Couer d'Alene, ID - any favorite backpacking suggestions?

**DanglingModifier** · 07-07-2014, 21:00

I'll be in Couer d'Alene visiting friends for several days around mid-August. They have a vacation rental and aren't really familiar with the area. I'm not familiar with the area either.

We should be able to steal a couple days away for some backpacking with the hammocks. Does anyone have a favorite scenic trail in the area for a one-night or two-night backpacking trip? Out and back is fine, but a loop would be even better if it is a two-night thing. Probably need to keep daily mileage on the lower side to satisfy my trail partner. I might be able to talk her into a couple 10 mile days, but it would be a much easier sell at 4-7 miles/day.

Any suggestions on what to consider doing?

Thanks!

**NordicNorm** · 07-07-2014, 21:16

Fancy a skate/hang? I've wanted to do this for a while.
http://skatelogforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50630

It occurs to me that the pleasure of lateral acceleration of swinging in a hammock is very similar to the gentle rocking of alternating glide on skates. Slomo expressed the notion far more eloquently than I ever could. Skaters - hangers, kindred spirits for sure.

**DanglingModifier** · 07-08-2014, 16:04

That sounds like a fun time, though I'm not sure how I would balance the pack on my back as I did the skating.

Great video. I don't recall bumping into Slomo while spending time down on the boardwalk, but I haven't lived in PB for about ten years.

**NordicNorm** · 07-08-2014, 16:43

Ya, the lake trail is probably best for day tripping, but if you wanted to haul lots of gear it's definitely doable. In a pinch a shopping cart makes a dandy push trailer.

I've logged probably close to a thousand skate miles with a handicapped passenger in these:
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/ba..._strollers.htm
https://cycletote.com/trailers/special-needs-trailers/

I really like the outrigger effect for balance on steep/rough terrain, and the hand brake is on the freedom is very helpful. There's a deadman brake available for the cycletote but it's only useful when in bike trailer mode (stops a breakaway on a descent).

Another possibility: http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/s...Pack_Gear.html

**DanglingModifier** · 07-08-2014, 17:04

I'm probably not going to go skammockamping, though I got quite a chuckle envisioning me grinding down the path pushing a stolen shopping cart loaded with camping gear in front of me. Traditional backpacking will probably be all I can pull together due to logistics.

**NordicNorm** · 07-08-2014, 17:17

I'm sure you'll find a good trip. Lots of beautiful country thereabouts. Some suggestions here: http://www.backpacker.com/destinations/category/148 and http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ipnf/...=6860&actid=51

**DanglingModifier** · 07-08-2014, 18:36

Maybe I'll kayak and camp somewhere on Lake Pend Oreille, assuming that it is practical to rent a kayak for a couple days while up there.

**NordicNorm** · 07-08-2014, 20:29

Good choice! If you can't find an outfitter... you could maybe rent from someone selling:
http://spokane.craigslist.org/search...kayak&sort=rel

**kmaigskmal** · 07-09-2014, 04:33

Couer D' Alene itself doesn't have a whole lot of what i would call good backpacking. The Panhandle Nat. Forest Supervisors office is in town so they could point you in a good direction tho.
3815 Schreiber Way
Coeur d'Alene, ID
83815
(208) 765-7233
I live in Spokane which is about 30 minutes west of there and Ill usually go to the Cabinets in Montana (Which is about a 4 hour drive for me). However i do enjoy the Priest Lake trails outta Nordman. There are a few outta Sandpoint about an hour drive from there.
They don't keep the trails easy to find on the website unfortunately but the supervisor offices normally have all the trail books from all the districts. alltrails.com and everytrail.com are usually more reliable and tend to have pretty simple directions to the trail head if you are unfamiliar with the area.
While your there tho in the park on Sundays from 100 to 400 they have free concerts just an FYI. Usually the band is pretty good and the Inlander a local free newspaper has the community events going on if your looking for something to do.