There are few things that compare to taking a whole day to explore the natural beauty that can be found throughout the Gem State. The bridge hike featured here can let you do just that. The trail contains everything you could ever want with plenty of scenic views that are sure to take your breath away. You could really spend all day traversing this stunning trail and taking in the beauty, with its most notable feature being the Chatcolet Bridge which leads you over Lake Coeur d’Alene. You’ll definitely want to complete this wonderful bridge hike at some point! Check it out.
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a majestic 70-mile rail trail that takes you through some of the most majestic northern Idaho scenery. The trail is primarily a biking trail, but is also heavily used by hikers. It generally follows the Coeur d'Alene River all the way to Mullan, Idaho.
One of the most heavily trafficked areas of the trail is the 40-mile section that circles around Lake Coeur d'Alene. Here you can actually hike or bike right on the shore of one of our state's most pristine lakes.
It really doesn't get more scenic than this! As you walk along the shoreline, you can't help but stare in awe at the vast body of water before you. You certainly don't come across hiking trails like this one every day.
As you continue along the shoreline, you'll start to see the Chatcolet Bridge coming into view. Built in 1921, this historic bridge is simply stunning as it stretches across the lake.
At 3,100 feet long, this thing is massive. As you start to make your first steps onto the bridge you can't help but feel that the bridge goes on forever.
Nothing beats the view of the water from the bridge on a nice, sunny day. Walking over the expansive blue lake feels oddly surreal. It's a feeling that you won't soon forget.
If you're on a bike, the best part of the hike is the downhill slope as you're leaving the bridge. Here you can pick up some speed and it almost feels like you're flying over the lake.
After the bridge, the trail leads you into Heyburn State Park. Considered Idaho's oldest state park, there's plenty to explore here before you continue to the trail's end.
This is just one section of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, but it's one of the most scenic sections of this glorious hike. Once you reach the trail's end in Mullan, you can hop on the Route of the Hiawatha for another epic hiking trail featuring tunnels, bridges, and jaw-dropping views.
Have you done this amazing bridge hike? What a stunning view! Idaho is full of wonderful bridges like this one that boast some seriously amazing scenery. Just look at these 10 Beautiful Historic Bridges In Idaho for more.
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