Get ready for an unparalleled family adventure on the historic Hiawatha Bike Trail! Nestled in the stunning mountains north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this iconic rail-trail offers an unforgettable journey through a series of historic tunnels and towering trestles. It’s a truly epic bike ride that combines breathtaking scenery with fascinating history, making it a must-do for any family seeking outdoor excitement and lasting memories. Join us as we share our incredible experience, complete with photos and insights, proving why the Route of the Hiawatha should be at the top of your travel list.
This past summer, our family embarked on an extensive road trip across Idaho, traveling from our home base in Boise all the way up to the charming town of Sandpoint. Along the way, we discovered and thoroughly enjoyed the most extraordinary bike ride imaginable on the Hiawatha Bike Trail. This incredible experience quickly became a highlight of our journey, and we’re thrilled to share our video and photos with you today. This adventure has been a fantastic addition to our road trip blog, and we sincerely hope it inspires your next family getaway.
Exploring Idaho’s Gem: A Hiawatha Bike Trail Review
Our summer vacation was packed with excitement, coming just after memorable visits to iconic national landmarks like Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. Idaho, with its diverse landscapes and welcoming towns, was our final frontier for the season. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Coeur d’Alene, explored the unique rail-trail deep in the heart of the country, and ventured further north to the majestic Schweitzer Resort, culminating in an unforgettable eight-day journey. Of all the amazing memories we created, the Hiawatha Bike Trail unequivocally stood out as one of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences of our entire trip.
Dive into the adventure! Watch a video of our family’s thrilling ride on this incredible Idaho bike trail. Witness the beauty of the tunnels, the height of the trestles, and the pure joy of navigating this scenic route.
The Legendary Hiawatha Bike Trail: What You Need to Know
The Route of the Hiawatha is far more than just a bike path; it’s a journey through history and natural beauty. This scenic trail is carved from a historic railroad line, no longer in use by trains, but perfectly preserved for cyclists. It offers a unique opportunity to pedal through a landscape that once echoed with the rumble of locomotives.
- Location: The Hiawatha Trail is conveniently located approximately 45 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, making it an accessible day trip from this popular lakeside city.
- Length: The entire trail spans an exhilarating 15 miles, offering ample opportunity to soak in the stunning surroundings without feeling overly strenuous.
- Starting Point: Your adventure begins at the Lookout Pass Ski Area, where you’ll find facilities for rentals, passes, and parking.
- Accommodations: For those who wish to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty, camping options are available nearby.
- Operating Season: The trail typically opens for the season around May 26th and closes on September 23rd. Always check the official website for exact dates and conditions, as these can vary based on weather and maintenance.
One of the most defining features of the Hiawatha Trail is its series of ten historic train tunnels. These tunnels, especially the lengthy Taft Tunnel, offer a dramatic and often chilly experience. We highly recommend bringing a sweatshirt or a light jacket that you can easily tie around your waist or pack away. The temperature inside the tunnels can drop significantly, providing a refreshing but sometimes startling contrast to the outside warmth.
- Sky-High Trestles: Prepare to be amazed by the seven towering trestles that punctuate the trail. These incredible feats of engineering provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. Riding across them feels like floating above the treetops, offering unparalleled photo opportunities and a true sense of awe.
- Scenic Route: The trail beautifully follows the contours of the majestic Bitterroot Mountains, immersing riders in dense forests, alongside sparkling streams, and through picturesque meadows. Every turn reveals a new vista, making the ride visually captivating from start to finish.
- Effortless Ride: The Route of the Hiawatha is renowned for being incredibly user-friendly. Most of the 15-mile journey is a gentle downhill grade, meaning less pedaling and more coasting. This makes it an ideal choice for families, including those with small children. Many riders opt for bike trailers, allowing even the youngest adventurers to join in the fun and experience the magic of the trail.
The adventure kicks off with one of the most iconic features of the trail: the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, also known as the Taft Tunnel. This impressive tunnel stretches a staggering 1.66 miles, plunging you into complete darkness and a surprisingly chilly environment. A powerful light source is absolutely essential to navigate safely (if you rent bikes on-site, they come equipped with lights). The initial chill and the vast darkness create an immediate sense of wonder and excitement, setting the stage for an truly awesome biking experience unlike any other.
Navigating the Hiawatha Bike Trail: Ease and Logistics
Before diving into the ride itself, let’s address the practicalities, especially concerning bikes. While we considered bringing our own bicycles, the logistics of storing them in various hotel rooms during our extensive road trip made us reconsider. The good news is that you are absolutely welcome to use your own bicycles on the Hiawatha Trail. However, for maximum convenience, we opted to rent bikes directly at the trail entrance, which cost us around $30 per person. This decision eliminated any hassle and ensured we had well-maintained bikes perfectly suited for the trail’s conditions.
Regardless of whether you bring your own bikes or rent, everyone must purchase a trail pass to access this magnificent route. This pass contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the trail, ensuring its continued enjoyment for future visitors. For us, purchasing shuttle bus tickets for the return journey was an absolute no-brainer. After a 15-mile ride, even if mostly downhill, I knew our family (especially me!) would appreciate a ride back to the top. The idea of anyone struggling to pedal uphill after such an adventure was a risk I wasn’t willing to take, making the shuttle a worthy investment in our comfort and overall enjoyment.
- The shuttle service is incredibly efficient. They expertly load everyone’s bikes onto the back of a classic school bus, providing a charming and comfortable ride back up the mountain. The scenic shuttle journey takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to relax, recount your trail adventures, and enjoy a different perspective of the surrounding forest. We were undeniably grateful for those bus tickets!
Understanding the Cost of the Hiawatha Trail Adventure
Let’s be upfront about the cost: for our family of five, the total outlay was around $220. As someone who appreciates a good value, I confess I had a moment of hesitation. However, my husband, an avid mountain biker, assured me this experience was a non-negotiable must-do. And he was right. I quickly realized that the Hiawatha Bike Trail offered far more than just a bike ride; it promised a once-in-a-lifetime memory that our family would cherish forever. Ultimately, we invested in the full package: bike rentals for everyone, trail passes, and those essential bus passes for a comfortable ride back to the summit. Every penny was worth it for the joy and memories created.
Here we are, about midway through our incredible ride, taking a moment to rest and soak it all in. I initially wondered how my youngest, at 10 years old, would handle the full 15 miles. To my delight, she had an absolute blast! The ride itself is inherently fun, but what truly enhances the experience is the camaraderie you find along the way. You continuously pass and ride alongside other families and groups, inevitably leading to impromptu breaks like this one. These moments offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers, sharing stories and discovering where everyone is from, adding another layer of richness to the journey.
Optimal Timing: The Best Season to Ride the Hiawatha Trail
For the most enjoyable experience on the Hiawatha Bike Trail, we strongly recommend planning your visit for early June. During this period, temperatures are typically mild and pleasant, making for comfortable riding conditions before the peak summer heat sets in. The trail is generally open from June through early September, as the weather begins to shift dramatically after that, with cooler temperatures and potential snow making it unsafe or impassable. Our trip was filled with wonderful encounters, including meeting a family all the way from Australia, and a delightful surprise when we connected with another family who lived just minutes from us back home in Boise!
While some choose to camp closer to the trail, we opted for a hotel deal we found on Groupon in Coeur d’Alene. This worked out perfectly, as we also had friends to visit in the area. Coeur d’Alene makes an excellent base for exploring the region, offering a wide array of dining, lodging, and recreational activities. We highly recommend exploring this vibrant city and its beautiful lake during your visit to the Idaho panhandle.
Remember those awe-inspiring trestles I mentioned, engineering marvels built for the old railroad? Well, here is a prime example! We intentionally paused on one of these magnificent structures just to take in the breathtaking surroundings. The scale and beauty are truly incredible, especially if you’re accustomed to city life. It’s astounding to realize such expansive, untouched natural beauty exists, offering a profound sense of peace and wonder. Our family often discusses this trip, and we wholeheartedly agree it stands out as one of the best vacation spots for kids we’ve ever experienced.
Embracing the Journey: Why Family Travel Matters
If you haven’t yet embarked on adventures with your children, I wholeheartedly encourage you to start! Traveling together, whether it’s a quick day trip or an extended road trip, offers invaluable learning experiences and strengthens family bonds. Even if you only have a day or two off, take the opportunity to discover new areas close to home. Explore local parks, hidden trails, or charming small towns that you’ve never visited before. For longer breaks, consider a grand road trip like ours, which allows for deeper immersion in different landscapes and cultures.
When planning your accommodations, there are many options. Camping can be a fantastic way to connect with nature and is often budget-friendly. Alternatively, finding a reasonably priced hotel in a central location can provide comfort and convenience. However, for families with kids, I highly recommend renting a house or vacation rental. Having extra space, a kitchen, and a living area can significantly enhance everyone’s comfort and happiness, making the trip much more relaxed. Here’s a list of other websites like Airbnb where you can find the perfect family-friendly rental.
Ultimately, traveling is one of the most enriching gifts you can give your children – and yourself. These shared experiences, the challenges overcome, and the memories created together become the fabric of your family story, lasting a lifetime. So pack your bags, plan your next adventure, and go make some unforgettable memories!