One of the greatest things about visiting Red Horse Mountain Dude Ranch is that there are many things to do in the surrounding area for families or travelers that want to further explore Idaho. While many of our guests arrive on a shuttle from the airport, many also choose to rent a car and spend time in nearby Coeur d’ Alene to explore the city and do some sightseeing. The most common drive to Red Horse Mountain is a beautiful one on Idaho-97 via Interstate 90, and its beauty, among other aspects, is why it was designated as the Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway!
Scenic byways are significant to a respective area in that they are established when it’s recognized that it has six elements that call for the preservation of a region. This includes scenic quality, natural quality, historic quality, archaeological quality, cultural quality, and recreational quality. The route along the Coeur d’ Alene Lake named a scenic byway exemplifies each of these! Drive along a beautiful wooded and winding road that still allows an amazing view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and expand your views about northern Idaho on your way to one of it’s best kept secrets, Red Horse Mountain Ranch, you wont be disappointed.
Along the 35.8 miles of the Coeur d’ Alene Scenic Byway, there are 8 stops that include everything from a historic interpretive site, scenic viewing areas, a 73- mile long bike/hiking trail, wildlife viewing areas, to scenic hiking and recreation areas. Beauty Bay, one of the recreation areas, has some of the best views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge, just minutes from Red Horse Mountain Ranch, provides an excellent setting for bird watching. It is a habitat for raptors, such as the bald eagle, shorebirds, songbirds, upland birds, waterbirds, and waterfowl. Here you can also view one of the largest populations of osprey in the northwest! The route continues on to the historic town of Harrison, a popular stop for ranch guests and a great place to rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, boats, or learn about the rich history of the area.
The Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway ends at the junction of Idaho 3 and 97, where it meets up with the White Pine Scenic Byway. Another great route to the ranch beginning at the junction of I-90, this scenic byway contains equally interesting and beautiful stops, including the biggest stand of white pine in the country! Also in the area is the St. Joe River Scenic Byway, another different but picturesque view of northern Idaho. Make the most of your vacation at Red Horse Mountain Ranch by exploring this beautiful region! For more details on the stops along the Coeur d’ Alene and White Pine Scenic Byways, check out www.idahobyways.gov, a great interactive and informational site.
