Our Trail Spotlight highlights day trips to multi-day hikes across Idaho. Trail conditions can change quickly- swollen rivers can become impassable, windstorms can knock trees down across trails, and snow can come earlier than expected. Please take these recommendations as a jumping off place and do additional research to understand current conditions and  keep yourself safe if you choose to hike this trail. Physical guidebooks and maps are always good to have or check out some online resources like Alltrails.com for updated trail reports. If your trip is as awesome as you hope it will be, please share photos and feedback!

Title: Trail Spotlight: Fernan Lake Natural Area

Recommended by: Barbara Serrell, North Idaho Program Coordinator

Duration: Day Hike

Area: Coeur d’Alene City Parks

Difficulty Rating: 1 out of 5

Road Considerations: Easy access from Coeur d’Alene

Total hiking miles: 2 miles

The Hike: Just east of downtown Coeur d’Alene, this trail is a hidden gem of the community! Fernan Lake brings beautiful views and is a peaceful escape right in town. The trail begins at an overlook, then winds down toward the shore through light brush, allowing you to take in the beauty of the lake. When you reach the bottom, you can find birds and other wildlife. A spur off the main trail leads through the trees with more views of the lake. The city is currently working on connecting this path to create a second loop. On September 24th, an ITA crew is headed to Fernan to help make improvements on the trail and begin work on the remaining segment. This project is in celebration of United Way’s Day of Action, bringing the North Idaho community together by offering a community-wide day for volunteers to contribute to many local nonprofits.

Things to consider: Can be brushy and/or muddy depending on time of year!

Fun places to visit on your way in or out: Stop by our friends at the Fernan Ranger Station and grab a beer at Vantage Point Brewery!

More info about this hike: AllTrails