Seasonal Activities
Winter

Eagle Watching
- Top Viewing Spots: Head to Wolf Lodge Bay and Beauty Bay for the best views.
- Peak Season: December through January is the prime time to catch hundreds of eagles feasting on kokanee salmon.
- Take a Guided Cruise: Enhance your experience with an eagle-watching tour from Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises.

Skiing + Snowboarding
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Largest ski resort in Idaho with 2,900 acres of terrain.
- Silver Mountain Resort: Features North America’s longest gondola and an indoor waterpark.
- Lookout Pass: Receives abundant snowfall and offers free ski school for kids.

Snowmobiling
- Peak Season: Trails are open from December through March, depending on snow conditions.
- Top Trail Areas: Access over 1,000 miles of groomed trails across North Idaho, including Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Fourth of July Pass, Priest Lake, and St. Joe National Forest.
- Rentals and Tours: Local outfitters offer equipment rentals and guided tours.

Cross-Country Skiing + Snowshoeing
- North Idaho College Trails: Enjoy groomed paths with stunning views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
- Fourth of July Recreation Area: Explore 12 miles of marked trails perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Farragut State Park: Discover well-maintained winter trails for both activities in a serene setting.

Ice Fishing
- Peak Season: From December through March, North Idaho’s frozen lakes offer the perfect conditions for ice fishing.
- Top Fishing Spots: Popular locations include Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes, and Hauser Lake.
- What You’ll Reel In: Target species such as perch, northern pike, and rainbow trout.

Events + Festivals
- Coeur d’Alene Holiday Light Show: Marvel at over 1.5 million lights in this dazzling winter tradition.
- Winter Carnival: Celebrate the season at Silver Mountain Resort with fun activities for all ages.
- Winter Beer Festival: Enjoy a taste of North Idaho with craft brews from local breweries.
- First Night Coeur d’Alene: Ring in the New Year with family-friendly festivities and entertainment.
Spring

Camping Sites
- Farragut State Park: Over 200 campsites with lake access and nearby hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Heyburn State Park: Enjoy three scenic campgrounds along the shores of Lake Chatcolet.
- National Forest Camping: Dispersed camping options available in Kaniksu and Coeur d’Alene National Forests for a more rustic experience.

Foraging + Nature Activities
- Morel Mushroom Season: May brings prime foraging opportunities after spring rains.
- Huckleberry Shoots: Find early shoots above 4,000 feet in mountain areas.
- Wildflower Blooms: Over 30 species of wildflowers blanket Tubbs Hill and local trails in vibrant colors.

Fishing
- Pike Fishing: Lake Coeur d’Alene is a prime destination for pike during the spring season.
- Rainbow Trout: Cast your line in local lakes and streams to catch this popular species.
- Spring Chinook Salmon: Witness the exciting salmon runs on the Clearwater River.

Waterfall Hikes
- Shadow Falls: A dramatic 25-foot cascade set in dense forest, best viewed during April’s peak spring runoff.
- Snow Creek Falls: Marvel at multiple cascading waterfalls surrounded by ancient cedar groves and wildflowers.
- Stevens Creek: Discover multi-tiered falls flowing through old-growth forest, reaching peak flow in early spring.

Wildlife Viewing
- Moose and Elk: Spot these majestic animals in lowland areas as they come out of winter.
- Wild Turkey and Deer: Common sights along forest edges as the season changes.
- Waterfowl Nesting: Observe ducks and geese nesting along lake shores.

Events + Festivals
- Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival: Watch thousands of lanterns light up the sky at Stateline Speedway in this magical April event.
- Spring Wine Tasting Events: Sample local and regional wines at weekend tastings held throughout May.
- Farmers Markets Opening: Markets in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and beyond open in early May with fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Summer

Water Sports
- Boating and Jet Skiing: Lake Coeur d’Alene is a top destination for premier boating, sailing, and jet skiing.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking: Explore the serene waters of North Idaho’s lakes and rivers.
- Adventurous Activities: Try parasailing, whitewater rafting, and water skiing for an adrenaline rush.

U-Pick Orchards + Harvest
- Berry Blossom Farms: Pick blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, and veggies in Rathdrum.
- Hidden Acres Farm: Enjoy strawberry, cherry, apricot, and peach picking along with other seasonal produce.
- Riley Creek Blueberry Farm: A family-friendly option for blueberry picking.

Biking + Hiking
- North Idaho Centennial Trail: A scenic 24-mile route for biking and hiking.
- Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Explore 73 miles of paved paths with breathtaking views.
- English Point and Tubbs Hill: Family-friendly trails through lush forested areas.
- Route of the Hiawatha: A 15-mile biking trail featuring tunnels and trestles.

Fishing
- Bass Fishing: Cast for smallmouth and largemouth bass on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s rocky shorelines
- Trout Streams: Fly fish for native cutthroat trout in the St. Joe and Coeur d’Alene Rivers
- Pike and Perch: Target northern pike in Hayden Lake’s weed beds and yellow perch in Lake Pend Oreille
- Kokanee Salmon: Troll for these landlocked salmon in the deep waters of Priest Lake

Golf
- Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course: Features the iconic floating green, lake views, luxury amenities, and top-ranked status
- Circling Raven Golf Club: A 620-acre championship course ranked Idaho’s #1 public course
- Additional Notable Courses: Avondale Golf Course, The Highlands, and StoneRidge
- Year-Round Play: Enjoy simulators like The Sims and Golf Island no matter the season

Events + Festivals
- Art on the Green: Celebrate creativity at this popular art festival.
- Car d’Lane: The classic cars come out for a joint ride every Father’s Day weekend lined up in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
- Farmers Markets: Explore fresh produce and local goods across the region.
- Silverwood: Enjoy the Northwest’s largest amusement park all summer long.
Fall

Hiking + Trail Running
- Tubbs Hill: Coeur d’Alene’s most popular trail; grab a coffee and enjoy the lakeviews on this 2-mile hike.
- English Point Trails: Family-friendly hike where you can go mushroom hunting and pick wildflowers.
- Farragut State Park: 4,000 acres of lakeside trails with frequent wildlife sightings and beautiful fall scenery.

Mountain Biking
- Fourth of July Recreation Area: Ride through colorful fall forest trails with 13 miles of trails for all skill levels
- Canfield Mountain: Enjoy a quiet, less crowded technical single-track with stunning valley views and autumn colors
- Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Pedal along the 73-mile scenic path with stunning fall views
- Bernard Peak: Advanced trails offering challenging terrain and panoramic lake views

Fishing
- Lake Coeur d’Alene: Prime bass fishing in cooling waters near rocky points
- Clearwater River: World-class steelhead runs from September through November
- St. Joe River: Blue-ribbon fly fishing for cutthroat trout in pristine waters
- Local Streams: Landlocked Kokanee salmon runs in crystal-clear mountain waters

Hunting
- Big Game: Trophy elk and deer hunting in vast national forests
- Moose: Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity hunters can harvest one antlered and one antlerless moose
- Bear: Idaho is rated as a top bear hunting state with a fall and spring season open
- Waterfowl and Upland Birds: Duck, goose, pheasant, quail, and turkey hunting in managed game areas and protected bays

U-Pick Orchards + Harvest
- Berry Blossom Farms: Pick pumpkins, veggies, and apples in Rathdrum.
- Green Bluff Farms: Harvest apples, pears, and pumpkins in a charming setting.
- Hidden Acres Farm: Visit festive pumpkin patches for fall fun.
- Prairie Home Farm: Gather fall squash in a picturesque environment.

Events + Festivals
- Oktoberfest: Celebrate with festive beer, food, and entertainment.
- Scarywood at Silverwood Theme Park: Enjoy haunted attractions and thrilling nighttime rides.
- Harvest Festivals: Community celebrations with local artisans and food