Nature's Gem: Tubbs Hill, Coeur d'Alene

Nice hike in the rain.

Great place for a quick hike. Beautiful views and access to the lake. Can get very crowded on weekends and summer time because of the proximity to the resort and tourism. Plenty of bathrooms in the park adjacent and walk to downtown for lunch or ice cream.

There is simply no way to review this place and not give it 5 stars. You are either delusional or problematic in general (or, I guess, both?). Or maybe your Edward R. Murrow review will soon come out as an eBook, spilling the secrets of the missing star. Let’s sample a few of those oddities: Leanne, you gave it four stars . . . after a glowing review. Why? Katie, you gave it four stars . . . after a glowing review and some mention of the house. Why? Kyle, you mentioned “decent views” (as if that is the fault of the location), then whined about the parking and talked about the town and gave it four stars. Why? Enough. I just gave them the time of day. Moving on. Coeur d’Alene’s P&R Dept. and the Tubbs Hill Foundation/Tubb Hill Foundation, Inc., deserve much praise for this pristine site in the midst of a town that continues to grow is size (and height!). What it has lost in local charm, it continues to maintain in terms of this local gem (and I hate using the word “gem” that way; it seems precious). And, while I think the park itself is a novel build and a great addition to what once was a bit of a blot along the lake and marina-area, I am mainly focused on the hiking area (yes again, Kyle, I know there can be parking problems). When you are interested in “THE RESORT” (which is good enough) or in sampling increasingly expensive bistros and knickknack shops, now that the bookstores and secondhand stores are all gone, you can actually get back to why this place has been loved for years. Simply put, nature and the views. This is an easy hike with a well-maintained path. There are some ups, and some downs, but it is generally flat. You can also take the over the hill hike if you wish (I haven’t). For a guy like me, with suspect knees and legs that often cramp up, I look forward to this hike each and every visit. When I bring new guests with me, they marvel at the park and the adjacent marina, they take in the art installations and water features, and then they are amazed by the hike itself. You see tons of families. You see lots of dogs. You see tons of earnest and/or funny shirts with ‘messages’ on them (I will leave it at that; you are in Idaho). You will see people with walking sticks that don’t seem to really need walking sticks. And you will see tourists that are either too dressed or under-dressed given the weather (which can be a bit tricky and hard to guess in the spring or fall . . . and the winter isn’t really a great time to be out there anyway). Thing is, most people reach out and say “hi.” And those that don’t are just doing their thing. Good for them. Sure, they could add a few benches for a quick stop. And they could add a few garbage receptacles in the middle of the hike (there are quite a few at either end of the hike, as well as bathrooms). But, really, nothing in this area is as great as the ‘hike around the hill’. All you 4-star reviewers really, really need to think about what makes the world spin. Hint: it isn’t you, or me. So, be gracious when you can be in a location like this with a space like this. Seriously. While this area continues to price out the people who used to live here and amps up the vibes that make it attractive to out-of-towners looking for a bargain (relatively speaking) ‘escape’, this remains a free and glorious place. Thanks to everyone who helps maintain it. And thanks to everyone who understands just how hard it is to keep places like this . . . like this. If you come to CdA and don't visit Tubbs Hill, you don't know what you are missing (but you can get a really expensive spa treatment that has a view).

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Beautiful spot for a walk as I was traveling through! Right by the lake, so people can swim, also by the cruise docks where you can take a 90 minute or so long cruise to learn about the lake, has picnic areas, nice side walk and walking trails, best park bathrooms I've ever used, pet friendly, and has food truck space. Someone had their pizza truck there when I went. Right by a resort, so you can stay there and walk to the park if you'd like. Very kid friendly, as they have a large playground area that is also fenced in to prevent kids from wandering away. By the lake, so you can swim, too! Must pay to park, though. $2/hr. (Unless you stay at the resort, they have their own valet parking).