This trip will meet at 8:30am PST at Vertical Earth bike shop, 308 Coeur d'Alene Ave., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 208-667-5503, www.verticalearth.com. You will need to spend the night before in Coeur d'Alene.

After meeting at the bike shop in Coeur d'Alene, we will shuttle west into Washington to Centennial State Park. From here we will ride 37 miles back to the Idaho border. The trail meanders along the Spokane River past Nine Mile Falls through a variety of historic sites. At mile marker #36, we will check out the fossil beds at Deep Creek where evidence of native Americans living along the Spokane River goes back over 11,000 years. We will cruise the bike path though beautiful Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine trees making our way back to Lake Coeur d'Alene. As with each day of the trip, we will all begin riding together, and then at some point before lunch, we will give the tinier legs in the group a ride in the van to a playground or swimming hole. During this break the more energetic legs can keep pedaling. In the afternoon we will re-unite for the final few miles. Back in Couer d'Alene, we will head for the pool and then have dinner at the hotel restaurant where kids can make their own pizzas!
TOTAL MILEAGE - 17-44 miles

After breakfast at the Dockside Restaurant, we will leave civilization and head into the backcountry to the Route of the Hiawatha. From the East Portal Trailhead, we will plunge into the two mile long Taft Tunnel-lights will be provided! We will emerge at the West Portal to be greeted by stunning views in all directions. From here we continue through several shorter tunnels and over many rustic trestles. Along the way we will learn about the tenacious miners who built this incredible railroad bed. Camp tonight will be on the banks of Loop Creek-perfect for an afternoon dip or a great departure point for some extra credit afternoon miles.
TOTAL MILEAGE - 15-25 miles

The top of Lookout Pass is the destination of our shuttle this morning. From here, the whole group will ride down the mountain on the Northern Pacific Multi Use Trail, to pick up the Trail of the Couer d'Alenes at the Mullan Trailhead. We will continue on to Wallace for lunch at the historic depot---trains, trains, and more trains! This afternoon we recommend a jump in the van for the little ones for a quick shuttle to the Enaville Trailhead. The rest of the gang will get in 17 bonus miles and meet us there. From here we continue on through some of the most idyllic sections of the trail along the lovely pastoral Coeur D'Alene River. We leave the trail and head south to the Dancing with Bears Campground.
TOTAL MILEAGE - 32-49 miles

Back to the rail trail in the morning, we will continue through a beautiful section on our way to the Bull Run Trailhead. After lunch we split up to give a rest to the little ones, as the remainder of the group continues on to Harrison. At Harrison there is a playground, a swimming hole and an ice cream parlor! What could be better! After enjoying all three we regroup and head for Heyburn State Park. To get there we cross a dramatic bridge over Lake Coeur d'Alene which takes us right into the park. Our camp here includes a dock and yet another swimming opportunity. The world premiere of Western Spirit dramatic presentations occurred here in an amphitheater, starring six kids all under 10!
TOTAL MILEAGE - 26-44 miles

On our final day we will do an out and back from our camp to the end of the Couer d'Alene Trail. This, plus a few singletrack miles in the park and a visit to another fun playground, shaped like a boat, will wrap up our activities. After lunch at camp we will take a short shuttle back to Couer d'Alene where our travels began.
TOTAL MILEAGE - 3-14 miles

We will return to the bike shop in Coeur d'Alene between 2:00-3:00 pm on the last day.

Road Surface: Mostly pavement, also smooth dirt and gravel. You will need a mountain bike for this tour.
Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Altitude: 2,100-5,000 feet.

Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Jul 18 - Jul 22, 2011
Jul 25 - Jul 29, 2011
Aug 01 - Aug 05, 2011
Aug 08 - Aug 12, 2011
Aug 15 - Aug 19, 2011

Family
5 Days
Northern Idaho
Camping/Inns
Introductory/Intermediate
$1495 ($1395 under 14)
Start/End: Coeur d'Alene, ID