NMLA’s 45TH ANNUAL MARINE LENDERS CONFERENCE
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
SEPTEMBER 21 – 23, 2025
Recreational Activities and
Things to Do and See in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
Fishing
The Coeur d’Alene region is legendary for its fishing, and boasts some of the best fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest. The Coeur d’Alene river is known for its cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout, and the St. Joe River is famous for its cutthroat and rainbow trout. Both rivers are easily accessible, and are best explored with a guide to learn the basics. Lake Coeur d’Alene, apart from its aesthetic scenic beauty, also offers a diverse fishing experience with a variety of fish species, including kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Lake Pend Orielle, the largest lake in Idaho and located about 60 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, is known for some of the best Bass fishing in the US, with Lake Coeur d'Alene being ranked in the top ten Bass fishing lakes in the country.
Another popular, albeit smaller lake at just 423 acres, is Fernan lake, located about 10 minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene. Here you can fish for Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch.
The October Caddis hatch is a good time for fly fishing because it's the last big food source for trout before winter, with the large, orange caddisflies attracting aggressive strikes, especially during the evening when they lay eggs.
There are a host of guided fishing trips available in the area and the Idaho Fish and Game department is an excellent resource for planning your fishing trip.
Leisurely Rafting River Trip
Traditional whitewater rafting is usually inactive during September, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out on a raft and take in a leisurely float trip down the Spokane river. The Spokane River Scenic Float is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Located about 45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene, your trip launches in Peaceful Valley. This section of the river has a few class II rapids the locals like to call the “Splash and Giggle” section of the journey.
Drinks and wildlife gazing are readily available, and your guide will ensure you have ample opportunity to swim if the mood takes you, or indeed if you are just out for a day of relaxation surrounded by the beauty of the inland Northwest this is the trip for you.
For more information on your rafting trip, visit this link.
Kayaking
North Idaho offers some of the best lake kayak touring in the United States. Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals from Kayak CDA are delivered conveniently to the North shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene seven days a week May through September. For more information visit this link.
Hiking
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is surrounded by beautiful wilderness areas and offers a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular hiking spots include Tubbs Hill, which is located in the heart of downtown and offers several trails of varying difficulty that wind through forests and offer stunning views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Another great hiking spot is the nearby Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail, which is a moderate 3.3-mile hike that offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Additionally, visitors can explore the trails at Canfield Mountain Natural Area, which features over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests and open meadows. Other popular hiking destinations in the area include the Centennial Trail, which stretches for 23 miles along the Spokane River, and the nearby Selkirk Mountains, which offer more challenging hikes for experienced hikers. For general information about trails in the area, visit HERE.
Biking
The Coeur D’Alene area offers a myriad of options for cycling enthusiasts – from mountain biking, to ebikes, to cross-country, to casual city biking. There are numerous trails available for cyclists, and this website is an excellent resource that highlights trails for all levels.
Zip Lining
For those with more adventurous tastes, there are a number of Zipline Tours on offer in the region. Most of the trips offered are approximately 3 hours in length, and located not too far from Coeur D’Alene. If you are interested in spiking your adrenaline and viewing the spectacular scenery from 400 feet, this exhilarating activity might bring you one of the most memorable experiences of your life! To discover the range of tours available, visit Timberline Adventures.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, Idaho is a well-preserved late 19th century architectural town, and the only town in the US entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a deep and colorful history and was known as the Silver Capital of the World, when in its day, 21% of the world’s silver was mined in Wallace.
Dante’s Peak was filmed there, and in 2004 the Mayor proclaimed the city of Wallace to be the center of the universe (because it can't be proven otherwise)! Today, a manhole cover represents the exact spot of the “Center of the Universe”, and it is celebrated annually by the citizens of Wallace.
Wallace hosts a Sierra Silver Mine tour, led by a retired miner, which offers guests the opportunity to personally experience the actual methods of hard-rock mining in the richest silver district on earth. During your short trip to and from the mine aboard a classic trolley, you can also enjoy a narrated tour of Wallace’s historic past.
Wallace is located approximately 45 minutes from Coeur D’Alene via the beautiful White Pine Scenic Byway.
On The Water in Coeur D’Alene
There are many options to get out on the water in and around Coeur D’Alene. THIS is a good website to visit if you are interested in learning more about your boating and on the water options while in the area.
