Hiawatha Rail Trail
RIDING TYPE
Introductory
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Hiawatha Rail Trail Bike Tour: All-Inclusive & Beginner-Friendly Adventure
A Seamless & Scenic Rail-to-Trail Expedition
Embark on a spectacular journey through the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains with Western Spirit’s Hiawatha Rail Trail bike tour. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a seamless, 5-day, all-inclusive expedition that immerses you in the natural beauty and rich history of the Pacific Northwest. Our Idaho rail trail biking adventure is designed for everyone—from seasoned cyclists to those new to multi-day tours—who want to experience one of the most scenic rides in the country without the logistical hassle.
This “Introductory” rated trip is perfect for those seeking a mellow, family-friendly, and scenic experience. The Hiawatha Trail’s gentle downhill grade makes it accessible to all riders, including e-bikers. We take care of all the details, from delicious meals and comfortable camp setups to shuttles and bike support, so you can focus entirely on the joy of pedaling through historic tunnels and over awe-inspiring trestles. Our tour also includes other iconic routes, making this a comprehensive Coeur d’Alene bike tour that showcases the best of the region’s rail trails.
Ready for your all-inclusive, beginner-friendly Idaho adventure? View Dates and Book Now!
The Trails: Rail-to-Trail Highlights
This 5-day itinerary links the region’s most famous and scenic rail-to-trail routes:
Ride the thrilling, historic, and downhill-sloping Route of the Hiawatha.
Explore the serene lakeside scenery of the Centennial Trail.
Discover history and charming towns on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
Enjoy varied terrain including smooth gravel and beginner-friendly singletrack.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Hiawatha Rail Trail bike trip begins in picturesque Coeur d’Alene, ID.
We’ll meet at Vertical Earth Bike Shop, get you and your bike set up, and then shuttle to the legendary Route of the Hiawatha Rail Trail.
Prepare for a thrilling ride through dark, historic tunnels and over towering trestles, as you follow the path of an old railroad through the stunning Bitterroot Mountains.
Many consider this the highlight of their Idaho cycling tour!
After an exhilarating day, we’ll head to our comfortable camp, ready for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
Today, we’ll ride a beautiful section of the Centennial Trail.
This paved pathway offers smooth riding along scenic lakefronts and through charming forest sections.
Enjoy uninterrupted views and a relaxed pace, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty surrounding Coeur d’Alene Lake.
The riding is accessible and enjoyable for all participants.
We’ll set up our camp near another picturesque spot for a relaxing evening.
Our journey continues along the famous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, one of Idaho’s most scenic cycling routes.
This paved rail-trail meanders through a diverse landscape, from lush forests to the historic Silver Valley, offering glimpses into Idaho’s rich mining heritage.
Along the way, we’ll roll through friendly small towns and enjoy easy, mostly flat riding.
We’ll have frequent stops to listen as our expert guides share insights into the local history.
Today’s ride offers a chance to revisit a favorite stretch of trail or explore something new; choose between the Bitterroot Mountains’ gentle gravel or beginner-friendly singletrack routes for a bit of variety.
We’ll enjoy the pristine Idaho environment from our bikes.
This day is designed to be rewarding and scenic, leading us to our final campsite, where we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Start your final morning with a hearty breakfast at camp.
Afterward, we’ll enjoy a leisurely, scenic ride back toward Coeur d’Alene—the perfect chance to soak in the landscape one more time before wrapping up your Idaho rail trail adventure.
We’ll gather for a celebratory lunch before our comfortable shuttle carries us back to Coeur d’Alene.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Mostly pavement, also smooth dirt, some singletrack and gravel. You will need a mountain bike for this tour.
Overall Rating
Introductory
Technical Difficulty
Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty
Easy to moderate.
Altitude
2,100 - 5,000 feet
Biking Mileage
15–40 miles per day (optional ride extensions can reach 40 miles)
Hiking Mileage
15–40 miles per day (optional ride extensions can reach 40 miles)
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Coeur d’Alene, ID. Begins 8:30 AM MST (2026 meeting place TBD).
Getting There
31 mi from Spokane, WA on I-90. Flying into Spokane (GEG), Payless Airport Shuttle 208-762-7433.
Taxi Service
Taxi by Hall 208-664-2424; Coeur d’Alene Cab 208-667-9000.
Lodging Before Your Trip
Days Inn Coeur d’Alene
Hampton Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Motel 6 Coeur d’Alene
The Coeur d’Alene Resort
PACKING
Standard western spirit packing list
- Meals/camp gear provided
- Bring/rent bike & helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cycling & camp clothing, personal items, tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
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4 Days · Biking is introductory, hiking is intermediate due to some scrambling.
4 Days · Biking is introductory, hiking is intermediate due to some scrambling.
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