MY BUCKET LIST
I haven’t visited this location yet. It’s on my bucket list, and I wanted to share a little information in case you get a chance to explore it before I do.
Mineral Ridge is a forested loop above Lake Coeur d’Alene, with viewpoints over the lake and surrounding hills. The roughly 3.3-mile route includes interpretive stops and a climb to the ridge, without requiring a long trip into the backcountry.
Mineral Ridge. Photo courtesy of Ben Tran/BLM Idaho, via Wikimedia Commons. Photo source · CC BY 2.0. Thumbnails may be cropped to fit.
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This is an older photo and may not reflect current conditions. I recommend looking through recent AllTrails photos before your visit.
Why it’s on my list
I found Mineral Ridge while researching an Idaho trip a couple of years ago. The views over Lake Coeur d’Alene look gorgeous, and that’s what really caught my attention. At about 3.3 miles, it isn’t a long hike, though the climb looks like it could be a little more demanding.
We didn’t get to it on our last Idaho visit, but I’m hoping to hike it on our next trip. If you’re in the area, I hope you get a chance to go before I do!
At a glance
- Location: Near Coeur d’Alene
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hike Length: Approx. 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 770 ft.
- Hike Type: Loop
Getting there: The trailhead is about 11 miles east of central Coeur d’Alene. Take I-90 to Exit 22, then follow Highway 97 south for about three miles to the signed recreation area. BLM lists paved parking, picnic facilities, pit toilets, and no day-use fee.
Details checked October 26, 2026. Sources: AllTrails and Bureau of Land Management. Conditions and access can change.