Hiking
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is home to more than 3,000 miles of trails to explore!
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
- Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Avery Creek Picnic Area
Avery Creek Picnic Area is for day use only. Features include 5 picnic units, potable water, and a toilet. Attractions include fishing and floating on the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River and a short…
Beauty Creek Campground
Beauty Creek Campground is located a half mile from Lake Coeur d'Alene along the peaceful Beauty Creek. Visitors enjoy breathtaking scenery and convenient access to miles of trails.Natural Features:…
Beaver Creek Campground
Beaver Creek Campground sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, offering phenomenal views of the Selkirk Mountains across the reflective waters of Priest Lake.Natural Features: The campground…
Bell Bay Campground
Bell Bay Campground is a prime place to set up camp on Coeur d'Alene Lake. The upper camp loop is on a hill overlooking the beautiful lake, while the lower loop sits on a short ridge along the…
Big Fisher Lake Trail #41
The trailhead (elevation 6,120 feet) starts at the junction with Trail #13, 1 ¼ miles from Road #634. The trail ascends the side hill at a moderate grade for 1 ½ miles before it starts a short but…
Big Hank Campground
Big Hank Campground is located along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Shore fishing is a large draw, along with local hiking and biking trails. The…
Bottleneck Lake Trail #187
Bottleneck Lake Trail #187 leads to Bottleneck Lake. This lake is enveloped in trees and is tucked under Bottleneck Peak (6,923 feet). The fishing in Bottleneck Lake is good and the trail leading to…
Boulder Meadows
Boulder Meadows is a hub for an incredible network of long trails. Boulder Meadows Trail #57 winds through the meadows for about a mile and junctions with Kelly pass Trail #155. Both trails cross…
Burton Ridge Trail #9
The original purpose for the Burton Ridge Trail #9 was to access the fire lookout on Burton Peak. The lookout is no longer staffed, but its associated cabin remains though it is in rough shape (not…
Canyon Creek (Long Canyon) Trail #16
The trailhead (elevation 1,900 feet) is located approximately ¾-mile north of Long Canyon Creek on the Westside Road #417 trailhead and the first ¼ mile of the trail is on private land. After this,…