Hiawatha Rail Trail Family Trip
RIDING TYPE
Introductory
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Hiawatha Rail Trail Family Trip: Tunnels, Trestles & Idaho Rail-Trails
An All-Inclusive Journey Through the Bitterroots
Embark on a spectacular journey through the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains with Western Spirit’s Hiawatha Rail Trail family trip. This 5-day, all-inclusive cycling adventure is specifically designed to create lasting memories for your entire family. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a seamless and stress-free Idaho family bike tour that immerses you in the natural beauty and rich history of the Pacific Northwest.
Our “Introductory” rated trip is perfect for families with younger kids and beginners. The gentle downhill grade of the Hiawatha Trail ensures that everyone, regardless of age or skill level, can enjoy the ride. As a guided family Hiawatha Trail bike trip, we handle every detail—from delicious meals to shuttles—allowing you to focus entirely on the joy of pedaling through historic tunnels and over awe-inspiring trestles. Plus, this adventure is E-bike friendly, making the Bitterroot Mountains accessible to every member of the family.
Why Families Love the Hiawatha & Coeur d’Alene Region
Tunnels and Trestles: Experience the thrill of the 1.6-mile Taft Tunnel and sky-high railroad bridges.
Three Iconic Trails: We combine the Hiawatha, the Centennial Trail, and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
Stress-Free Logistics: We provide the shuttles, high-quality rentals, and expert guides.
Lakeside Relaxation: Balance your cycling with swimming in Lake Coeur d’Alene.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
We’ll meet at Vertical Earth Bike Shop in picturesque Coeur d’Alene to get your family set up before shuttling to the legendary Route of the Hiawatha for a thrilling ride through dark, historic tunnels like the famous Taft Tunnel.
You’ll follow the path of the old Milwaukee Road Railway over towering trestles through the stunning Bitterroot Mountains before heading to our comfortable camp for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.
Today we explore a beautiful section of the paved Centennial Trail, which offers smooth riding along scenic lakefronts and through charming forest sections perfect for soaking in the natural beauty surrounding Coeur d’Alene Lake.
We’ll set up our camp near a picturesque lake with plenty of time for optional swimming in the lake or nearby creeks and other family fun.
Our adventure continues on the renowned Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes cycling route, a paved rail-trail that meanders through lush forests and the historic Silver Valley with glimpses into Idaho’s mining heritage and small towns like Harrison.
You’ll enjoy relatively flat, easy riding perfect for conversation and absorbing the scenery while our expert guides share insights into the local history and natural environment.
Today we may revisit a favorite trail segment or discover new segments of the Bitterroot Mountains suitable for easy family bike rides with a focus on enjoying the pristine Idaho environment and the joy of cycling.
We’ll incorporate opportunities for nature walks and exploration of local flora and fauna before heading to our final Western Spirit camp for a celebratory dinner to reflect on the amazing family journey.
After a last hearty breakfast at camp, we embark on a short, scenic ride back towards Coeur d’Alene, perhaps revisiting a favorite stretch or exploring a new gentle route to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Following a celebratory final lunch, our comfortable shuttle will transport your family back to Coeur d’Alene filled with incredible memories of your 5-day family cycling Idaho vacation.
-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
20-40 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 40 miles)
Hiking Mileage
20-40 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 40 miles)
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Coeur d’Alene, ID, 8:30 AM MST; spend the night before in Coeur d’Alene. Ending time: return to bike shop 3:00-4:00 PM last day. Getting there: 31 miles from Spokane, WA via I-90; fly into Spokane (GEG), Payless Airport Shuttle recommended.
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
What we provide
- Meals
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Camp mugs & dining ware
- 2 large cycling water bottles
- Camp chairs
- Solar showers
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Bike stand
- Lube
- First aid kit
Bring or rent
- Bike
- Helmet
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Cycling & camp clothing
- Rain gear
- 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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