Travel To Coeur d’Alene, Idaho With Your Dog

by Christy Caplan | July 11, 2021

Yes, it is true. The Kardashians also spent their July 4th holiday here in Idaho but we didn’t see them. This city is super pet-friendly! This was probably one of the best trips we’ve taken with the hounds.

I’m going to include a few pics and some places to go while you’re there. We rented a house about three exits away from the city center. We actually found it using TripAdvisor but here is where we were for a week. We also planned to be far away from fireworks as our dogs really stress out. Mission accomplished!

A trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is worth every penny and your dogs need to come along.

McEuen Riverfront Park

At the lakefront near Tubbs Hill.

The local park across from the library (and bakery!) is a perfect place for all dogs to go for a walk on a leash. There is so much green space for the dogs. We were able to easily avoid other dogs and both our hounds are reactive on leash. It’s called McEuen park and is right on the waterfront. Pets are only allowed on the paved paths which is fabulous for anyone that doesn’t want to be greeted by random off-leash dogs.  There are also dog-friendly boat cruises and Go Pet Friendly has a ton of advice on where to go so we referred to this article a bunch.

Stay Off the Grid

From the deck of our cabin.

We stayed about ten minutes from the downtown area which was a perfect fit so we had some trails right off the cabin to explore before we headed out for the mornings with the dogs. Even a walk on the driveway was a blast for our hound, Walter.

Harrison, Idaho

Fudge shop in Harrison, ID.

Harrison, Idaho (population of 273) is a great stop for the dogs- you can dip your toes in the water at Carlin Bay on the way there or on the way back. Fudge is for the humans, let’s not make any mistakes! It’s a 30-minute drive from Sherman Ave. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Where should you go?

• If you can, take your dogs to the trails on Tubbs Hill right off the park downtown, dogs are allowed on all the paths.
• Next to the golf resort off of Sherman Ave. (one of the City Center exits) is a path along the lake and if it’s not too hot it’s a long paved path that is a great place to walk your dog.
• The Harrison Marina trailhead is the start of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It is a 72-mile paved trail and follows the old Union Pacific Railroad. We stopped at the trailhead so the dogs could potty but it was pretty hot out by the time we got there so didn’t do the trek that day. On a cool day, it would be a perfect walk for the dogs!

The downtown and city center part of Sherman Ave. is crowded. It’s super pet-friendly and there are dogs everywhere but make sure that’s a comfortable setting for your pup.

Bring lots of water as summers in Coeur d’Alene are hot! Prepare with dog bowls, snacks, and don’t forget to talk with your vet about anti-nausea medication if your dog gets a little car sick. We use cerenia for our older dog Shermie and it works well for car rides.

This is a short post but worth reading if you plan to travel up to the Panhandle of Idaho with your hounds. It’s a great trip from the PNW. It only took us about seven hours from SW Washington.