Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail, located in the Panhandle National Forests in Northern Idaho, provides a 3.3-mile loop hiking experience that showcases panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This area presents a unique blend of mature forests with abundant Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Notably, the trail serves as a prime location for observing the annual winter gathering of bald eagles, who feast on spawning kokanee salmon in the nearby waters. Established as a National Recreation Trail in the 1960s, this trail holds historical significance as one of the first Bureau of Land Management sites to be developed for outdoor recreation. Surrounded by diverse ecosystems, it appeals to nature enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and photography. Moreover, informative interpretive signs along the trail educate visitors about the area's ecology and history, adding an educational component to the serene hiking environment.
