Tubbs Hill
4.8(87)google
4.5(68)yelp
HikingLakeScenic Lookout
Overview
The Tubbs Hill Natural Area is a 165-acre (0.67 km2) public park and natural area in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The park is located on a peninsula, with Lake Coeur d'Alene bordering the park on its west, south, and east sides and McEuen Park to the north with its main entrance and trail head at 210 South 3rd Street. An additional trail head is located at the southern terminus of 10th Street.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeJune to September for summer lake swimming and cliff jumping, and October for crisp fall foliage. Arriving between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM is highly recommended; the early morning mist is burns off the lake surface, and soft sunlight pierces the towering Ponderosa pines, providing a tranquil trail walk before municipal parking fills up.
Getting ThereAnchored directly against downtown Coeur d'Alene, allowing easy foot access. If driving, take I-90 to Exit 14 (City Center), head south via N 4th St into Sherman Ave, turn right onto S 3rd St, and park inside the massive municipal pay structure at McEuen Park, located just 50 yards from the hill's primary western trailhead entrance.
Travel Tips
- The nature trails winding through the canopy have zero municipal lighting; start retreating toward the trailhead 30 minutes before total nautical twilight.
- Cliff diving is widely practiced but officially prohibited due to fluctuating lake depths hiding razor-sharp granite ledges directly under the surface.
- The trailhead parking lot relies on automated license plate scanning; log your plate number at the kiosk immediately upon parking to block heavy fines.
Reviews
Positive
- Right next to downtown, walking the shaded trail brings soaring pines on one side and deep azure lake vistas on the other.
- Hidden along the peninsula are pristine secret coves and iconic cliff-jumping ledges, offering incredible exploration fun.
- Completely free entry; the nature loop is well-maintained, peppered with sturdy viewing benches and eco-friendly bins.
- The location is flawless; the trailhead connects directly to downtown parks and marinas, minutes away from premium dining.
Heads up
- Being adjacent to downtown means weekend afternoons get swamped with leashed dogs and heavy tourist foot traffic.
- Preserving raw nature means paths are riddled with exposed roots and loose rocks, making it impossible for strollers or wheelchairs.
- While cliff jumping is fiercely exciting, the lack of certified lifeguards or safety staff creates definite safety risks.
- The deep woods feature zero streetlights or toilets; darkness falls rapidly after dusk, requiring careful tracking of time.