The Oldest State Park in the Pacific Northwest — Established in 1908, Idaho’s Heyburn State Park Encompasses Three Lakes and the St. Joe River, Camping Cabins and Cottages on the Shores of Chatcolet Lake, Boating and Water Sports on Chatcolet Benewah and Hidden Lakes, The World’s Highest Navigable River — St. Joe River Flows Through the Park, Fishing for Bass Crappie Perch and Northern Pike, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails Through Old-Growth Cedar and Pine Forest, Near Plummer Benewah County Idaho Panhandle
Heyburn State Park is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, established in 1908 in Benewah County, Idaho’s panhandle, managed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The park encompasses three lakes — Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden, featuring camping with cabins and cottages on the shores of Chatcolet Lake, boating and water sports on all three lakes with marina and boat ramp facilities, the St. Joe River — widely considered the world’s highest navigable river — flowing through the park, fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, perch, and northern pike, hiking and mountain biking trails through old-growth western red cedar and ponderosa pine forest, a trail of the Coeur d’Alenes paved pathway for cycling, swimming beaches on Chatcolet Lake, and a 5,744-acre park that preserves one of the finest lake-and-forest landscapes in the Idaho panhandle.
The St. Joe River is a geographic marvel — classified as the world’s highest navigable river, it flows at 2,129 feet elevation through the park before entering Chatcolet Lake. Paddling this pristine mountain river through old-growth forest is one of Idaho’s most unforgettable water experiences.
Being the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest gives Heyburn a storied history — President Theodore Roosevelt signed the legislation creating the park in 1908, recognizing the extraordinary beauty of these interconnected lakes and forested mountains deserved permanent protection.
Things to Do
- Boating — 3 lakes, marina
- St. Joe River — highest navigable
- Camping — cabins, cottages
- Fishing — bass, crappie, pike
- Cycling — Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
- Old-growth cedar — forest trails
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Plummer, Benewah County, ID |
| Established | 1908 — oldest in Pacific Northwest |
| Size | 5,744 acres |
| Lakes | Chatcolet, Benewah, Hidden |
| River | St. Joe — highest navigable |
| Managed By | Idaho Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 47.3500° N, 116.7833° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Heyburn SP — Idaho’s oldest state park (established 1908) — 5,744 acres. The park’s Lake Chatcolet, St. Joe River, and mixed conifer forest support bald eagles, ospreys, and white-tailed deer. The St. Joe River is the highest navigable river in the world.
Nearby Attractions
Plummer — adjacent. Coeur d’Alene Reservation — surrounding. St. Maries — nearby.
What is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest?
Heyburn State Park in Idaho’s panhandle, established in 1908, is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest. The 5,744-acre park encompasses three lakes (Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden) and the St. Joe River — widely considered the world’s highest navigable river. Features include camping cabins and cottages, marina with boat ramp, fishing for bass and pike, and hiking through old-growth cedar forest. Near Plummer, Benewah County.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a short drive away, while Old Mission State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Heyburn State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
