Hikes in Idaho: The Tubbs Hill Loop Trail

Narrative

• Name: Tubbs Hill Loop Trail
• Where: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
• Distance: 2.1 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 394 feet
• Max Elevation: 2,657 feet
• Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• More Information: City of Coeur d’Alene website

Google Earth Map of the Tubbs Hill Loop Trail

Directions

Getting to Tubbs Hill from Spokane is very easy. Just take I-90 East to Coeur d’Alene and get off on Exit 14.  Then travel south on 15th Street through the city until you come to the Coeur d’Alene Resort where the trailhead for the hike is located adjacent to.

Parking

The parking lot next to the Coeur d’Alene Resort is very large, but is pay parking.  It costs $1 an hour to park there.  Make sure to pay for your parking before you leave for your hike.  Also make sure to check out the nice fountain located adjacent to the parking lot.

Narrative

On a recent weekend my family and I decided to go and explore Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  While visiting the city we decided to go on the short 2-mile hike around Tubbs Hill in the heart of the city along its namesake lake.  The trailhead is pretty easy to spot by looking for this little moose statue:

Also near the trailhead are signboards that explain the history of Tubbs Hill:

The Tubbs Hill Loop Trail hike begins by entering into the lush forest that covers the hill:

Along the way, there are occasional breaks in the trees that provide beautiful views of the lake, such as this one looking back at the Coeur d’Alene Resort:

Here is another view of the lake looking west towards Spokane where Mica Peak could be seen way out in the distance:

On the south side of the Tubbs Hill Loop Trail there is a beach area with a small peninsula of land sticking out into the lake.  This looked like a really nice place to hang out at during the summer months:

The south side of the trail continued to traverse through the lush forest.  We found the trail to be in great shape for the duration of the hike:

The trail next comes to an intersection with a sign pointing in the direction north to get back to the trailhead:

As the trail travels north it crosses a small bridge:

Near the bridge we had a view down at a nice beach backdropped by huge houses.  This looked like a very affluent part of the city:

The Tubbs Hill Loop Trail next came to a swinging bridge that my kids had fun swaying back and forth on:

The trail then circled around to the west to get back to the park where we began our hike:

Conclusion

The Tubbs Hill Loop Trail is a popular family friendly hike that I recommend people visiting Coeur d’Alene check out.  The trail is in good condition and has some really nice views of the lake.  During the summer months there are a number of beaches that would make good locations to spend time at as well.  Tubbs Hill also has a number of other trails that explore its interior for those that have time for additional exploration.