Mineral Ridge

Located near the gorgeous Lake Coeur d’Alene, Mineral Ridge is a furrific combination of scenery, wildlife, and history. Pack some water, snacks, and a leash, and treat your pup to some time on this pawsome trail.

Access to the trailhead is found right next to Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Beauty Bay. From the barking lot, follow the set of switchbacks up to the ridge. It’s recommended to hike the loop counter-clockwise. Doing this will make the inclines more gradual, and the views of Lake Coeur d’Alene more accessible. Towards the beginning of the trail, watch for a spur trail. Take this short detour to an interesting rock tunnel and let your doggo sniff around. They can probably even fit inside, if they dare!

Once you make it to the ridge, Caribou Cabin comes into view. From here, another spur veers off and leads to an abandoned mine. As you head down the trail, paws and take in the views of Beauty and Wolf Lodge Bays. In the spring, a gorgeous display of wildflowers adorns the hills. As you hike this trail, take time to read the 22 interpretive signs about the forest’s plants and animals.

While the summer and spring are pupular times to hike this trail, it’s the winter months that are the real treat. From November to February a migrating population of about 200 bald eagles descends on the area. They feed on the nearby spawning kokanee salmon. An interpretive viewing program is offered between December 27 and December 31 during peak migration.

The trailhead has picnic tables, so after your hike, stick around and enjoy a leisurely lunch with your pup. Drinking water and restrooms are also available. Don’t forget to bring clean up bags. No doubt about it, Mineral Ridge is a trail your pooch will want to visit again and again!