Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park
🏆 Idaho’s Lakeside Gem — Paved multi-use trail along one of America’s most beautiful lakes, connecting Coeur d’Alene to Higgins Point
Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene — consistently ranked among the most beautiful lakes in North America. The park is essentially a linear trail corridor: a paved multi-use path running from the city of Coeur d’Alene south along the lakeshore, offering cycling, walking, and skating with continuous views of the lake’s crystal-clear waters and the forested mountains beyond.
Table of Contents
The Trail
The parkway trail runs approximately 7.5 miles along the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The paved path is wide, flat, and accessible — perfect for cycling, inline skating, running, and walking. The trail connects at its northern end to the city of Coeur d’Alene’s extensive urban trail system.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Size | 25 miles long, 1–3 miles wide, ~3,700 acres |
| 💧 Depth | Maximum 210 feet |
| 🏔️ Elevation | 2,152 feet |
| 🐟 Fish | Chinook salmon, kokanee, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, pike |
| ♻️ Water Quality | Exceptionally clear — visibility often 20+ feet |
Activities
• Cycling: Premier road cycling along the lakeshore trail • Fishing: Lake access for kokanee, chinook, bass, and pike • Kayaking/SUP: Launch from beach access points along the parkway • Swimming: Informal lake access at several points • Birding: Osprey, bald eagles, herons along the shoreline
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | East shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho |
| 📞 Phone | (208) 769-1511 |
| 🕐 Hours | Year-round, dawn to dusk |
| 💰 Fee | $7/vehicle (Idaho Motor Vehicle Entry Fee) |
| ⛺ Camping | No camping at parkway |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Lake swimming, cycling, kayaking, best weather |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Oct) | 50–65°F | Fall colors, kokanee spawning, fewer crowds |
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | 50–65°F | Wildflowers, osprey nesting, fishing |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar) | 25–40°F | Eagle watching, quiet trail walks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trail?
Approximately 7.5 miles along the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail is paved, flat, and suitable for cycling, running, walking, and skating.
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes — informal lake access is available at several points along the parkway. The water is clear and clean but cold. There are no lifeguarded beaches within the parkway.
Is there camping?
No camping at the parkway itself. Nearby Heyburn State Park (30 miles south) offers excellent lakeside camping. City campgrounds in Coeur d’Alene also available.
Can you fish from the parkway?
Yes — shore fishing and boat access points are available. Lake Coeur d’Alene supports chinook salmon, kokanee, cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Idaho fishing license required.
How far from Spokane?
Coeur d’Alene is approximately 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington — about a 35-minute drive via I-90.
Can you bike the trail?
Yes — the paved multi-use trail is ideal for cycling. It connects to the city of Coeur d’Alene’s trail network, including the famous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (73 miles).
Is the park open in winter?
Yes — the trail is accessible year-round, though it may be icy or snow-covered in winter. Winter visitors can enjoy bald eagle watching along the lake.
🚴 Visit Coeur d’Alene Parkway
Cycle or walk along one of America’s most beautiful lakes, fish for chinook and kokanee, and enjoy Idaho’s stunning lakeside scenery.
🗺️ Official Park PageFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Idaho state parks?
Idaho state parks charge a motor vehicle entrance fee (MVEF) of $7 per vehicle. An annual Idaho State Parks Passport costs $40 and covers unlimited entry to all parks.
What are the best state parks in Idaho?
Top parks include Bruneau Dunes (tallest single-structured sand dune in North America), Harriman (wildlife refuge near Yellowstone), Farragut (on Lake Pend Oreille), and Thousand Springs (dramatic canyon springs).
Can I see sand dunes in Idaho?
Yes, Bruneau Dunes State Park features the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America at 470 feet. The park also has an excellent observatory for stargazing and is a designated Dark Sky Park.
What is the best time to visit Idaho state parks?
Summer (June-August) is peak season for water recreation and camping. Fall brings beautiful colors to the mountainous parks. Spring offers wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Many parks remain open in winter for snow activities.
Explore More Idaho State Parks
Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Idaho. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Idaho guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
