Guest Information

The Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway passes through an area where the lakes, mountains, and beautiful summer weather combine to make one of the most amazing summer playgrounds and resort destinations in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re leaving or entering the ranch from the north, you’ll have to travel this route. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife roaming the pristine forests of Northern Idaho, including moose, deer, elk, bear and several bird species.

Beginning at the junction of Interstate 90 and Idaho 97, the route travels south along the eastern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, home to bald eagles and the largest population of nesting osprey in the Western states. Take a break and stretch your legs on the Mineral Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake, as well as several learning stations describing the area’s botany and animal life.

Shortly after leaving I-90, you’ll see Mineral Ridge Trailhead on the right-hand side of the road. It’s approximately 3 miles from I-90. Mineral Ridge features a 3.3-mile interpretive loop trail which is designated as a National Recreation Trail. The loop is known as a “classroom in the forest”, where a self-guided trail takes visitors through the native animal and plant communities. The trail also offers spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, which requires some elevation climbs, so expect the kids may need a little extra positive reinforcement.

THE BEER LOVER’S DREAM

With 62 rotating taps from breweries around the globe, Crafted features a beer list that is second to none.  Crafted Tap House is at the epicenter of the local beer scene and always has a wide variety of beers on tap from several local breweries.  Each member of the bar staff has formal Cicerone training so they are more than prepared to educate customers about the continually growing world of craft beer.  From beer experts to beer novices, they guarantee customers will enjoy one of the many options available on tap. [Google Maps Link]

If you’ve got a hungry crew on the way in or out of the ranch, The Moon Time Eatery and Pub hit the list because it’s a favorite of our staff. No fries, or greasy fast foods, but more of an eclectic, homemade hamburger joint and pub, located in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Don’t worry, the menu is diverse, including fresh salads and much more. Moms will be happy. With amazing microbrews and other famous beers on tap, and a great kids meal, we have to give Moon Time two thumbs up! The lamb burger has been known to cure jet lag (for our European guests). Don’t expect high end, it’s more of a local hangout. Enjoy! [Google Maps Link]

Cabela’s is always a great place to outfit the entire family for your adventures, with good prices, sizes for all ages, excellent service and a top-notch warranty. The Post Falls, Idaho location is on the way to the ranch coming from the Spokane International Airport. If you’re looking for a last-minute jacket, a pair of hiking boots, cowboy boots, or anything else for your trip, stopping here is a must. Give an extra tip to your shuttle driver and we’re sure they’ll accommodate you. The ranch and its employees use Cabela’s frequently, and it’s a convenient stop for those looking to fill last minute needs. [Google Maps Link]

This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. The “crown jewel” of rail-to-trail mountain bike trails is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area which is located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line, 12 miles east of historic Wallace, Idaho.

The Hiawatha Trail is typically open daily from around May 30 thru October 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call ahead to make sure. Every year the snowpack is different so opening dates change. Winding through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana.

The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the Idaho/Montana state line. With an incredible history beginning in 1906 of construction, hardships and calamities, unprecedented electrification, and of carrying passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest, generations of railroaders kept the Milwaukee Road running until it finally went bankrupt in 1977.

The last train west of Butte, Montana passed through in 1980. After that, the line was abandoned. With government funding and private donations, the rails were removed, and the construction of this spectacular wilderness bicycle and hiking trail was undertaken in 1997. The Idaho portion of the trail first opened for public use on May 29, 1998. The St. Paul Pass, or Taft Tunnel, was completed in May of 2001 and is now open for bike riding. [http://www.ridethehiawatha.com/].

The Holiday Inn in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is attached to Triple Play Family Fun Park and Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark. With 96 comfortable rooms, designed especially for families, and complimentary deluxe breakfast each morning, the hotel is the perfect place for families to relax and have fun. They are open to the public and now offer all-day play passes.

Raptor Reef is a 25,000 square foot indoor water park featuring a wave pool, children’s lagoon with a 2-story play structure complete with slides, water guns, and a tipping bucket. Guests can lean back and relax in the indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi or ride one of the three amazing slides, one banking in at over 390 feet [www.3play.com].

Silverwood Theme Park has over 65 rides, slides, shows and attractions, including four roller coasters, Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants, and more [www.silverwoodthemepark.com]. Guests who stay with Red Horse Mountain Ranch can receive a discounted rate by calling Tami at (208) 772-7900.