Mineral Ridge Scenic Area
A moderately challenging 3-mile hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and a unique cave.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy tranquility
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderately challenging 3-mile hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and a unique cave.
"Extremely rewarding hike with plenty of scenic views. Worth it."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep in parts; good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. Water is crucial for enjoying the hike. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Views
Summit of Mineral Ridge Trail
Breathtaking vistas of Lake Coeur d'Alene unfold from the summit, especially on the way down.
The Cave/Prospect Site
Short detour off the main trail
Discover a unique abandoned prospect site and a small cave, adding an element of exploration to your hike.
Restful Benches
Along the Mineral Ridge Trail
Strategically placed benches offer perfect spots to catch your breath and admire the evolving scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep in parts; good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. Water is crucial for enjoying the hike. :droplet:
🥾 Consider hiking poles
For added stability on the steep sections, especially on the descent. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Parking advice
If the main lot is full, park further down on the second left at Beauty Creek. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The trail is steep in parts; good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb. Water is crucial for enjoying the hike. :droplet:
🥾 Consider hiking poles
For added stability on the steep sections, especially on the descent. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Parking advice
If the main lot is full, park further down on the second left at Beauty Creek. :car:
🗺️ Trail direction
Going up counterclockwise offers great views and benches. The descent is often easier. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredibly rewarding views of Lake Coeur d'Alene from Mineral Ridge, calling the hike 'extremely rewarding' and 'worth it.' The trail's moderate difficulty, with helpful benches for resting, makes it accessible for families. Some mention knee discomfort on the descent, but the scenic payoff is consistently praised.
"Definitely a calf burner on the way up. There are several benches along the way to stop and rest and enjoy your surroundings. Once your at the top you have an incredible view with a little covered table to hang out at. The views only get better on your way down. It gets much easier and more enjoyable the second half of the journey. Overall an extremely rewarding hike with plenty of scenic views. Worth it."
Dylan Bertram
"A hike up and down is steep, I would give it a moderately difficult rating. However, my four kids, the youngest of which is 5 years old. We're able to make it up and back. My 40 something-year-old knees were complaining on the way down. The views were very nice, and our total hike was slightly over 3 miles. This included the short detour to the cave/abandoned prospect site."
Kipp Elsbernd
"So beautiful
We got here 5:30 am and only one more guy got here at the same time as us
The trail is well marked and going up counterclockwise I saw 6 benches and going back there is a bench at one of the most beautiful view point
Highly recommend and it is not that hard of a hike at all"
Daisy Yu SPEAKS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area is located at 9200 ID-97, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA. It's accessible by car, with parking available at the trailhead. If the main lot is full, visitors suggest parking further down on the second left at Beauty Creek.
Public transportation options directly to Mineral Ridge Scenic Area are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The scenic route along ID-97 offers beautiful views as you approach the area. The trailhead is clearly marked. 
Mineral Ridge is near Coeur d'Alene, offering shopping, dining, and other outdoor activities like exploring Sherman Avenue. +1
The area is generally accessible year-round, but it's always a good idea to check local conditions, especially during winter months, as snow can affect access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Mineral Ridge Scenic Area is free. Parking is also complimentary.
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
There is no entrance fee to access the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area or its trails.
The area is open until 10:00 PM, allowing for evening visits, though hiking in the dark is not recommended without proper gear.
No reservations are needed to visit Mineral Ridge Scenic Area. It's a public access area.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Mineral Ridge Trail is a 3-mile loop that is moderately difficult, with a steep initial climb. It features several benches for resting and offers beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
The hike is approximately 3 miles round trip. Most visitors complete it in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend at the summit.
Yes, families with children often enjoy the hike. Even young children, like a 5-year-old, have successfully completed it, though it can be challenging for little legs.
Basic facilities like parking are available. There are no restrooms directly at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene from the summit. The scenery is particularly beautiful on the descent. +1
Yes, there is a short detour that leads to a cave and an abandoned prospect site, adding an interesting element to the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most expansive views of Lake Coeur d'Alene, perfect for panoramic shots. The trail itself also provides scenic opportunities with the lake as a backdrop.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly spectacular.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone operation policies before flying.
The abandoned prospect site and cave offer unique, slightly rugged photo opportunities. Capturing the changing perspectives of the lake as you ascend and descend is also rewarding.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The trail itself offers dynamic compositions with the lake as a backdrop. Don't miss the unique shots possible at the cave and abandoned prospect site. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for those sweeping vistas and a tripod for low-light conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mineral Ridge Trail Experience
Beyond the physical challenge, the trail is known for its scenic beauty. As you climb, you'll be treated to increasingly impressive views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The summit itself offers a fantastic vantage point, and some reviewers note that the views only get better on the way down. The trail is also well-marked, making it easy to navigate even for those less familiar with hiking.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, a short detour leads to an abandoned prospect site and a cave. This adds an interesting historical and exploratory element to the hike, making it more than just a scenic walk. It's a great way to break up the climb and discover something unique.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
Late afternoon also presents a wonderful opportunity, especially for photographers. The 'golden hour' before sunset can cast a beautiful warm light over Lake Coeur d'Alene, enhancing the scenic views. While it might be a bit busier than the early morning, it's generally less crowded than midday.
It's worth noting that the trail can get windy, which some visitors find to be a pleasant and cooling factor, especially on warmer days. The weather can influence the experience, so checking the forecast before you go is always a good idea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit