Lakes and Ridges of the Idaho Panhandle
Coeur d'Alene National Forest covers roughly 728,000 acres of the northern Idaho panhandle, occupying the highland terrain between Lake Coeur d'Alene to the west and the St. Maries River drainage to the east. It forms one of three units within the combined Idaho Panhandle National Forests administrative unit, alongside the Kaniksu section to the north and the St. Joe section to the south. The combined Idaho Panhandle unit shares a supervisor's office in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
The forest sits within easy reach of both Coeur d'Alene (35 minutes) and Spokane, Washington (55 minutes), making it one of the more accessible national forest units in the Pacific Northwest. That proximity means the forest sees genuine use from a large regional population, but away from popular spots like the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, trail traffic remains light by western standards.
The landscape is characterized by the rolling, heavily forested hills typical of the Idaho panhandle: dense stands of western white pine, cedar, and grand fir covering ridges that rarely exceed 6,000 feet. Lakes and streams are everywhere, the legacy of glaciation that shaped this country during the last ice age. The St. Maries River, a tributary of the St. Joe, runs through the heart of the forest and offers some of the best cutthroat trout fishing in northern Idaho.
The Emerald Creek Garnet Area
The standout attraction in Coeur d'Alene National Forest is genuinely unusual: the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, the only place in North America where the public can dig for star garnets. Idaho's state gem is a rare variety of garnet that displays a four- or six-rayed star when polished and illuminated. The star garnet is found in only two places in the world: northern Idaho and parts of India.
The garnet area opens seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) and charges a modest per-person fee (as of 2026). Visitors are provided with equipment instructions and a designated digging area in the creek gravel. Families with children find this experience memorable: the garnets are real, they're yours to keep, and you can actually find them with minimal effort. Verify current hours and fee amounts with the Sandpoint Ranger District before visiting.
Best Trails
Moose Lake Trail (5.0 miles, out-and-back) climbs from the St. Maries River valley to a quiet mountain lake in the interior ridge country. The trail passes through cedar groves in the lower canyon and opens into views of the surrounding lake-and-forest landscape near the top.
Harrison Lake Trail (6.0 miles, out-and-back) reaches a larger backcountry lake at moderate elevation, with good fishing for cutthroat and a forest campsite at the lake for overnight stays.
Emerald Creek Trail (4.0 miles, out-and-back) follows the creek corridor through the garnet area, combining the signature gem-hunting experience with a pleasant forested walk along a clear-water stream.
Mount Coeur d'Alene (8.5 miles, out-and-back) is the forest's premier viewpoint hike, climbing to a summit with panoramic views across Lake Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding forested panhandle country. The view on a clear day extends into Washington and Montana.
Fernan Saddle Trail (5.5 miles, out-and-back) departs from near Fernan Lake east of Coeur d'Alene and climbs to a ridge with lake views. One of the most accessible trails from the Coeur d'Alene metro area.
Snow Peaks Trail (12.0 miles, out-and-back) enters the Snow Peaks Wilderness, a compact but rugged wilderness area in the forest's eastern section, with views across the St. Maries River drainage.
Permits and Passes
Day hiking and dispersed camping require no permit in Coeur d'Alene National Forest (as of 2026). The Emerald Creek Garnet Area charges a per-person fee ($10 as of 2026). Developed campground reservations are handled through Recreation.gov. America the Beautiful passes are accepted at fee sites.
Veterans and permanently disabled individuals may qualify for discounted or free access. See veteran benefits in national forests for details.
Camping
Kit Price Campground on the St. Maries River (52 sites, reservable) is the largest developed option and a good base for fishing, the garnet area, and interior ridge hikes. Emerald Creek Campground (18 sites) is the closest option to the garnet digging area.
Dispersed camping is available throughout the forest along forest roads. The dispersed camping guide covers applicable rules. Fire danger in late summer can restrict campfires; check current restrictions with the Sandpoint or St. Maries Ranger Districts before your visit.
When to Visit
May through October is the primary hiking and camping season. The garnet area typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring brings runoff and good fishing in the river corridors. Summer is the main hiking season, with warm days and reasonable trail conditions. Fall color in the cedar and hardwood drainages peaks in October and is particularly beautiful along the St. Maries River canyon.
Check conditions at checking conditions before you go and practice Leave No Trace principles throughout the forest.
Getting There
From Coeur d'Alene, take ID-3 south toward St. Maries to access the heart of the forest. From Spokane, take US-95 south or I-90 east to reach forest trailheads in about 55 minutes. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area is located off Forest Road 447 south of Fernwood, Idaho, approximately 45 minutes from St. Maries.
