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

Explore

Follow Along for More!