Hiking is arguably one of the most popular activities in Idaho. Why? Well, just about anyone can do it since Idaho is home to hundreds of trails for varying skill levels. It doesn’t cost money, yet the payoff is exemplary. Is there a better feeling than getting to the peak elevation of a hike and getting rewarded with one of Idaho’s heart-stopping views? Definitely not. The trail featured here represents that exact moment where you get to the pinnacle point of a hike and have to stop and just take it all in. This hike is unique for many reasons, but especially because it’s one of the most accessible places to view bald eagles as they migrate to the area once a year!
The Mineral Ridge trail is a 3 mile loop trail in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho that leads you to incredible vantage points of Beauty and Wolf Lodge Bays off of Coeur d'Alene Lake.
The trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area and a favorite among locals. It's an easy trail with plenty of interpretive signs containing information about the area, making it great for families!
The trail leads you through dense pine forest areas on your climb to the top of Mineral Ridge. There are several things of historic value to explore along the trail, including the Caribou Cabin.
There's even a side trail that leads you to an old abandoned mine, which interpretive signs list as an "excellent example of hard rock tunneling"!
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There's incredibly beauty in the hike no matter what time of year it is. Wildflowers blossom in the spring and summer, and fall foliage is to be enjoyed in the colder months.
At the peak of the hike, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the bay at the top! The area is well maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, making it an awesome site to sit and hang out for awhile.
One of the most exciting aspects of the trail is the fact that it becomes home to hundreds of bald eagles during the months of November through February as they migrate to the area to feast on kokanee salmon.
It's more than likely you'll see at least one of these majestic animals during this time of year! The Bureau of Land Management even conducts interpretive programs from Christmas through New Years based around the eagles.
Seeing these incredible birds up close and in their natural habitat is something that must be experienced. It also serves as a great reminder to the incredible diversity in wildlife that Idaho contains.
Mineral Ridge seems to have it all. Epic views? Check. Incredible wildlife? Check. You'll even walk away with some knowledge regarding the area's mining history. It really doesn't get much better than this!
To access the trail head, travel 11 miles east from Coeur d'Alene's city center. Take US-90 east until you get to Wolf Lodge Bay Exit 22, then travel south on Highway 97 for approximately three miles.
