Rails-to-Trails Biking
Explore North Idaho’s Legendary Trails, from the Silver Valley to the Palouse.
Ride Legendary Trails from the Heart of Wallace
Wallace is your gateway to two of America’s most iconic rails-to-trail bike paths—the Route of the Hiawatha and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Ride through historic tunnels, over trestles, and beneath forest canopies as you explore one of the nation’s premier cycling regions. From smooth, paved paths to more rugged stretches, North Idaho’s Rails to Trails offer breathtaking views, rich history, and miles of adventure for every kind of rider.
Nearby Routes & Recreation Areas
From paved paths to forested climbs, Wallace offers direct access to the region’s most scenic and historic biking trails—all just a short ride away.
Route of the Hiawatha
Experience one of the most breathtaking rails-to-trail rides in the country. The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile scenic mountain biking trail winding through the Bitterroot Mountains, crossing 7 towering trestles and passing through 10 dramatic tunnels—including the legendary 1.66-mile-long Taft Tunnel under the Idaho-Montana border. Originally part of the historic Milwaukee Road railroad, this route tells a story of early 1900s grit and engineering triumph.
The trail is beginner-friendly, all downhill, and incredibly scenic. Trail passes and bike rentals are available at Lookout Pass Ski Resort. Shuttle service is offered for return trips – no uphill riding required!
Trail Access: Lookout Pass Resort, Exit 0 off I-90 Trailhead: 3 miles from the Taft Exit (Milepost 5, I-90, Montana)
Phone: (208) 744-1301
Hours: Seasonal operation, typically late May through September
For more information, visit the Route of the Hiawatha website.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Stretching 72 paved miles across the North Idaho Panhandle, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes offers unforgettable views and peaceful rides through the heart of the region. The trail winds from Coeur d’Alene Lake all the way to Mullan. It skirts lakeshores, crosses the iconic Chatcolet Bridge, and rolls through gorgeous swamplands and the heart of the Silver Valley.
Spot wildlife like moose, elk, osprey, and bald eagles along the way. With smooth paved terrain, convenient rest stops, and access to friendly small towns along the trail, it’s ideal for riders of all ages and abilities.
For more information, visit Friends of CDA Trails website.
Phone: (208) 682-3814
Hours: Open year-round, weather permitting
Wallace to Burke
A relatively short but scenic 7-mile ride tracing historic mining roads and gentle curves from Wallace to the ghost town of Burke, a mining hub back in the day. With around 1,000 feet of climbing and interpretive signs along the way, it offers a peaceful journey rich in mining history. If you’re looking for a real adventure, continue 4 miles up the road and check out the ATV and rugged paths up the canyon.
Dobson Pass Climb
A climb that packs a punch with 4 of 6 miles at an 8% grade and short bursts over 12%. A very popular “up, over and back” climb that will challenge experienced cyclists. The climb can be extended into a 53-mile loop through Pritchard and Enaville before picking up the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Pine Creek to get you back to Wallace. The loop section can be busy in the summer with rafters floating the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
NorPac Trail
The NorPac Trail offers a serene ride through alpine forests and over historic rail grades, connecting Lookout Pass to Mullan. This gently sloping gravel route is ideal for riders looking to experience mountain views and peaceful backcountry charm without technical difficulty. From Wallace, bike 7 miles east to Mullan or drive on I-90 to the Mullan trailhead to start. Alternatively, leave a car in Wallace, drive up to Lookout Pass, and bike 20 miles downhill into Wallace.
Bitterroot 300
A bucket-list item for cyclists worldwide. This grand 300‑kilometer loop threads together nearly all major rail-trails, rivers, and mountain routes in the region. Riders spend 3+ days cycling through alpine streams, small towns, and deep forests—camping wild or staying locally, with only one challenging climb and mostly downhill or flat terrain. Start or finish in Wallace and explore everything the Idaho Panhandle has to offer.
Route of the Olympian
A serene and remote 31-mile gravel road traversing east from the Route of the Hiawatha East Portal parking lot along the old Milwaukee Railway tracks and St. Regis River. Cross trestles and tunnels to the town of St. Regis. Mostly flat or downhill heading east.
Old Milwaukee Railroad Trails
From Pearson to St. Maries, this gravel and forest road system traces the historic Milwaukee Road railbed, offering a longer, immersive ride through the Silver Valley’s mining past and natural beauty. Starting at the bottom of the Route of the Hiawatha, this portion of the Bitterroot 300 takes you through remote towns along the St. Joe River and into the beautifully forested town of St. Maries – a great place to join the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
Plan your perfect North Idaho cycling adventure
We offer shuttle service and local insight to make your trip unforgettable. Call the front desk at (208) 752-1252 for personalized trip planning.