Spring

SPRING time in North Idaho is delightful!  Warm days and cool mountain evenings are normal weather.  Spring storms are rare and are short in duration.  As the days warm, Mother Nature takes over and the plants and trees burst to provide a vast array of color.  This is truly a time of rejuvenation and one of the most spectacular times of the year.

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Spring Activities to Enjoy:

Walk the Boardwalk

The Boardwalk at The Coeur d’Alene Resort rims the hotel’s 372-slip marina and , at 12 feet wide and 3,300 feet long, is recognized as the world’s longest floating boardwalk.  It was constructed in 1986 and required 1,600 float logs (each 32 feet long), 28,000 pounds of spikes, 16,000 lag screws and 8,000 pounds of bolts to complete.  The boardwalk and marina are anchored by 150 tons of concrete and a series of strategically placed pilings.  It is open daily to the public.

Get Above it All

Get a bird’s-eye view of North Idaho on a high-flying tour.  Brooks Seaplane Service on Lake Coeur d’Alene has scenic routes that cover North Idaho.  Helicopter excursions and private charters are available.  Explore lakes, mountain goats and other scenery from a new point of view.  Or, parasail and soar 500 feet above the crowds for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the downtown beaches.  It’s safe and you won’t even get wet, taking off and landing right on the boat.  Call Coeur d’Alene Parasail (208) 765-5367 for information.

Go Underground

Sierra Silver Mine Tours, located in Historic Wallace takes you on a 1,000 foot guided waking tour through an actual depleted silver mine.  A little over and hour for this unique, safe one-of-a-kind experience.  A guided trolley tour of Historic Wallace is included.  For more information, call (208) 752-5151.

Take a Hike

North Idaho’s parks and back country are laced with trails, many leading to lakes or streams, and most offering magnificent viewpoints.  Here is just a sampling that are easily accessible to walking and hiking enthusiasts:

Centennial Trail is a paved, comfortable course for walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters.  From the Washington state line the trail roughly follows the Spokane River through Post Falls, along Northwest Boulevard through City Park and downtown Coeur d’Alene.  The eastern end of the trail hugs the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene with numerous picnic tables, exercise stations, and rest stops all the way to Higgins Point – a climb that is worth the extra effort to view Beauty Bay.

Tubbs Hill features outstanding viewpoints, woodland habitats and historical focal points.  The self-guided walk follows a two-mile loop, beginning and ending at the south end of the parking lot between Mc Euen Park and the Coeur d’Alene Resort.  Allow about two hours for the hike and wear comfortable shoes as the trail is rocky and steep in some area.

Mineral Ridge Trail is a 3.3 mile path that is an outdoor classroom in the forest.  There are 22 stations numbered along the trail identifying features found naturally at Mineral Ridge.  The trail climbs 735 feet to an elevation of 2,875 feet, for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and surrounding mountains.  The trail begins at Beauty Bay and is accessed off of Highway 97.

Q’emiln Trail in Post Falls is home to Marmots, Osprey and other wildlife.  The set of 14 trails starts at South City Park and winds through four miles of the Spokane River gorge.  A map at the trailhead marks the route.

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For a calendar of Spring events, visit www.fyinorthidaho.com