Recreation area

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail

Bureau of Land Management · Coeur d'Alene · Idaho — managed by Bureau of Land Management

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The 3.3-mile trail was the first BLM recreation site developed in Idaho in 1963. In 1982, the trail was designed as a National Recreation Trail and offers an invigorating hike and stunning views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. An interpretive trail guide describes the plants, animals and interrelationships of the forest at 22 marked stations along the trail. The Scenic Area has paved parking that serves as a trailhead and picnic area. There are pleasantly landscaped turf areas, drinking water, two picnic shelters with tables, pit toilets and trash receptacles. All trailhead facilities except the upper picnic shelter are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Each winter from November through February, a migrating population of over 200 bald eagles visit the area to feed on the spawning kokanee salmon. An interpretive viewing program is offered annually from December 27 through December 31, during peak migration.

Getting there

11 miles east of Coeur d'Alene city center. Take US-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then go south on Highway 97 for three miles.

Contact
208-769-5000

Activities

  • Accessible Facility or Activity
  • HIKING
  • PICNICKING
  • WINTER SPORTS
  • WILDLIFE VIEWING
  • PHOTOGRAPHY

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Idaho camping

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Idaho campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.