Entry No. 50 — the Coeur d'Alene file — filed under: outdoor-weird

Tubbs Hill Natural Area

A 165-acre wild peninsula jutting into Lake Coeur d'Alene right at the edge of downtown, laced with about 2.2 miles of trail. The real magic is off the main path along the shoreline, where boulders, low cliffs and a few small caves you can scramble into hide among the trees. Locals know the secret coves for a cold lake plunge on a hot day. It's free, undeveloped on purpose, and somehow tucked just steps from the busy resort waterfront.

The move: Hike the loop at golden hour, then duck off-trail down to a hidden shoreline cove to watch the sunset over the lake and dare each other into the water.

📍 Before you go Main trailhead is downtown at 210 S 3rd St behind McEuen Park. The caves and coves require some off-trail boulder scrambling near the water, so wear grippy shoes and watch footing on the rocks.

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

Where: 210 S 3rd St, 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 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24