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The world’s tallest Christmas tree lives in Coeur d’Alene! Actually, the tree stands 162′ tall, holds 30,000 lights and supports 2 miles of extension cords. And the star on top is 12′. But actually, this isn’t about the Christmas tree. The Driveby Tourist just likes to throw in some odd facts! Coeur d’Alene Lake Idaho is a beautiful lake and the city is a great little city on the lake. After all, a key industry in Coeur d’Alene remains tourism. The lake provides much recreational activity. In fact, the city has a great little downtown and many eating and drinking places. If you get into that part of the country, be sure to stop and see Coeur d’Alene. Both the city and the lake.
Above and below are a series of pictures taken on the 2.4-mile hike around Tubbs Hill. Great views in all directions. The hike is rated easy and is heavily used, especially from May through October. While the trail is a bit rough with rocks and tree branches on it, the hike is still easy. Well worth the time and it’s right in the city.
Other recreational activities include hiking and biking trails, fishing, parasailing, boat tours, as well as wildlife watching and photography. And there are rental organizations for bikes, fishing boats, jet skis, water ski boats, pontoons, and sailboats.
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By the way, want to see an overview of the entire trip? Here’s a link.
Northern Idaho recreation
View from Dockside restaurant. Great view but unfortunately, chef’s missed the mark on the food. Summary, view – great, salad bar – very good, vegetables – good, entrees – poor. The place came with great recommendations so we were disappointed. Anyway, here is a link to the resort. Yes, there are other restaurants in the resort or nearby.
Hotel/Resort on the water 
I like this pattern
The Coeur d’Alene Resort hugs the lake. And sure looks like a great resort. Especially with the resort being fully remodeled. Again, there are a number of restaurants in the resort and nearby. And, of course, the link to the resort.
While eating dinner, we watched the parasailing on the lake. And we didn’t plan on doing it ourselves! Funny how overcast skies and photo angles make the lake look very pale blue. But, again, it’s a gorgeous view!
Coeur d’Alene Resorts
Coeur d’Alene Resort
The Coeur d’Alene Resort mentioned above is a 4 star resort with upscale amenities. If you are unfamiliar with the Star rating system, here is a link. TripAdvisor rates it as the #2 hotel in Idaho. This hotel overlooks Coeur d’Alene lake. The resort caters to two types of guests; those in need a R&R and those in need of an adrenaline rush! For the R&R crowd, you may be ready to play a round of golf or pamper yourself in the on-site spa. Meanwhile, if you are looking for the adrenaline rush, the resort provides mountain biking, parasailing, fishing and Jet Skiing.
Want to see a shop for my road trip photos? You can have them printed as wall art or puzzles. They also work on coffee mugs, t-shirts and more! So, take a look. Maybe you'll see something you will like!
The resorts features nine restaurants, bars and lounges on site. They serve everything from colorful and exotic cocktails to prime steak and typical American dining. One of the restaurants features Italian classics. The hotel features rooms with amenities one would expect from a 4 star hotel. Some rooms have private balconies and fireplaces.
WorldMark Arrow Point Resort
The WorldMark Arrow Point resort is nearer Harrison than Coeur d’Alene but is on the lake. It’s considered a 3 star resort due to the amenities offered. However, it’s still a great place due to access to 135 miles of shoreline, boating, water-skiing and swimming. There is an indoor pool as well as swimming in the lake. The resort offers cruises on the lake and the proximity to the scenic Route of the Hiawatha bike trail.
The resort features two- and three-bedroom resort suites that comfortably sleep six to eight guests. The rooms offer a fully equipped kitchen and a washer/dryer in each suite. Each suite also has an outdoor grill and an indoor fireplace. Free parking is limited to one car per suite. There is an on-site marina that offers boat dock-age for an additional fee.
Carlin Bay to reopen in 2022
Another resort is Carlin Bay on the east side of Coeur d’Alene Lake as well. The resort had been closed and came under new ownership in 2018. Currently, this one is closed again. The next set of new owners plan to open in 2022. Current plans call for a boutique retreat with 18 guest rooms, 6 suites and 8 cabins. The resort will also have hookups for “luxury” RV’s. (Not sure what they mean by “luxury RV’s!). There are other resorts and many hotels on Coeur d’Alene Lake Idaho.
Coeur d’Alene Lake Idaho
Used Photoshop Lightroom to merge 4 photos into this panoramic view. Interestingly, the depth of the overcast was varying so some pictures are quite dark. Using the software to change the exposure left the pictures washed out. Of course, I hope you like them this way!
Kayaker on the lake 
More Coeur d’Alene lake
And these pictures are part of the hike around Tubbs Hill. Great exercise as well as great views. Here is a link to the map of the trail. To point out, the upper trail doesn’t provide much of a view of the lake. With this in mind, I recommend taking the lower trail around the lake.
Another view near Tubbs Hill shows the lake and the mountains behind the lake. By the way, the bright blue color is not the lake, but the shelters for boats! And the overall picture is another example of the scenic Coeur d’Alene area.
This view is also taken from the Tubbs Hill trail. So, as you approach the trail end (or beginning depending on your direction) you can see the mountains and homes and not see much of the lake from this direction.
The highlight of this trip is planned to be Glacier National Park. Another post addresses Glacier Park visits. However, Coeur d’Alene turns into a highlight as well. Here is a link to another national park visit.
Coeur d’Alene honors POWs and MIAs in the area around Tubbs Hill. Pictures above this one on this post show views from Tubbs Hill. After talking with other hikers, I decided the walk up the hill would only show mostly trees. Indeed, not much view of the lake.
Classic Rock Recollection
“Private Idaho” by the B-52s
You’re living in your own Private Idaho
Living in your own Private Idaho
Underground like a wild potato
Don’t go on the patio
Beware of the pool
Blue bottomless pool
It leads you straight, right through the gate
That opens on the poolYou’re living in your own Private Idaho
You’re living in your own Private Idaho
Written by: Cindy Wilson / Fred Schneider / Kate Pierson /
Keith Strickland / Ricky Wilson
