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What once was a portion of
railroad tracks used to haul
mining plunders back and
forth through Silver Valley
has now become a pleasingly
paved path for pedestrians.
It has been created as an
innovative solution to the
environmental problems
caused by early mining
endeavors. When the rail
line was built in 1888, mine
waste containing heavy
metals was used as the rail
bed, and the area was even
further contaminated by
accidental ore concentrate
spillage.
A partnership has been
formed between the Union
Pacific Railroad, the U.S.
Government, the State of
Idaho, and the Coeur d’Alene
Tribe to clean the area and
make it usable again. A
thick layer of asphalt and
gravel barriers serve to
isolate the contaminants,
and extensive clean up
efforts have taken place all
along the trail. The result
is a scenic and spectacular
Northwest treasure, open for
all to enjoy.
Start the 32-mile bike ride
at local Enaville gem, the
Snakepit, where the ambiance
is a cacophony of antlers,
saddles, stuffed wildlife,
barstools, and random
western motif memorabilia,
the food is cheap and good,
the beer cold, and the
service friendly. It’s a
great way to kick off the
day.
The trail is enchanting,
winding along the Coeur
D’Alene River and Lake, past
mountain creeks, marshy
swamplands, and tranquil
lakes. There are 36 bridges
and trestles, abundant
wildlife, and glorious flora
- cottonwoods,
willows, and aspens provide
sporadic shade. There are
dozens of places to pull off
the trail and take a swim to
cool down.
After several hours of
leisurely pedaling, at a
pace of about 10-12 miles an
hour, you will arrive in the
quaint little town of
Harrison. One Shot Charlie’s
is a fun restaurant and bar,
with burgers, pizza, beer,
cocktails, and occasional
live music. A perfect place
to celebrate the first leg
down.
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South Fork of Coeur d’Alene
River; looking toward
Smelterville from Pine Creek
Trailhead. Photo supplied by
www.friendsofcdatrails.org |
Looking down ramp to Heyburn
State Park . Photo supplied
by
www.friendsofcdatrails.org
Wake up early to have a
delicious breakfast with a
view at Rose’s Café. From
there is an option to ride
further south on the trail,
to the multi-million dollar
historic Chatcolet Bridge,
which has been built
specifically for bikers and
crosses the southern most
part of Coeur D’Alene Lake.
It adds an additional 16
miles to your 32-mile day,
but it is worth seeing. The
way back to Enaville is
lovely, and the wind is
generally at your back on
day 2.
A few hours more of riding
and you will be back at the
Snakepit, in time to rest
your weary bones and
celebrate victory - 2 days,
80 miles, and countless
memories. This is just one
option on a trail with
infinite possibilities, so
check it out for yourself,
and create your own
adventure. Happy pedaling!
To learn more about the
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes,
call or email the State
Trail Manager at
208-682-3814 or
old@idpr.state.id.us
Or reach the Tribe Trail
Manager of the Coeur d’Alene
Tribe at 208-686-7045 or
dchapman@CDAtribe-nsn.gov
www.friendsofcdatrails.org
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The Trail of the Coeur d'
Alene's