Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

We had an amazing couple days riding this trail in late September. Ride every one of the 73 miles. From east to west, the route first hits a series of mining towns in the Silver Valley, then follows the chain of lakes through astonishing natural beauty (that's where we saw a moose) and then along Lake Couer D'Alene across the old railroad bridge and up through a state park to Plummer. Just gorgeous, and flat, asphalt made the miles slip by despite our rented cruisers (got them from the friendly folks at Excelsior Bikes in Kellogg). Rick Shaffer, at the Wallace Inn, provided us shuttles so we could go from one end to the other. Very helpful and great to chat with him about the history of the area and it's wildlife.
One note: there owe this beautiful trail to the superfund: the rail bed was made from mine waste and weep holes in the rail cars further leached heavy metals into the gravel. So the RR removed much of the gravel and capped it with asphalt to protect against the contamination's spread. Everywhere there are signs telling you not to ingest the soil. There are also interpretive sign and picnic area and benches along the route. We loved it and will be back.

We rode from Medimont to Chatcolet Park, and we were lucky enough to see seven moose!