Recreation & Outdoor Activities

As your lakeside playground, Coeur d'Alene offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for individuals, families, and groups alike. Within Kootenai County there are 87 parks and campgrounds, abundant hiking and biking trails, fishing, swimming, golfing, horseback riding, softball, tennis, amusement parks, ski resorts and, of course, spectacular scenery at every turn.

For a list of recreational maps and brochures from the U.S. Forest Service, click HERE

Water Sports

North Idaho's plentiful waterways offer great canoeing, kayaking, rafting and power boating opportunities, and with over 50 boater access sites, there are lots of places to get on the water.

To view a list of boat ramps in Kootenai County, click HERE.

Biking

The region is bountiful for bicycle enthusiasts of all skills and abilities. The maintained and scenic Centennial Trail will take you from the Washington border all the way to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Other maintained area trails include the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's and the Route of the Hiawatha. If mountain biking is more your style, area ski resorts have incorporated rugged bike trails to challenge all levels of skill. You are sure to find a trail to challenge you... or make your own!

Fishing & Hunting

North Idaho offers world-class fishing, hunting, and other activities for the outdoor adventurer. The nearby St. Joe and Coeur d'Alene rivers provide outstanding fishing opportunities for native Cutthroat trout, and North Idaho's abundant lakes yield everything from pan fish to trophy bass, trout, and salmon. Trophy elk, deer, and other big game abound in North Idaho. Outfitters are available to take you fishing or hunting, or explore the thousands of acres of lakes, streams and National Forests on your own. Avid wildlife watchers can see the scores of migrating bald eagles that flock to Lake Coeur d'Alene to feed on Kokanee salmon each year. The return of osprey to Lake Coeur d'Alene is celebrated each year with the Chamber of Commerce Osprey Cruise.

Idaho Fish & Game

www.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html

Useful resource for those interested in Idaho hunting, fishing and wildlife offers permit information, area hot spots and safety tips.

Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

www.idahoparks.org

Official page offers a list of services, info on annual passes, volunteer opportunities, and park descriptions and reservations.