Over the Hill: Mineral Ridge is a climb, but the view is great

COEUR d’ALENE — Since I started taking my dog, Willow, on hikes with me, I’ve come to realize that the better the hike, the better the chance she’ll nap on the drive home rather than pant anxiously in my ear from the backseat the entire time. 

This past weekend, Willow was practically asleep already by the time we pulled out of the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail parking lot — which says a lot, since calling her a “high energy” dog would be an understatement.  

Just off gorgeous State Highway 97 east of Coeur d’Alene, the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail is a three-mile loop trail (with options to take a longer route, which I certainly plan to revisit) that quickly takes you up onto the ridgeline above SH 97 to truly incredible views of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the west and tree-lined mountains in every other direction.  

With an elevation gain of about 800 feet over a relatively short distance, Mineral Ridge is steep. However, the climb is well worth the effort and less daunting for beginner hikers because of its well-maintained switchbacks and benches placed along the route — usually at particularly pause-worthy overlooks. Even though the trail is mostly shaded, I’d recommend packing lots of water for the climb. 

Something unique about the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail is the historic element of the area; prospectors attempted to mine the area for valuable minerals, and evidence of this activity can still be spotted today. Informative signs marking former excavation sites are an immersive way to appreciate the area’s natural history if you’re into that sort of thing.  

Approaching the ridgeline, you’re met with two options: to continue the Mineral Ridge Trail loop back down to the parking area by heading left or going right onto the Wilson Trail to extend your time on the ridgeline. I intend to return to explore the Wilson Trail, but for my and Willow’s first visit we continued the Loop Trail, stopping first at the adorable “Caribou Cabin” — a small structure with a picnic table underneath, and a great spot for a picnic or just taking in the views.  

Even from the ridgeline, you’ve still yet to come to the best views on the trail. Descending on the steep (and in some parts, rocky) switchbacks, you’ll come to a fully unobstructed view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and miles of mountains and trees. Pictures simply do not do this view justice.  

Truthfully, my only criticism of the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail isn’t about the trail at all — rather, it’s about getting directions to the trail. Be advised that if you’re getting directions to the trailhead from your phone, it will direct you to the Mineral Ridge boat launch a little over a mile short from the trail parking lot. Once you pass this boat launch, your actual destination is right around the bend in SH 97 on the left side — don’t worry, you won’t miss it.  

    The Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail, off of State Highway 97 in Coeur d'Alene, offers rugged beauty just outside of town.
  

A hiking dog is a happy dog: Willow, my 2-year-old Golden Retriever, approved of our hike on the Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail on Saturday.