Hiawatha Bike Trail Your Next Unforgettable Adventure

Embark on an epic journey through the heart of the Idaho wilderness on the legendary Hiawatha Bike Trail. This incredible adventure, nestled north of Coeur d’Alene, promises an unforgettable experience for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Join us as we share our family’s firsthand account, complete with captivating photos and a video, of what makes this scenic route one of Idaho’s premier attractions.

Hiawatha Bike Trail: A Comprehensive Review

Summertime in Idaho offers a bounty of exploration opportunities, and our visit to the Hiawatha Bike Trail was a magnificent highlight of our final summer vacation, following memorable trips to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. Idaho’s natural beauty truly captivated us.

Our itinerary included a charming stay in Coeur d’Alene, a thrilling day on this historic railroad-turned-bike-trail, and then a scenic drive north to the stunning Schweitzer Resort. Each stop contributed to an unforgettable journey, but the Hiawatha Trail stood out as a truly unique and engaging experience for every member of our family.

Our 8-day Idaho road trip created a treasure trove of amazing memories, and riding the Hiawatha Bike Trail was undoubtedly one of the crowning achievements of our entire adventure! It’s an experience that truly connects you with nature and history simultaneously.

Exploring the Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail

The Route of the Hiawatha is far more than just a bike path; it’s a meticulously preserved, scenic stretch of a historic railroad track, now repurposed for an extraordinary cycling experience. Here are some key details to help plan your visit:

• Location: The trail is conveniently located approximately 45 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, offering a perfect day trip from the popular lakeside city.
• Trail Length: The entire scenic ride spans a delightful 15 miles, primarily downhill, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
• Starting Point: Your adventure begins at the historic Lookout Pass Ski Area, which also serves as a hub for trail passes, bike rentals, and valuable information.
• Nearby Accommodations: For those looking to extend their stay, various camping and lodging options are available in the vicinity, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain environment.
• Operating Season: The trail is typically open from late May (around May 26th) and closes in mid-September (around September 23rd), offering a prime window during the warmer months to experience its beauty.

One of the most distinctive features of the Hiawatha Trail is its 10 long, dark, and wonderfully cool train tunnels. As you cycle through these historic passages, you’ll feel the temperature drop significantly, making a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt a highly recommended item to tie around your waist for easy layering. Each tunnel presents a unique sense of adventure, transporting you back in time while offering a refreshing respite from the summer sun.

• Sky-High Trestles: Prepare to be amazed by the 7 sky-high trestles that punctuate the trail. These engineering marvels offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains and deep valleys – truly a sight to behold.
• Scenic Backdrop: The trail gracefully follows the contours of the majestic Bitterroot Mountains, providing continuous stunning vistas of towering pines, lush forests, and rugged landscapes.
• Mostly Downhill Ride: The Route of the Hiawatha is renowned for its gentle, mostly downhill gradient, making it an “easy” ride suitable for families. We saw many families with bike trailers, comfortably carrying little ones, highlighting its family-friendly nature.

Your journey kicks off with a memorable descent into the Taft Tunnel, a formidable 1.66-mile long passage that is remarkably cold inside, even on the hottest summer days. A headlamp or bike-mounted light is essential for visibility (rented bikes come equipped with one, but bringing your own extra light is always a good idea). Navigating this long, dark tunnel is an incredibly awesome and unique way to begin this epic bike ride, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Assessing the Difficulty: Is the Hiawatha Bike Trail Challenging?

Let’s clarify the “difficulty” of the Hiawatha Bike Trail. While the 15-mile distance might sound daunting to some, the trail’s design makes it incredibly accessible. It’s predominantly a downhill cruise, following the gentle slope of the old railroad grade, meaning you expend far less effort than you might imagine. This is why it’s so popular with families, including those with very young children in trailers.

We opted not to bring our own bicycles, primarily due to the logistical challenge of storing them in various hotel rooms during our extensive road trip. You are absolutely welcome to bring your personal bicycles to ride the Hiawatha Trail, which can save on rental costs. However, for convenience, we chose to rent bikes directly at Lookout Pass for approximately $30 per person, which included all necessary gear like helmets and lights.

Regardless of whether you bring your own bikes or rent, a trail pass is mandatory for everyone riding through this gorgeous route. Additionally, we highly recommend purchasing shuttle bus tickets for the return journey. For us, it was a “no-brainer.” We knew that after 15 miles of exhilarating downhill, the thought of pedaling back uphill, especially for our youngest, would diminish the joy of the experience. I personally wanted to ensure that no one, especially myself, would struggle on the way back!

• Shuttle Experience: With a shuttle ticket, all bikes are efficiently loaded onto the back of a vintage school bus, and passengers enjoy a comfortable ride back to the top. The shuttle takes about 30 minutes, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the adventure. Opting for the bus tickets was definitely a decision we were glad we made! It transforms the ride into a purely pleasurable downhill experience without the worry of the return climb.

Understanding the Cost to Ride the Hiawatha Trail

When planning a family outing, understanding the costs involved is crucial. For our family of five, the total cost for the Hiawatha Bike Trail experience was around $220. I’ll admit, being budget-conscious, I initially hesitated at the price. However, my husband, an avid mountain biker, recognized the unique value and insisted it was a must-do for him and an incredible opportunity for our children.

Ultimately, I had a strong feeling that this bike ride would become a once-in-a-lifetime memory that we would cherish forever. So, we went all-in, purchasing everything needed for a seamless experience: bike rentals for everyone, essential trail passes, and those invaluable bus passes for the hassle-free ride back up. While it was an investment, the return in terms of joy, shared experience, and breathtaking scenery was immeasurable.

Here we are, about midway through our ride, pausing on one of the magnificent trestles. I wasn’t entirely sure how our youngest, then 10, would manage the full 15 miles, but she had an absolute blast! The ride itself was incredibly fun, but an added bonus was the camaraderie. Along the way, you constantly encounter and ride alongside other families, creating a friendly, communal atmosphere. Inevitably, you’ll find yourselves taking breaks here and there, just like we did, striking up conversations and sharing stories about where you’re from and your adventures.

Optimal Time to Experience the Hiawatha Trail

Timing your visit is key to fully enjoying the Hiawatha Bike Trail. We highly recommend planning your trip for early June. During this period, the weather is typically ideal – pleasantly warm without being excessively hot, which can be a factor later in the summer. The trail is generally open from June through early September, as the crisp autumn weather and potential for snow begin to close in after that, impacting trail conditions and accessibility. It’s always best to check their official website for exact opening and closing dates before planning your trip.

One of the delightful aspects of the Hiawatha Trail is the diverse mix of people you meet. We had fascinating conversations with fellow cyclists from as far away as Australia, and to our surprise and delight, we even met another family who lived just minutes from us back home in Boise! It’s a testament to the trail’s widespread appeal.

For accommodation, we chose not to stay directly near the trail but rather found an excellent hotel deal on Groupon for a place in Coeur d’Alene. This worked out perfectly, as we were also visiting friends in the area. Coeur d’Alene itself is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, making it an ideal base for exploring the region, including the Hiawatha Trail.

Remember those amazing, historic trestles I mentioned, originally built for the old railroad track? Well, here’s a closer look at one of them! These towering structures are truly architectural marvels, offering both a glimpse into history and unparalleled views.

We took a significant break on this particular trestle, not just to rest, but to simply take in the magnificent surroundings. The sheer scale and beauty are incredible, especially if you’re accustomed to urban landscapes. It’s truly amazing to discover such a pristine and awe-inspiring natural area exists, offering a profound sense of escape and wonder.

• Reflecting on our entire road trip, the Hiawatha Bike Trail consistently came up in our discussions, solidifying its place as one of the best vacation spots for kids we’ve ever experienced.

Embracing Family Adventures Beyond the Hiawatha Bike Trail

If you haven’t yet embarked on significant travels with your children, we wholeheartedly encourage you to start! Travel, whether a grand expedition or a local discovery, enriches lives in countless ways. Even if you only have a day or two off here and there, seize the opportunity to discover new areas near your home. The adventure doesn’t always have to be far-flung to be memorable.

For those with a full week or more, consider taking a long road trip, much like our Idaho adventure. The key is to find accommodation that suits your family’s needs and budget. Options range from rustic camping under the stars to comfortable, reasonably priced hotels. However, if you’re traveling with kids, we highly recommend renting a house or vacation rental. It often provides more space, privacy, and amenities like a kitchen, which can make everyone happier and more comfortable during your travels. Here’s a list of other websites like Airbnb where you can find the perfect family-friendly rental.

In conclusion, whether it’s cycling the magnificent Hiawatha Bike Trail or exploring a new corner of your own region, traveling with your kids is quite simply the best gift you could ever give them – and yourself!