10 Unmissable Things To Do in CDA for the Ultimate Adventure in North Idaho
Planning an adventurous holiday? Coeur D’Alene offers unlimited experiences for the whole family – check out the best ones in this guide by Best of Coeur D’Alene!
Perched on the placid Coeur d’Alene Lake in an idyllic mountain setting, the city of Coeur D’Alene is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation in North Idaho.
But the nature that surrounds the city and embraces downtown CDA also makes Lake City a hub for adventures, active vacations, and unforgettable experiences with the whole family!
Here are some of the unmissable things to do in CDA for adventure and nature lovers.
Explore the North Idaho Forests by ATV
Located at the core of the wild Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF), Coeur D’Alene is surrounded by a whopping 2.5 million acres of public land.
Undoubtedly, some of the trails that cross the city’s surroundings offer a glance into this incredible natural landscape. But a guided ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour is the best way to cover more miles while taking in the breathtaking views offered by Coeur d’Alene Lake, Hayden Lake, and Fernan Lake.
Join an Exciting Coeur D’Alene Scavenger Hunt
If you are looking to explore the picture-perfect downtown area of CDA, there is a more exciting way to do so than just taking a stroll around!
Joining a scavenger hunt is one of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene for the whole family, guarantees great fun, and allows you to discover the local landmarks and hidden gems.
Scavenger hunts are also a great option to add an exciting twist to your CDA events, like bachelorette or birthday parties.
Take In Breathtaking Views With a Zipline Experience
With so much unspoiled woodland surrounding the city, a ziplining experience is one of the activities in Coeur d’Alene that you shouldn’t miss! The Timberline Adventures park offers visitors the chance to explore seven ski trails and three sky bridges, as well as endless breathtaking views.
Keep your action camera ready and expect more than one adrenaline-inducing moment!
Rent a UTV in North Idaho
If you love the idea of exploring the surroundings of CDA on off-road trails but ATVs are not your first choice, UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles) are a great option.
These vehicles are larger than ATVs and allow you to ride side-by-side with your partner or kids. The perfect way to share an adventure in the stunning Alpine forest around Coeur d’Alene with your loved ones!
Check In at The Nearby Schweitzer Ski Resort
If you are passionate about winter sports, you’ll find endless things to do in CDA, Idaho!
The Schweitzer Ski Resort – the largest ski resort in Washington and Idaho – is located just under 60 miles north of Coeur D’Alene, at Sandpoint.
Thanks to its 2900 acres of woodland and terrain, at the heart of the Selkirk Mountains, the resort offers plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe hiking. Here you’ll find ten ski lifts and over 90 trails to try!
Ride a Bike on the Historical North Idaho Centennial Trail
The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs from the Idaho/Washington state line to Higgens Point in CDA and includes nearly 24 miles of paved trails. Part of the 1,311-mile Idaho Centennial Trail, this paved trail is perfect to explore Idaho’s Panhandle by bike.
Biking a section of the North Idaho Centennial Trail is also one of the great things to do in Coeur d’Alene for families – especially as the trail offers the chance to stop at the city’s best parks, explore downtown, and even spend a few hours at a local beach!
Explore The Best Tubbs Hill Hiking Trails
If there is one location in CDA that adventure lovers shouldn’t miss is Tubbs Hill. This stunning natural area is located at a stone’s throw from downtown CDA and offers over 2.2-miles (3.5 km) of hiking trails for all experience levels.
The dog- and family-friendly 120-acres park offers breathtaking views over Coeur D’Alene Lake all year round – but make sure to bring winter boots for your cold-weather hikes!
Meet The Local Wildlife at Cougar Bay Nature Reserve
If you are interested in exploring the local wildlife of Coeur D’Alene, make sure to plan a stopover at the impressive Cougar Bay Nature Reserve. With over 34 rare animals and nearly 30 species of birds roaming the park, Cougar Bay Reserve is the perfect location for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
And, thanks to the many guided trails, this is also a must-visit destination for hikers.
Enjoy The Many Water Activities Offered by Lake Coeur D’Alene
The real activity hub of CDA can be found just around the corner from the thriving downtown area: Lake Coeur D’Alene. Thanks to the many parks, beaches, piers, and reserves dotting the lakefront, Lake Coeur D’Alene is accessible all year round and offers plenty of water activities for the entire family.
From parasailing to jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, and boat rentals, the Lake offers unlimited opportunities for an active vacation. And, if you need to take a moment of relaxation, just set out on the search for the perfect fishing spot.
Explore the Stunning Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail
The Mineral Ridge Scenic Area is located 10 miles East of downtown CDA, and its 3-mile hiking trail makes for the perfect spot for nature lovers to spend a few hours soaking in the stunning landscape.
Complete with paved parking sports and picnic shelters, the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail is highly accessible all year round – but offers the perfect opportunity to explore the local wild flora and fauna. In winter, don’t miss out on the chance of spotting migratory bald eagles!
Discover More Adventurous Things To Do in CDA
From relaxing by the lakeside to taking part in the many activities taking place in downtown CDA, Lake City offers unlimited fun things to do for all visitors. But the real star in CDA is its unspoiled, reigning nature, which makes for a great adventurous holiday. Discover more things to do in CDA at Best of Coeur d’Alene.
