Home › Idaho › Coeur d'Alene › Blue Creek Bay Recreation Site and Trail
Blue Creek Bay Recreation Site and Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Blue Creek Bay Recreation Site and Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with a kid-friendly trail and a lake, plus a public restroom.
What runners say about Blue Creek Bay Recreation Site and Trail
“It's not spectacular but it's very nice, clean, often shaded opportunity for a quiet and rarely populated hike.”
“This is a beautiful area with plenty of deer, and lots of meadows where kids (or dogs!”
“A nice trail that people of all levels can use with some views of the lake at the beginning.”
This is actually the trailhead to Blue Creek Trails and it is a very nice walk through the woods- a balanced blend of walking in forest, open fields, rocky terrain, incline and flat spots etc...
A nice lollipop-shaped trail under 3 miles with sweet lake views on the return. The terrain ranks on the easy side of moderate. Near the top beware of barbed wire fence that poses hazards to dogs. Otherwise, dog and family friendly.
Trail work and fuel removal has made the trail a bit hard to follow. It's early in the season so things are a bit squishy and wet still. Overall easy hike with views. Great area and easy hike.
This is just a great, easy hike. It's perfect for seniors and families. There is a little bit of elevation gain at the very beginning of the trail off the parking area, and after that the elevation gain is fairly mild. This is a beautiful area with plenty of deer, and lots of meadows where kids (or dogs!
Trail conditions & character
“A nice trail that people of all levels can use with some views of the lake at the beginning.”
“There are several muddy parts of the trail.”
“There is a little bit of elevation gain at the very beginning of the trail off the parking area, and after that the elevation gain is fairly mild.”
“There is a little bit of elevation gain at the very beginning of the trail off the parking area, and after that the elevation gain is fairly mild.”
“This is a beautiful area with plenty of deer, and lots of meadows where kids (or dogs!”
Plan your run at Blue Creek Bay Recreation Site and Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone(208) 769-5000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Coeur d'Alene
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Coeur d'Alene Parkway State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 323 reviews
Paved hike-and-bike route along the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene featuring picnic spots.
Fernan Lake Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Foot-friendly area with lakeside trails, fishing and a launch for kayaking.
Tubbs Hill Trail Marker
4.8 ★★★★★ 666 reviews
Lush park with lake views and several easy-to- moderate trails.
Coeur D'Alene Centennial Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
McEuen Park and Dog Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,546 reviews
Vast waterside space featuring walking trails, a playground & a sand beach area.