Bruneau Dunes State Park features several large sand dunes and a small lake. The park is located south of Mountain Home, Idaho, outside of Bruneau. The park is the site of North America's highest single-structured sand dune which is approximately 470 feet high. The park is also the site of the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, where visitors can use a telescope for stargazing. The dunes may have started with sands from the Bonneville Flood about 15,000 years ago. The prevailing winds blow from the southeast 28 percent of the time and from the northwest 32 percent of the time, keeping the dunes fairly stable. Unlike most dunes, these do not drift far. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the dunes but climbing and sledding are permitted. There are 7-mile and 9-mile horseback riding trails around the dunes. An educational center offers natural history displays and a gift shop. The astronomical observatory is open Friday and Saturday evenings mid-March through mid-October. Two cabins, 82 RV sites (with water/electricity) and 32 standard sites are available year round.
Coeur d'Alene Lake
Coeur d'Alene Lake stretches for 25 miles and with almost 110 miles of shoreline just south of I-90, 33 miles east of Spokane, WA. Here are some of the best places to visit in Coeur d'Alene.
Canfield Mountain Trail System
This National Forest Service system of 25 hilly trails, while most popular for mountain biking, is also open to motorbikes and hikers.
Cougar Bay Preserve
With trails for hikers and for paddlers, the 88-acres of Cougar Preserve are under the protection of The Nature Conservancy.
Mineral Ridge Trail Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the 3.3-mile Mineral Ridge Trail is both scenic and educational. Along your hike you'll learn about the local forest and mining history. The area is also a hot spot for bald eagles each late November to early January.
The Mudgy Moose Trail
A local children's book, Mudgy and Millie, tells the tale of Mudgy Moose's search for his friend Millie Mouse. The 2+ mile Mudgy Moose Trail passes through Coeur d'Alene, following Mudgy's route. Along the way you'll find colorful signs and full-size bronze Mudgy statues.
Coeur d'Alene Boardwalk
Take a fun lazy stroll around Coeur d'Alene's colorful marina on the world's longest floating boardwalk.
North Idaho Centennial Trail
This 24-mile improved recreation trail runs through Coeur d'Alene west to the state line. In Washington, the trail continues on another 35 miles as the Spokane River Centennial Trail, passing through Spokane then north to Riverside State Park.
Route of the Hiawatha Trail
Accessed a good hour's drive east of Coeur d'Alene, the Route of the Hiawatha is a rail-trail gem that passes through long tunnels and over historic bridges.
Tubbs Hill
Hiking trails wind through this forested hill, which is surrounded on three sides by Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
This 72-miles long paved rail-trail has several trailheads that can be access from the sooutheast side of Lake Coeur d'Alene or east of Coeur d'Alene off of I-90.
International Selkirk Loop
The International Selkirk Loop covers 280 miles and passes through Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. As the name suggests, this scenic drive loops around the Selkirk Mountain, passing through charming towns, past lakes and rivers, and sprouting a variety of side trips. The Idaho portion of the International Selkirk Loop travels US Highway 1 from the Canadian border down to US Highway 95, through the town of Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint, and then on to US Highway 2 to Priest River. With a plethora of outdoor recreation and attractions along the way, many people make touring the International Selkirk Loop a multi-day adventure.
Minnetonka Caves
From the border of Utah and Idaho drive north on US-89 through Fish Haven along the shorelines of Bear Lake for 8.93 Miles to Saint Charles. Turn west up Minnetonka Cave Rd and drive 10 Miles to the end of the road where the cave trailhead begins. You will have to wait until the next tour begins, which is about every half hour, they do not allow free roaming inside the cave.
