Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail is a 2.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
lake
views
wild flowers
Beautiful hike with incredible views. Just enough incline going up to get your heart rate up and blood pumping. Perfect for a easy hike to get outside and even better, the eagles are out this time of year!!
Cons: Could be very crowded/congested on weekends from November-December. This is mostly due to large birdwatching crowds in the area; especially during “Eagle Week.” Wildlife other than eagles is scarce due to trail usage, number of people & dogs.
Pros: Despite the crowds, the area is gorgeous with 90° lake views @ summit, large timber & rolling hillside on the accent. The trail is well maintained with mile markers as well as nav. signs.
Tips: Current conditions prove no snow & only dusting @ summit. 1st mile is a very gradual incline; proving doable for toddlers/kids -5. Upon reaching mile marker 1 expect incline switchbacks which could prove tough for toddlers/kids -5 or packs 35+.
Happy Trails :)
Great terrain, trails well groomed. December was muddy, and Mozzi and I got good rain and a little gusty winds too. We went to test some new gear, so these were the conditions we were looking for... The hike itself is pretty easy with lots of switchbacks, no major technical terrain either. There are some steep spots on the way back so be thoughtful of that. This is a perfect pair of trails for that quick 45 min to hour and a half hike, you can go up to lost man, or just hit the scenic loop and be on your way. From Spokane and back, it was a four hour trip. Totally doable
Easy to get to. Great scenery. Less than an hour walk.
Perfect 2 hour hike with great views
The view from the top is nice. This is very easy hike if you just hike the Mineral Ridge Trail and very popular. For a longer hike, take the Wilson Trail which turns into the Lost Man Trail. When you arrive at the switchback on the forest service road, you can go to the right which takes you back down the Ridge. There's also many other trail options on the forest service road.
Easy hike to the top views. Absolutely beautiful. Saw an Eagle at the top.
Great views up top and trail was well maintained.
A bit uphill but definitely worth it when you get to the top.
Love this hike especially when you reach the top and have a beautiful view of CDA lake. There is also some history to read and share about the trail. I also liked that the trail markers were clearly visable throughout the hike and the trails .
Super Fun little hike. I live here and hike Mineral a ton! Never get tired of it
Lake views are awesome!
Nice spot to stretch your legs after doing the scenic route around the lake.
Great fun hike. close to town. excellent sunset last night!
Very nice hike with beautiful views of the
Lake!! Trail was pretty well maintained dirt trail and grade was definitely manageable.
great short trail!
Awesome hike. Must do.
Keep dogs on leash and pick up your dog Sh**
Beautiful hike on a dirt trail surrounded by forest. Mostly up hill, but so worth it. Benches along the way for breathe catching and pictures. A nice covered picnic area at the top overlooking the water and mountains covered in trees. Went on a holiday weekend and the people traffic wasn't bad. Lots of happy pups out there on leashes too Parking can be a little tough. It's a small lot. Over all great! Do it!
It was a decent hike. Unfortunately, we were hiking the weekend of the really heavy smoke from the fires. Entirely up hill but makes it super easy for the return trip. We stoped after reaching the overlook spot at about 1300 feet.
Signs direct traffic counter-clockwise on the loop. Good idea because the last part is quite steep and would be more difficult to go up than down.
A bit noisy at the top due to freeway traffic noise. Still a worthwhile little hike.
Easy trail! Great views at the top
Well maintained trail with great views.
I wish people wouldn’t cut the switchbacks though, sad!
Enjoyed the hike. A bit hazy from the smoke, but still very beautiful. Went off on the Wilson trail for a ways. Nice viewpoints from there.
Great way to take in the lake. Our 3 year old loved it.
Excellent trail, breathtaking views enjoyed every minute of our time here
Highly recommended
Wasn’t feeling to swell this day, so I did not make it to the top with the rest of my family. Didn’t feel like an “easy” trail either, definitely was a moderate with the huge incline.
Amazing hike to do. The views are amazing and the trail is perfectly shaded for those hot days. You could even enjoy a little picnic if you packed a snack or lunch
Great views!
great hike. lovely views from the top. our 11 year old loved it. plenty of spots to rest if needed.
This was a great trail! My 8 year old son enjoyed it as well! Great views and a great trail!
Nice views of lake on the downhill side of the trail. Very good easy hike.