The Trail at a Glance
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a 73.2-mile paved rail-trail stretching from Mullan to Plummer through some of Northern Idaho's most stunning landscape. Built on the former Union Pacific railroad corridor, the trail offers a smooth, nearly flat surface through river valleys, wetlands, lake shorelines, and mountain passes. The Rails to Trails Conservancy has inducted it into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, and it draws over 140,000 visits per year from cyclists, walkers, and inline skaters across the Pacific Northwest.
Most riders tackle the trail over two or three days, and the biggest challenge isn't the ride itself — it's finding quality lodging along the route. That's where Watson's Lakefront Resort comes in.
Trailside Lodging on Rose Lake
Watson's Lakefront Resort sits in Cataldo, Idaho, right along the trail. You can ride directly to the property, park your bike, and settle into one of five unique accommodations — from log cabins with kitchenettes and private en suite bathrooms to a geodesic dome overlooking Rose Lake.
After a day on the trail, there's nothing better than a hot shower in your own cabin and dinner at Red's Tavern, the on-site garden-to-table restaurant. Nearly everything on the menu is locally sourced from farms and ranches in the Coeur d'Alene region, and the lakefront deck is the best seat in the house. For cyclists who don't want to change out of their riding gear, Red's is walk-in only — no reservations needed — and online ordering is available for pickup.
Planning a Multi-Day Ride
The trail runs east-west through the Silver Valley. Cataldo sits roughly at the midpoint, making Watson's an ideal base camp for out-and-back rides or a rest stop on a full through-ride. From the resort, you can ride west toward Harrison and the Chain Lakes or east toward the historic mining towns of Wallace and Kellogg.
The trail meanders through the Coeur d'Alene River valley, offering views of wetlands, chain lakes, and surrounding mountains. Along the route, you may spot moose, deer, elk, and a variety of waterfowl in the adjacent Coeur d'Alene River Wildlife Management Area. The surface is fully paved and wheelchair accessible, with gentle grades that make it suitable for all skill levels.
What to Bring
The trail is paved and mostly flat with gentle grades, so a road bike or hybrid works well. Bring layers — mornings in the valley can be cool even in summer. Helmets aren't required by law but are strongly recommended. Water and snacks are smart for longer stretches, though you'll find services in the small towns along the route.
Beyond the Trail
If you have an extra day, Watson's is also a short drive from the Route of the Hiawatha — a 15-mile mountain bike trail near Lookout Pass with 10 tunnels (including the 1.66-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel) and 7 sky-high trestles. The trail runs on a gentle downhill grade, and shuttle buses transport riders back to the top. It's been inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame and pairs perfectly with a Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes trip.
The Cycling Community
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes has a dedicated cycling community. Bike shops in Kellogg (The Cycle Haus) and Wallace (Bike Wallace) offer rentals and repairs. The Adventure Cycling Association lists the trail as part of their recommended routes, and local Facebook groups like "Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes Users" are active resources for planning.
For cyclists who want quality lodging, on-site dining, and direct trail access in one place, Watson's fills a gap that basic motels along the route don't. Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM — plenty of time to get back on the trail in the morning.
