Explore Three Epic Rail-Trails in Five Fun Days

Join Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers for a 5-day cycling adventure across three of the USA’s most celebrated rail-trails, including two Rail-Trail Hall of Fame routes: the Route of the Hiawatha and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. You’ll be wowed by North Idaho’s rugged beauty and the rich heritage of the Silver Valley, with a touch of Spokane charm.

We’ll kick things off on Sunday, June 27, at the Doubletree by Hilton Spokane City Center, where we’ll gather and prepare for the week ahead. Our cycling adventure begins on Monday (Day 1) with the Spokane River Centennial Trail, that follows the scenic Spokane River through downtown Spokane. On Tuesday, we’ll continue onto the North Idaho Centennial Trail pedaling through Coeur d’Alene before hugging the shoreline of stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene. Day 2 will culminate with a ride to Higgins Point, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the lake, providing the perfect welcome to Idaho’s outdoors.

Day 3 features the bucket-list Route of the Hiawatha, renowned for its tunnels and trestle bridges that rise high above the forest canopy. Pedal through the Bitterroot Mountains, immersed in dramatic views and deep forests.

On Days 4 and 5, we’ll ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, winding through some of Idaho’s most beautiful landscapes, from lush forests and wetlands to sparkling rivers and pristine lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife, enjoy the shimmering reflections on the water, and pass through historic towns with a story to tell as you cover the 72 miles of this special trail.

Route: Spokane River Centennial Trail
Miles: 31
Overnight: Hampton Inn & Suites Spokane Valley

We’ll kick off the week with a ride on the Spokane River Centennial Trail, covering 31 miles. This lovely path winds through Riverside State Park, with unique rock formations, shady forested stretches, and plenty of river views along the way.

As we make our way into downtown Spokane, you’ll pass by Spokane Falls, one of the city’s best-known landmarks and the site of the 1974 World Expo. It’s a great spot to take a break, explore a little, and check out a pioneering hydroelectric project that still powers the city.

After a full day, you’ll ride into our Hampton Inn, where a relaxing evening and a well-earned meal await.

Route: Spokane River Centennial Trail to the North Idaho Centennial Trail
Miles: 32
Overnight: Wallace Inn

We’ll roll out Tuesday morning from the hotel and head east, sticking with the Spokane River Centennial Trail until we cross into Idaho. From there, we transition to the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which follows the river and leads us straight into downtown Coeur d’Alene.

It’s an easygoing ride with plenty of scenery, including water views, tree-lined paths, and great photo ops along the way. We’ll continue past town and ride out to Higgins Point, a peaceful spot at the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene that’s ideal for relaxing and soaking it all in.

Then we’ll load up and it’s off to Wallace, a cool little town known as the ‘Silver Capital of the World’, packed with history and colorful stories. We’ll tour Wallace on foot, taking in some history and maybe picking up a few tales from the town’s spirited past on our way to dinner. As you stroll the charming streets, it’s hard not to marvel at the steep, forested hillsides rising above town.

Route: The Route of the Hiawatha
Miles: 29.4 round trip (14.7 miles each way)
Overnight: Wallace Inn

On Wednesday, we’ll shuttle from Wallace to the East Portal trailhead of the Route of the Hiawatha, a Rail-Trail Hall of Fame favorite. You’ll ride 14.7 miles through 10 historic tunnels, including the famous 1.7-mile-long St. Paul Tunnel. Don’t forget your bike lights! You’ll also cross seven high trestle bridges with seriously stunning views. After reaching the Pearson Trailhead, we’ll turn around and ride back the same way.

After completing the Route of the Hiawatha, we’ll return to the charming town of Wallace for a second night at the Wallace Inn. This evening is YOYO (You’re On Your Own), giving you the freedom to choose your own dinner and enjoy Wallace however you’d like.

Route: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Part 1
Miles: 50 or 65 (with Mullan add-on)
Overnight: Harrison, ID (Lakeview Lodge, Corskie House and Osprey Bed and Breakfast)

Thursday morning, we’ll saddle up at the Wallace Inn and hop on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved path that winds through some of the prettiest scenery in North Idaho. You’ll ride past rivers, wetlands, forests, and quiet little towns as the trail leads us west toward the lakeside village of Harrison. Keep your eyes open, as moose are often spotted along this stretch. You don't want to miss your chance to see a real life Bullwinkle.

If you want to cover every inch, you can start with a short 7.5-mile climb east to Mullan, the official start of the trail. Then you’ll turn around and enjoy a mostly downhill ride west toward Harrison for a total of 65 miles. Otherwise, the ride from our hotel in Wallace to Harrison is a relaxed and beautiful 50 miles. Once we reach Harrison, we’ll settle in for the night at Lakeview Lodge, Corskie House and Osprey Bed and Breakfast. This quaint village on the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene is the perfect place to kick back and watch the sunset.

Route: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Part 2
Miles: 32 miles
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Spokane City Center

With such gorgeous, peaceful views over the lake from our Harrison accommodations, we’ll take it slow and not rush back onto the trail. If you want to ride, you can always revisit a portion of yesterday’s ride toward Wallace, but we recommend relaxing and soaking in the serene beauty of Harrison before breakfast. After breakfast we’ll ride west toward Plummer, the western end of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It’s just over 16 miles from Harrison to Plummer, with the first nine miles cruising alongside Lake Coeur d’Alene and the last seven climbing up the Plummer Creek basin to the western trailhead. Since this route is so beautiful we’ll turn around and ride back to Harrison. Upon finishing in Harrison we’ll load up the bikes and head back to Spokane City Center for our final night together. With memories of tunnels, trestles, lakes, and laughter, we’ll toast a week well-ridden.