Entry No. 65 — the Coeur d'Alene file — filed under: after-dark

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area overlook (stargazing)

This BLM scenic area 11 miles east of town climbs a forested 3.3-mile loop to an overlook high above Lake Coeur d'Alene's Beauty and Wolf Lodge bays. It's far enough from city glow that local guides and the Coeur d'Alene Astronomical Society point stargazers here on clear nights. It's a day-use site and a real after-dark hike, so bring a headlamp and watch your footing on the way down.

The move: Time a clear, near-new-moon night, hike up before dusk with a headlamp and a thermos, and watch the stars come out over the lake from the overlook.

📍 Before you go About 11 mi east of downtown. No lighting; bring headlamps and watch footing on the descent. Best on clear, moonless nights.

• 📍 Coeur d'Alene
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: State Hwy 97, Wolf Lodge Bay (I-90 Exit 22, then ~3 mi south on Hwy 97), Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-24