Tour of the Hiawatha, northern Idaho

[bjshred]

We are planning to ride Trail of the Hiawatha and other close trails in northern Idaho.  Will be leaving May 24 for 1 week.  Have any of you ridden there.  What about camping along way?  Sounds like a beautiful area.

[Successor to the Professor]

You're going to love that route.  The trails and roads are pretty smooth and well graded, so just about any bike will do.  Even in late May it can be chilly at night, so be sure to pack up some warm clothes, and be prepared for rain.

As for camping, there are a few places to pitch a tent in Idaho and in Montana.  Here's a link to some more information on that.

http://www.skilookout.com/hiawatha/camping.php

[CMajernik]

When you mention close trails were you thinking of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes? Here's a website to get more info: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/trailofthecoeurdalenes.aspx

[johnsondasw]

Be sure to check out the Coeur d' Alenes trail.  it's spectacular easy riding with lots of wildlife.  And it's well maintained. It can work for all experience and skill levels.  If you're a real gnarly gung-hom rider, you can just do it round trip in one day--about 150 miles.  If you're a 20 mile a day type, there are lots of places to stop and you can do do your 20 a day.  It's certainly worth checking out.

[James]

If you enjoy beautiful views and smooth as a babys behind trails, you will love this trail.  One thing, May might be a little early, you could get more reliable weather if you could go a little later.

[litespeed]

I've done the Trail of the Hiawatha twice. It's a beautiful and very easy ride as it follows an old railbed (and bridges). Campgrounds in St. Regis and St. Maries. Headwinds going from Avery to St. Maries. Don't forget to have a little cash handy. The trail guy hit me up for, as I recall, $8 the last time I rode it.