Big Trees Trail - Coeur d'Alene - 9/11/2025
Yesterday I drove from Lewiston to Coeur d'Alene to check out the Big Trees Trail, a 10 mile out-and-back trail with a 3400 foot elevation gain. I was excited to hike something a little more challenging with several steep sections. When I arrived at the trailhead, which is literally in a neighborhood across the street from houses, one of the locals greeted me. He told that he had seen bears, and a mountain lion in area recently, and asked if I was carrying any bear spray. I did not have any bear spray on me.
As soon as I hit the trail I realized that the route in AllTrails was outdated. There were sections of the trail that were closed off restoration, and new trails seemingly all over the place. This meant that I was checking AllTrail every 10 minutes to find my way up the mountain. Several times the app dinged in my ear because I was off trail, but the trail simply didn't exist. I eventually made it to the to the summit after quite a bit of frustration. Near the top of the peak the trail gets very steep, and the trail disappears completely. I was just going straight up the mountain at that point, stopping occasionally the make sure I was going the right direction, and also pausing because it was grueling.
When I reached the summit I was greeted by radio towers, and dirt bike riders that went up the other side of the mountain. The view of the town, and lake, was relatively nice, but nothing spectacular. Overall I wouldn't recommend this trail, unless you enjoy frustrating, and steep hikes. The next day I could feel it in my legs, not sore, just a little stiff, telling I actually did a work out.
Oh, and I did not see any bears, or mountain lions on the trail.
