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 story
You can thank a 19th-century real estate scheme for the fact that 165 acres of prime lakeside forest remain completely untamed. In 1884, German-born hotelier and justice of the peace Tony Tubbs filed a grid-based plat for 'Tubbs Addition' right over a steep granite dome jutting into Lake Coeur d'Alene. His paper maps completely ignored vertical reality, drawing flat city streets across sheer rock faces. Because early developers couldn't easily build on the unlevel granite, the land sat empty while downtown grew up around its base.
It wasn't a smooth ride to keep the peninsula wild. Throughout the 20th century, developers repeatedly tried to pave over the hill, proposing a municipal power plant in 1936, a hilltop convention center in the 1960s, and high-rise condominiums in the 1970s. Each time, local residents organized, ousted pro-development city officials, and raised private funds alongside municipal bond measures to buy up the hill parcel by parcel, ultimately handing it over to the city as a permanent natural area.
Today, the granite peninsula remains a raw chunk of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and Precambrian schist rising right next to downtown's manicured resort lawns. While casual walkers stick to the main dirt loop, the real offbeat draw is down at the waterline, where scrambling over low cliffs reveals hidden granite coves, pocket beaches, and small rock caves carved out by the lake.
What it's like
You step off the pavement at 210 S 3rd St behind McEuen Park and instantly trade resort lawns for dusty dirt paths under towering pines. The main 2.2-mile loop stays wide and easy, but finding the secluded spots requires leaving the beat track and scrambling down steep granite rock to the waterline. Wear grippy shoes, as the rock surfaces near the water are slick and uneven. On hot summer days, local swimmers occupy the low rock ledges for cold lake plunges, but if you head out at golden hour or on a weeknight, you can usually snag a quiet rock cove or cave to watch the sunset over Lake Coeur d'Alene in near total privacy.
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.
Pair it with
- The Idaho Lumberjack, American Worker & Idaho Farmer Statues — Located right in McEuen Park at the northern base of Tubbs Hill, this trio of larger-than-life bronze workers makes an easy, quick stop right as you enter or exit the main trailhead.
- Mudgy Moose Trail (Mudgy & Millie) — If you want to continue exploring the downtown shore on foot, this 2.25-mile trail features hidden bronze sculptures scattered along the waterfront and city streets.
- Whispers Lounge — Situated just 0.2 miles away inside the Coeur d'Alene Resort, this waterfront lounge is ideal for grabbing a cold cocktail or warming up right after a swim in the lake.
- Chimney Shaped Like Idaho — Located less than a mile down the road, this 1950s motor court chimney shaped like the state of Idaho offers a quirky architectural contrast to Tubbs Hill's natural granite cliffs.
Good to know
Where is the main trailhead and parking?
The primary trailhead is at 210 S 3rd St, located behind McEuen Park at the south end of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Parking is available in the McEuen Park lot or nearby street parking, and park entry is free.
How difficult is the hike around Tubbs Hill?
The main 2.2-mile loop trail is a relatively easy walk with minor elevation gains that takes about an hour. However, getting down to the shoreline coves, caves, and water-jumping spots requires off-trail scrambling over steep, loose granite rock.
Can you swim or cliff jump off the rocks?
Yes, swimming and plunging off low granite ledges are popular summer activities, though the lake water stays cold year-round. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards and the shoreline has submerged boulders, so always check water depth and footing before jumping.
Are dogs or bicycles allowed on the trails?
Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash. Bicycles, motor vehicles, and glass containers are strictly prohibited on Tubbs Hill to protect the trail network and fragile soil.
What are the official park hours?
Tubbs Hill is a city natural area open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM year-round.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: cdaid.org · Wikipedia · Official site · visitidaho.org
last checked: 2026-06-24