Hiking and trail runs

We have so many great trails to hike or run in our area. The list is longer than most people realize. Here are a few of the more common trails and well worth exploring:

Cougar Bay Nature Conservancy

Cougar Bay Conservancy is located off Highway 95 South from Coeur d'Alene not too far from town. The trail start next to Cougar Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene and follows along the lake, then turns into the hills and ends at an observation deck overlooking the bay and lake. Cougar Bay Conservancy covers about 88 acres of privately-owned, but open to the public land. Once you get on the trail system, you will have roughly five miles of fairly easy trails from which to choose. Parking can be challenging once you get to the Nature Conservancy, then it is a short walk over a small bridge to the trailhead. The trail system is well maintained for the most part. If you're going to run the trail, be careful of a fairly rough section close to the marsh, with lots of roots and rocks to turn an ankle.

Mineral Ridge

Mineral Ridge is located 15 minutes east of Coeur d'Alene - next to Beauty Bay - via the Wolf Lodge exit from I-90. This 3.3-mile loop trail is rated between easy and moderate depending on your level of fitness. The trail is for the most part used for hiking, but is a favorite for trail runners also. The trail itself is well maintained with easy elevation and lots of switchbacks. The trail leads to side trails that brings you to some of the best overlooks of the bays and lake. If you're headed to run the trail, you will find the first 1.5 miles or so will have the best incline and a good portion of the return to the trailhead is fairly steep. Overall this is a great trail system and can be a good cardio workout for both hikers and runners.

Tubbs Hill

Tubbs Hill is always a great hike or run and consists of more than 120 acres surrounded by the lake and the new McEuen Park. Sections of the main trail around Tubbs were upgraded this spring and are in much better shape. There are several trails from easy to difficult. If you want a solid workout, head up the east side of the hill heading to the top with very steep elevation at key points along the way. The trailhead on the west side of Tubbs Hill is pretty rocky and narrow so be careful if you're running since this area is a high traffic route. Once you're on Tubbs Hill, you will have roughly 2.2 miles that will follow around the perimeter of the hill with awesome lake views. If you mix it up and head up and over the hill then follow back around, you can get about 3.5 miles from the trek.

Canfield Trail System

The Canfield Trail System is one of the most extensive in our area. There are more than 32 trail miles in this system, so mixing it up with multiple treks keeps things interesting. There is a great selection of trails, with some trails steep with lots of switchbacks and others more level and road-like. These trails are good for hiking or running, but keep in mind on Canfield you share the trails with mountain bikers, motorcycles and ATV's.

A very good trail to take is located on the west side of the mountain just off 15th Street, turn right on Shadduck Lane, then left on Copper and turn left on Mt. Vista Drive. You park on the residential street and head up on to the trailhead. This trail's starting point can be an easy 1.5 miles or lead you deeper into more trails farther. Elevations can be steep in spots, but for the most part are good and overall pretty easy on this side of the mountain.

English Point

English Point is another hidden gem for an easy hike or a great trail run. Located in Hayden Lake just off Lancaster Road, you will find 6 miles of trails divided between two locations next to each other. One loop is about 3 miles which is fairly flat with bridges and tight turns all through a wooded area. Across the road is roughly a 2-plus mile trail very different with good elevation drops and rises that can be a very good short run workout. There are a number of trails that bench off the main trail that lead to some great views of the lake. Overall the trails are well maintained and be aware you will be sharing these trails with horseback riders and mountain bikers. If your plan is to run the loop on either side, be careful as there are lots of roots and rocks to turn an ankle on throughout.

Liberty Lake Loop

Located at the Liberty Lake County Park just over the border near Liberty Lake is another great trail. It is easy to find, just take I-90 to Liberty Lake exit, head east on Appleway, turn right on Molter Road then left on Valleyway/Lakeside Road until you hit the park entrance. This trail system is 7.5 miles round trip with easy to difficult levels along the way. The first two-plus miles are easy, then around mile three the elevation increases as you climb about 1,000 feet from where you parked the car. The views on top of the ridge are fantastic but the terrain can be wet and rough so be careful. This trail can be an aggressive run and is great for a hard workout, but a day pack or at least bringing water is recommended since the only water at the site is in the campground area.

Now get out there and have some happy trails!

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.