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Day Trips from Coeur Dalene

Day Trips from Coeur Dalene

Coeur Dalene Idaho, USA Travel Guide

Accessible Day Trips from Coeur d'Alene

Several appealing towns and attractions within easy day-trip distance offer varied interests.

Interstate 90 (I-90) is the main way for east-west travel to Spokane, Wallace, and Kellogg. US-95 serves north-south travel to Silverwood and Sandpoint. Independent travel in a rental vehicle offers maximum flexibility.

Top Day Trip Destinations

  • Spokane, Washington: Shopping, dining, museums, Riverfront Park.
  • Silverwood Theme Park: Northwest's largest theme and water park (seasonal).
  • Wallace, Idaho: Historic silver mining town, mine tours, museums.
  • Sandpoint, Idaho: Lakeside town, Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain.

Natural & Cultural Escapes

Discover the region's natural beauty and deep history beyond the lake.

Natural Wonders

Beyond Lake Coeur d'alene'Alene, the region offers numerous natural areas for further exploration.

Explore Parks & Lakes

  • Farragut State Park: Hiking, disc golf, camping, lake access on Lake Pend Oreille.
  • Lake Pend Oreille: Idaho's largest and deepest lake, fishing, boating.
  • St. Joe River: Scenic drives, fly fishing, kayaking.

Cultural Heritage

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the broader North Idaho region.

Historical Sites

  • Wallace: Historic silver mining sites, Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum.
  • Cataldo Mission: Oldest standing building in Idaho, early missionary history.
  • Museum of North Idaho: Local history repository.

Seasonal Phenomena & Scenery

Scenic Drives & Nature

  • Lake Coeur d'Alene A Scenic drive: Stunning views along the eastern shore.
  • Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains: Rugged ranges for hiking and backpacking.
  • Rural Farmland in Rathdrum Prairie: Glimpses into agricultural life.
  • Quieter beaches on Lake Pend Oreille for different lakeside experience.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Bald Eagle Migration (Nov-Feb): Wolf Lodge Bay for prime viewing.
  • Northern Idaho Loop: Combine Coeur d'alene'Alene with Sandpoint and Priest Lake.
  • Silver Valley Exploration: Coeur d'alene'Alene, Wallace, Kellogg for mining history.
  • Seattle, Washington: Major metropolitan area, cultural hub (5-hour drive).

Travel Time & Connections

  • Spokane, Washington:ABOUT forty minutes west
  • Silverwood Theme Park:30 minutes north
  • Wallace, Idaho:1 hour east
  • Sandpoint, Idaho:1 hour north
  • Kellogg, Idaho:45 minutes east
  • Glacier National Park, Montana:4-hour drive east
  • Missoula, Montana:Approx. 2-hour drive east
  • Amtrak:From Spokane to Seattle

Independent Exploration

A rental car offers the most freedom and efficiency for day trips and regional excursions.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the broader North Idaho region.

Historical Sites

Wallace boasts preserved silver mining sites. Cataldo Mission is Idaho's oldest standing building.

Rural Villages

Towns like Harrison and St. Maries showcase traditional Idaho rural life and agricultural practices.

Pilgrimage Sites

No prominent pilgrimage sites exist for general tourism in the Coeur d'Alene region.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip to explore more of the Pacific Northwest.

Regional Exploration Ideas

  • Northern Idaho Loop: Combine Coeur d'alene'Alene, Sandpoint, and Priest Lake.
  • Silver Valley Exploration: Coeur d'Alene, Wallace, Kellogg for mining history and adventure.
  • Glacier National Park, Montana: Iconic national park (4-hour drive east).

Longer Regional Journeys

Use Coeur d'Alene as a base for grander Pacific Northwest tours.

Suggested Routes

  • Combine Coeur d'Alene with The Crown Of the continent for an immersive adventure.
  • Pair Coeur d'Alene with a scenic drive through the Palouse region.
  • Spokane International Airport (GEG) for flights to other major U.S. Cities.

Time Requirements for Day Trips

Spokane:Half-day to full day
Silverwood Theme Park:Full day (8+ hours)
Wallace:Half-day to full day
Sandpoint/Schweitzer:Full day
Kellogg/Silver Mountain:Full day
Seattle, Washington:Approx. 5-hour drive west

Day Trip Planning

  • Don't forget to include travel time to and from Coeur d'alene'Alene.
  • A rental car offers the most freedom and efficiency for excursions.
  • Silverwood Theme Park offers its own shuttle service during its operating season.
  • Amtrak's "Empire Builder" route from Spokane for regional connections.
  • Always check specific operating hours for attractions.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond Coeur d'Alene, a wealth of attractions extends the thrill.

Spokane, Washington

A larger city nearby, offering extensive shopping, diverse dining, and cultural sites.

City Highlights

  • Extensive shopping opportunities.
  • Diverse dining experiences.
  • Northwest Gallery of Arts and Culture.

Silverwood Theme Park

The Northwest's largest theme and water park, seasonal fun for families.

Park Features

  • Large water park.
  • Family-friendly thrills and entertainment.
  • Seasonal operation.

Wallace, Idaho

A historic silver mining town, uniquely preserved as a National Historic Landmark.

Historic Attractions

  • Offers mine tours.
  • Features mining history museums.
  • Glimpse into Idaho's mining past.

Sandpoint & Kellogg

Lakeside charm and mountain holiday resorts for year-round activities.

Mountain & Lake Fun

  • Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille.
  • Schweitzer Mountain Resort (winter skiing, summer biking).
  • Silver Mountain Resort (winter sports, summer water park).

Multi-Day Regional Travel

Extend your journey to explore more of the Pacific Northwest.

Northern Idaho Loop

Combine Coeur d'Alene with Sandpoint and Priest Lake for a multi-lake, mountain experience (2-3 days).

Silver Valley Exploration

Explore Coeur d'Alene, Wallace, and Kellogg for mining history and outdoor adventure (1-2 days).

Seattle or Glacier NP

Seattle, Washington (5-hour drive) or Glacier National Park, Montana (4-hour drive) for longer trips.

Transportation for Extended Trips

A rental car is the most practical way to connect to these regional destinations. Amtrak from Spokane offers further ways to travel.
Day Trips from Coeur Dalene. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours