XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Areas

• Coeur d'Alene River Area

  Recreation opportunities in the Coeur d'Alene River area (Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are as diverse as the landscape. From camping on beautiful Hayden and Coeur d'Alene Lakes to wandering by foot, horse, mountain bike, motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile through backcountry areas on our hundreds of miles of trails, we offer something for everyone. Our rental cabins, Little Guard Lookout perched high on a mountain peak with unlimited vistas and historic Magee Ranger Station nestled beside a stream, allow you to experience rustic Forest Service living at its best.

• Mullan Road Historic Site
• Lower Kootenai River Area

  The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north.

  Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge.

  There are many spectacular lakes, both low elevation lakes with easy access and high elevation, subalpine lakes, accessed only by trail or 'bushwhacking'.

  National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Emphasis tends to be placed on backcountry, non-developed, semi-primitive recreation, yet urban activities such as auto touring, white water rafting, and car camping are common as well.

  More than 360 miles of summer use trail are open and usable on the District. Approximately 60 miles of that are open to motorized use; the remainder is suitable for stock use, hiking, and camping. Miles of gated road offer additional routes for mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.

  Dispersed car camping is common throughout the District. Four campgrounds provide developed recreation opportunities in addition to several picnic and camping areas and interpretive sites.

  The District provides two lookouts and one cabin for rental to the public. Cold water and ice fishing are popular as are white water rafting, canoeing, and swimming. Berry and mushroom picking and Christmas tree cutting are seasonally popular.

  Winter provides thousands of acres for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Groomed routes vary from year to year.

• Long Canyon Trail #16
• St. Joe River Area

  The St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests includes most of what was originally established as the St. Joe National Forest and is now our St. Joe Ranger District.

  This is an area of blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and extensive roadless and primitive areas. We offer miles of trails for hikers, backcountry horse users, mountain bikers, and ATV riders. The St. Joe is nationally recognized for its' elk herds.

  Many of our campgrounds are located adjacent to the beautiful Wild & Scenic St. Joe River. Our Route of the Hiawatha rails-to-trails mountain biking route winds across trestles and through tunnels. Visit Marble Creek and view artifacts of early 20th century logging. Spend some time at one of our backcountry cabins or lookouts, or simply spend a day driving the St. Joe River road taking in the beauty of our rivers, mountains, vegetation, and wildlife.

• Groomed Snow Routes in the St. Joe Area