Looking for a great hike in the Coeur d’Alene area? Free, beautiful, and a popular hike, Mineral Ridge is a 3.3-mile trail that winds up and down a great stretch of Beauty Bay. Construction began in 1963. The trail offers beautiful views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and has a diverse and beautiful canopy for shade cover for much of the trek.
The parking area has paved parking that serves as a trailhead and picnic area or pack a lunch and eat it up top! Each winter from November through February a large migrating population of bald eagles can be seen on both the drive there and throughout the hike.
Directions
The parking area and trailhead is only 11 miles east of Coeur d’Alene.
Take US-90 east from Coeur d’Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then go south on Highway 97 for three miles. You’ll see the turn off to pull into the parking lot on your left.
The trail begins with a set of switchbacks that is gradual and enjoyable, but still a great workout. It meanders up the hillside to Caribu Cabin, where you can have a picnic lunch and enjoy the view of your hard work.
The trail gets used a lot by locals and visitors alike. Pack in your goods, and pack them out.
Beautiful wild flowers bloom along the hillside almost year round in the robust natural woodland area.
Enjoy captivating vistas the second half of the hike down another set of switchbacks with resting points and places to sit and enjoy a sip of water. 
The hike is dog-friendly, but please bring a leash and a doggie bag for poop. Keeping the trail free from debris, invasive species, and dung makes it more enjoyable for everyone in the CDA area.
Bring your child too! It’s short enough for the lasting two year old, but long enough to feel like you got a serious work out for the afternoon or morning! Mineral Ridge Hike CDA is less crowded than Tubbs Hill, but just as beautiful and removed from the quick fix nature area hikers. 