Over the Hill: Exploring English Point, an evergreen oasis

HAYDEN — Hiking during the peak of summer has, admittedly, never been my favorite. The heat alone usually leaves me with a headache, and the recent wildfire smoke doesn’t exactly help matters. Or maybe I’m just sensitive — I’m by no means an advanced outdoorsman (not yet at least).  

This isn’t to say I, like many of us in North Idaho, don’t need my time outdoors, regardless of the weather. Thankfully, practically every hillside and open space around here is covered with trees; combine that with a pleasant (and preferably shaded) view, and that’s enough for me when I’m looking for a smaller-scale adventure.  

I found all of this at English Point, a few miles outside Hayden. There are multiple trails winding through Western white pines and other species of evergreens. Under the trees, it was noticeably, pleasantly cooler compared to conditions in town. You can follow the “Yellow Loop” trail, a 3.2-mile loop that essentially circles all of English Point, or you can explore choose-your-own-adventure style, as I did. The larger “main” trails give way to smaller side quests that will take you away from the chatter of the heavier-traffic areas and into spaces of genuine serenity. You’ll also catch some gorgeous glimpses of Hayden Lake through breaks in the trees, but be advised that there’s no beach access (that I could find, at least) — my dog, Willow, and I learned this the hard way, as we crossed North Rockaway Beach Drive at the bottom of the hill only to find a residential area with private docks.  

English Point is very accessible for hikers of all skill levels; I saw families with smaller children and older folks alike enjoying the Yellow Loop Trial, and leashed dogs are also welcome. There is plenty of free parking in an unpaved lot just outside the trailhead, but be aware of potholes if your vehicle has low clearance. Though I did notice a lot of wasps both on the trail and in the parking lot, they mostly stayed in the grasses outside the trails themselves. 

English Point is a great way to get outside and a solid alternative to the ever-popular Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene. Life gets busy, and it’s nice to be reminded that there’s getaways right up the road. 

    Though there's no public beach access, the area offers stunning views of Hayden Lake.