Tubbs Hill gets trailhead improvements

In 35-degree conditions Thursday morning, five volunteers helped install new signs and a bench at the trailhead near the new home of the Museum of North Idaho at McEuen Park. 

While an interpretative sign sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Audobon Society outlines the benefits of fallen logs and stand snags, another spells out the rules of Tubbs Hill. 

Montee McCulley, trails coordinator for the city of Coeur d’Alene, said the contributions of the Tubbs Hill Foundation members were invaluable. 

“They help so much in our community,” he said. “If it wasn’t for these volunteer groups, we wouldn’t have half the stuff we have in this city.” 

David Taylor, president of the Tubbs Hill Foundation, said he and others were glad to pitch in. 

“It’s important to have the signs for locals and visitors,” he said. 

The trailhead is expected to be popular next summer when the museum will be open, attracting even more people to the area. 

That’s one reason for the restrictions sign paid for by the city. It tells hill users the answer is no to motor vehicles, bikes and e-bikes, campfires, fireworks, camping or smoking. It also makes it clear dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after, as some people let their dogs roam Tubbs Hill off-leash and leave messes behind.

“We want to make it easy for everyone to know the rules,” McCulley said. 

The wood for the bench came from a downed tree on Tubbs and was made in-house by city crews.

Additional restriction signs are planned around Tubbs Hill.  

“We want to make all the trailheads look the same and inviting,” McCulley said. 

A sign outlining restrictions on Tubbs Hill waits to be installed Thursday.