Snowmobiling in Idaho / Coeur d'Alene
North Idaho riding guide
About 350 miles of trail climb into the forested mountains east and north of town, from Fernan Saddle and Fourth of July Pass to the Hayden Creek and Bunco systems near Athol.
North Idaho
Coeur d'Alene is best known for its lake, but in winter the attention shifts to the mountains that rise just east and north of town. Idaho Parks and Recreation counts about 350 miles of snowmobile trail in the Coeur d'Alene area, with easy access off Interstate 90.
Much of the network grew out of the region's old timber and mining roads. The routes wind through dense evergreen forest, which keeps the riding sheltered on stormy days, and climb to open saddles at higher elevations. Off-trail riding is possible in places, but confirm where over-snow travel is allowed before you leave a groomed route.
The Coeur d'Alene system also connects east toward Wallace and the Silver Valley, so longer days can link two of North Idaho's best-known riding areas.
Featured trails
2,500 to 6,000+ ft
Starting just east of town above Fernan Lake, this area climbs from about 2,500 feet to more than 6,000 feet, so riders can reach higher, deeper snow close to Coeur d'Alene.
About 54 miles
About 12 miles east of Coeur d'Alene along Interstate 90, the Fourth of July system offers roughly 54 miles of trail in the forested hills around the pass.
43-mile loop
North of Coeur d'Alene near Hayden and Hayden Lake, the Hayden Creek–Horse Heaven Loop is a 43-mile circuit through the timbered hills above the lake.
About 60 miles
Ten miles southeast of Athol, the Bunco system has four groomed trails totaling about 60 miles, a convenient option for riders coming from the north end of Kootenai County.
Trail mileage and locations: Idaho Parks and Recreation. Grooming, closures and conditions change through the season, so check the trail map before you go.
Trail map
The official map for these trails is the US Forest Service snowmobile trail map for the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, made with the advice of local snowmobile clubs and grooming associations. It shows groomed trails, junction numbers, warming huts and trailhead parking. For grooming status, open the Idaho Parks and Recreation interactive trail map.
View full map (PDF)Map preview: USDA Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The interactive trail map is run by Idaho Parks and Recreation and opens in a new tab.
Before you go
Snowmobiles ridden in Idaho must display a current Idaho snowmobile sticker. Sticker fees help pay for trail grooming across the state.
Read the forecast at avalanche.org before riding steep or open terrain. Avalanche gear is required with every AMA rental, and avalanche gear rental is available.
Idaho Parks and Recreation grooms when there are at least 18 inches of snow in the parking lot and temperatures are between -20°F and 40°F, so early- and late-season grooming varies. Check the interactive trail map for status updates.
Plan your trip
We rent mountain sleds and the Ogre snow bike from Worley, Idaho. Call or text (208) 596-6364 to check availability and confirm pickup details.
