August 26th ~ Coeur d’Alene, ID

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

*Our drive from Palouse, WA to Coeur d’Alene was relatively short. Passing through more farming country, we admired the healthy crops in the fields. Many had already been harvested, and quite a few appeared ready. 

Along the drive from Palouse, WA toward Coeur d’Alene, ID

We made reservations for two nights a few miles out-of-town at the Wolf Lodge Campground in Coeur d’Alene. Our campsite was at the end of a row, right next to a large group of tents where the occupants were having WAY too much fun. That translates into drunk, disorderly, loud music and “F” bombs flying until late into the night.

I’m all for having a good time, but they were way out of line, way too late, and disturbing everyone around them.

Our camp host tried unsuccessfully twice to get them under control, and finally threatened that if she had to return it would be with the police.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The streets were well decorated with enormous, colorful hanging plants

Located only 30 miles from Spokane, Washington. It is the largest city in the Idaho panhandle with a population just over 44,000 in the 2010 census.

“The city is situated on the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, 25 miles (40 km) in length. Locally, Coeur d’Alene is known as the “Lake City”, or simply called by its initials: “CDA”.” ~ Wikipedia

More of the downtown area

There are several of these moose statues around town

Mudgy and Millie on the Mudgy Moose Trail

We are still plagued by smoke, but we did not let it detour us from doing a couple mile hike around Tubbs Hill.

Map of Tubbs Hill hike

Coeur d’ Alene lake from Tubbs Hill hike

Beautiful views of the lake

Family pictures from our hike:

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The hike was a perfect length for us to get some exercise and fresh air. I am always the one bringing up the rear, though. I walk slower, and am often stopping to capture a picture of something that has caught my eye.

Near the end of the walk, I let out a loud yelp – a yellow jacket wasp had stung me on my thumb! It hurt like a son-of-a-gun for a while, but thankfully I am not allergic and survived the assault just fine.

Leaves are turning color already

After our hike, we had a nice lunch at Crafted Tap House, which boasts a beer lovers dream with 90 rotating taps and a sophisticated gastropub menu with all items made from scratch daily.

Tim complained later in the evening that he could not get the song, “Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall” out of his head 🙂

Tim and I often split a meal. The “Audrey’s Adoration” salad with salmon added was delicious but had too many onions for our taste and was a smaller portion than we expected, leaving us still hungry. Never fear though, we walked a block and found a calorie heavy desert to tide us over.

My sister ordered “One Way from Harbour Grace” and was very happy with her selection. They get brownie points for presentation.

“One Way From Harbour Grace” from Crafted Tap House

We really enjoyed this very cute town. I can see why many have raved about how clean it is, the beautiful setting, friendly people and a great variety of things to do, especially outdoor activities.

I would love to return to this area at some time in the future when the air quality is better so that we can truly appreciate all that Coeur d’Alene has to offer.

Coming Next: Riley Creek Recreation Area and Sandpoint, Idaho

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that even though the smoke has put a damper on the scenery, we are still able to find wonderful ways to fill our time. This seems like a very well run and beautiful city with much to offer.