On a cool and cloudy late April day, I took a walk on Tubbs Hill for at least the hundredth time since my first visit in September 2001. Probably more like three hundred times. This well known and visited local treasure is located right next to downtown.
From an open ridge just below the summit, there are nice views of the city. This is looking northwest along the Spokane River, the outlet to Lake Coeur d’Alene. As you see, the hill is only three blocks from Sherman Avenue, the heart of downtown. Through the overcast sky you can see Rathdrum Mountain in the far background. It will be the subject of another post in the near future.
Tubbs Hill is a 160 acre nature preserve owned and maintained by the City of Coeur d’Alene’s Parks and Recreation Department. The hill forms a peninsula in to the lake and the summit is about 400 feet above the water. Although Tubbs Hill is about a quarter of a square mile, because of the rugged terrain it is possible to spend half a day exploring all of the trails.
I started todays walk in McEuen Park, an extremely nice public space at the base of the hill with all the amenities one could ask for including parking, clean restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds and a concession building.
Starting at the trailhead by the mooring docks and concession building one walks counter clockwise along the lake. Below you is the breakwater that protects the Coeur d’Alene Resort marina and what I call First Beach.
Further down the trail you pass above Second Beach, my favorite place to hang out with the kids when they were little.
The third beach is the largest and most popular at Corbin Point. This is also a favorite place for boaters to anchor off shore and enjoy the day.
Additional trails connect with the so called Fire Road higher on the slopes offering commanding views of the lake to the south. Up here the crowds thin and sometimes one can find solitude.
Across the lake is Kidd Island and Kidd Island Bay. I’ve seen it spelled with both one and two D’s.
Interesting rock formations and beautiful open woodlands beg to be explored. Those looking for more exercise can traverse the summit trail.
This is graffiti not ancient art, but sometimes someone’s creative expression is so good that it becomes part of the attraction. This has been here for over a decade and the good folks that remove obnoxious defacements like it so much it has been allowed to stay.
Completing the lakeshore loop you will see a couple of small beaches through the mist on the east side of the hill before you reach the East Tubbs Hill Trailhead.
East Tubbs Park or the East Tubbs Hill Trailhead has additional parking and a port-a-potty on the east side of the hill in the Sanders Beach neighborhood.
In addition to originally being the site of the pumphouse that provided the city with it’s water supply before they switched to deep wells, East Tubbs Hill Park was at one time the location of a fish hatchery.
The return to McEuen Park features a crossing over a sketchy looking suspension bridge and a walk up some elaborate steps before crossing an open meadow. A non-profit organization, The Friends of Tubbs Hill works with the city on projects to improve trails and natural resource management.
Finally here’s a picture from a bright sunny day for contrast.
The first time I walked this hill, I was instantly in love with it. Although it is a very easy hike and easily accessible the views and variety are incredible. It can be crowded in the summer especially close to the shoreline but the off season is heaven and the relatively low elevation makes hiking the hill practical year round. Tubbs Hill may be a North Idaho gem but it isn’t hidden or secret.
