We rode this area in 2019. See each day for maps. I would go back again in a heartbeat.
I could not convince Jacinto to detour ever so slightly for the Tail of the Hiawatha. It sounds amazing. And muddy. Several friends said it would be worth renting trikes there just to keep from cleaning bikes. I doubt it will be an issue for you - but one friend had planned to bring her tiny dog in his basket, but was not allowed to take him with her.
I liked all of the area around Usk and Ione. We've been through there once each direction now. Probably it isn't in your time frame, but both Yaak, MT and Yahk, Canada are worthwhile visits.
The whole area is great. Visit!
I haven't ridden the trails yet, but like Kelly says, the whole area is great. Sadly, if you're planning a late summer trip, make sure you have a backup plan for somewhere else, in case it's a bad fire season and is too smoky to ride. My other tip is that if you're flying into or out of Spokane, there are three hotels that are right at the airport, close enough that if you're flying with a boxed bike, you can just use a luggage cart to wheel it to your hotel.
Hi Mike,
I enjoyed the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes and the Hiawatha. Here's what I wrote:
https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/silver/
Hi Mike,
We started in Plummer and did a 4 day loop around back to Plummer. We parked our car there in Plummer at the start of the trailhead with permission by the tribe. Not sure when you plan to ride, but check that the Hiawatha is open.
The journal is here on cycleblaze. It's a nice loop. Racpat Hiawatha Loop 2019 - CycleBlaze
Racpat
I've done a chunk of the TCdA twice. Not conviced that the trail is worth it east of Enaville - where you are very close to I-90 all the way up to Mullan, sometimes right next to it. For the TCdA degment, I prefer going following the North Fork on paved county roads, through the historic mining town of Murray with its rowdy saloon, and over Thompson Pass to Thompson Falls. Where there is a lovely short bike trail over the river via a little island. Nice camping at Harrison on the lake, private camping at G&G Riverstop, state park at Thompson Falls.
Years ago when the Hiawatha just opened I scouted the Montana side where you either had to do rough trails or I-90. Back then the I-90 bridges had zero shoulders, but most of them have been widened. The Old Mullan Road from St. Regis to Henderson ia quite nice with a 2-track connector now to the Olympian Trail. Since these are rail trails, whenever they are any distance from the highway services are nonexistent.
I've done day rides on both the Hiawatha and the TotCdA. My brother lives right on the latter. Both are delightful rides and I highly recommend them. I would love to combine them into a loop as others here have done.
Mike have a look at this tour journal. It covers all the trails you mentioned, and then some. 6 days sounds just right if you start in Plummer instead of Spokane.
The conclusion page of my journal also shows the "Bitterroot 300K" route which is mostly promoted as a 4-day ride. It uses the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, Northern Pacific Trail, Route of the Hiawatha, and the Milwaukee Road Scenic Alternate trail.
I embedded it here for the convenience of readers. Blue is paved trails. Red is paved roads. Black is unpaved roads and trails.
Replying to my original question to thank everyone for this awesome information!! Can't thank you all enough for this, and it's so very helpful and specific!! I will start sifting through your advice and journals and see what looks like a winner for us. Thanks again everyone!
Hello Friends .... Wondering if anyone has information to share about riding the combo of: Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes/NorPac Trail/Trail of the Hiawatha or variations thereof? We have a currently mushy idea of riding some or all of that in late summer 2022 but would love your input!! We are open to idea, but could probably devote no more than 5/6 days to the trip. We are leaning hard toward starting in Plummer, Idaho. I think we are especially interested in: Surface conditions on the gravel trails (NorPac & Hiawatha), camping options along the way, and whether its possible to do a loop of any kind versus an out-and-back. Any knowledge, opinions, or idea welcomed and appreciated!
2 years ago