrison. If you have lunch suggestions in Harrison … great.

The next day, we’ll take the North Entrance into Yellowstone for Mammoth Hot Springs and Terraces and continue to our first two nights lodgings at Canyon. Then 3 nights Old Faithful, then 3 nights Signal Mt. Lodge in Grand Teton NP.

Thanks for your earlier suggestions for Yellowstone. Cooler and Bear Spray are ready at hand. Still need a second whistle and perhaps some section maps for hiking in both YNP and GTNP, though probably not an absolute need. Do you know where we can get the maps? REI in Seattle only had Washington section maps.

Carol - maybe we’ll head back to the area another time for more cycling including the Hiawatha Trail and its trestles and tunnels. This time, our cycling is simply a break in our 3-day drive to Yellowstone.

Lynn, you confirmed my thoughts about Kellogg-Wallace-Mullan stretch.

When you are in Gardiner stop at the Yellowstone Forever store which is right across from the Roosevelt Arch. As you come thru town, following the signs, you make a right at the big YNP sign, then go one block and make a left. This is all very open geography so you can see the Arch ahead AND where there is a left turn indicated, you can see the green roof of the Yellowstone Forever sign on the right.

You can also look at the General Store in the Canyon Village as well as the Yellowstone Forever store inside the Canyon Visitor Center. USUALLY the Gardiner store has the best selection but at this time of year you might have to look a little.

After chances of rain today and tomorrow it looks like a beautiful week! Have a wonderful time!

Had a lovely bike ride on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from the Plummer Point Boat Launch at Heyburn SP along the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene past Harrison and several lakes flanking the Coeur d’Alene River, past Gray’s Meadow restoration (MM 20.5 - 22.5) to Black Lake. 15miles out and 15 miles back. Trail MM 7.2 to 22.5 and back. Thnx, Pam.

Nice restoration project cleaning up silver mining waste and agricultural waste at Gray’s Meadow. Joint project of EPA, C d’A Tribe, C d’A Land Trust and Idaho state Fish & Game (2020-25) with current, final phase now being administered by Idaho Fish & Game.

Trail management by state and Tribe.

Drove on to Missoula and could see more of the trail from the freeway, (Trail MM 48-73).

The western part of the Trail is great. Quiet and scenic.

Fred! I am so glad this worked out for you! You managed to hit the best weather day we've had in a week. Yes, there is a lot of mitigation all along that trail from the trains carrying ore out of the Silver Valley mountains.

Hope you continue with awesome weather and a fabulous time!

Thanks for writing about your ride. It was interesting to hear about the restoration.