Why go
Coeur d'Alene is one of the most beautiful cities in the northwest of the USA and is often referred to as the gateway to Idaho. The city lies directly on the lake of the same name and connects a lively downtown with a spectacular natural setting. Crystal clear water, wooded hills and numerous leisure opportunities make Coeur d'Alene a perfect first stop on a round trip through Idaho.
Although the city has grown strongly in recent years, it has retained its charming character. Cafés, restaurants and small boutiques line up along the well-kept waterfront while sailing boats and kayaks are on the lake.
Coeur d'Alene is also an ideal starting point for campers and Fifth Wheel travelers. The infrastructure is excellent, there are many shopping facilities available and several first-class campsites are just minutes away from the city centre.
At a glance
Category | Information
Inhabitants | ca. 58'000
Altitude | 660 m
Ideal stay | 2–3 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Lakes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food & drink | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lake Coeur d'Alene
The lake, which is over 40 kilometres long, is the heart of the region and one of the most beautiful lakes in the American northwest.
The crystal clear water is ideal for:
Bathing
Kayaking
Stand-up paddling
Boat trips
Fishing
The wooded mountains around the lake provide an impressive backdrop.
Photo Tip
Especially in the early morning, the surrounding mountains are almost perfectly reflected in the calm water.
Coeur d'Alene City Park
Directly on the lake is one of the most beautiful city parks Idahos.
Here you are:
Large green areas
Well-kept walks
Beach
Picnic areas
Playgrounds
Ideal for a relaxing afternoon.
Tubbs Hill
The forested Tubbs Hill peninsula rises right next to the city centre.
A circular path leads along the lake shore to small bays and spectacular viewpoints.
Distance: approx. 3.5 km
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Insider tip
On the way you will find several small rocky bays that are perfect for a refreshing bath.
Coeur d'Alene Resort
The luxurious resort characterizes the cityscape.
Especially known are:
the floating promenade
the marina
the famous golf course with floating island green
Also without overnight stay is worth a walk through the well-kept complex.
Downtown Coeur d'Alene
The city centre delights with its relaxed ambience.
Here you can find:
Boutiques
Art galleries
Cafés
Breweries
Ice cream parlors
Souvenir shops
Especially in the evening there is a particularly pleasant atmosphere.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruise
A tour on the lake is one of the most popular activities in the region.
During the ride you can enjoy beautiful views of:
Wooded Hills
Luxury villas
small bays
numerous water birds
Cycling tour on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The 115 km long cycle path is one of the most beautiful in the USA.
It leads past:
Lakes
Rivers
Forests
historic mine sites
Individual sections are also worth it.
Kayak or stand-up paddling
Several providers rent equipment directly at the lake.
The quiet bays are ideal for beginners.
Sunset on the waterfront
A walk along the lake is one of the city's most beautiful evening activities.
Shopping
Coeur d'Alene offers excellent shopping.
Recommended are:
Costco Wholesale
Ideal for filling up the supplies before travelling on.
Walmart Supercenter
Here you can find:
Food
Camping equipment
Household articles
Clothing
Cabela's
A paradise for outdoor and camping enthusiasts.
Ideal for:
Fishing accessories
Camping equipment
Travelling clothing
Downtown Boutiques
The city centre offers numerous small shops with regional products and handicrafts.
Dockside Restaurant
Located directly in the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Known for:
regional fish dishes
Steaks
fantastic view of the lake
Crafted Tap House
Popular restaurant with regional cuisine and a wide selection of craft beers.
Hudson's Hamburgers
An institution for over 100 years.
The burgers are among the most famous in Idaho.
Bakery by the Lake
Ideal for breakfast or coffee overlooking the lake.
Blackwell Island RV Park
Located directly on the lake.
Benefits:
Full Hook-up
Large pitches
Marina
excellent location
Ideal for large Fifth Wheels.
Coeur d'Alene Parkway State Park Campground
Near nature campsite with beautiful walks.
Beauty Creek Campground
Quietly located National Forest Campground near the lake.
Perfect for nature lovers.
Wolf Lodge Campground
Small, well-kept campsite east of the city.
RV tip
Coeur d'Alene is the ideal place to fill up your supplies before heading further towards Sandpoint or into the mountain regions of Nordidaho.
Insider tip
Many visitors stay exclusively on the promenade. A walk over Tubbs Hill, however, offers some of the most beautiful views of the lake.
Photo Tip
The view from Tubbs Hill Trail to the marina and resort is one of the most famous photographic motifs in the region.
Avoid frequent errors
Plan enough time for the lake – Coeur d'Alene is far more than just an intermediate station.
In summer, parking spaces near the lake can be occupied quickly.
Reserve popular campsites early.
Use the cooler morning hours for hiking tours on Tubbs Hill.
Our recommendation
Coeur d'Alene is the perfect start to a journey through Idaho. The combination of crystal clear lake, lively downtown and relaxed atmosphere makes the city a place where you like to stay longer than planned.