The popular Tubbs Hill loop is surrounded by the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene and located right downtown.
In fact, its location was the thing we like best. There aren’t many places where you can get a true hiking trail experience within walking distance of town. Especially one with a lake view!
Looking for more parks, hikes, beaches, and other ideas for your vacation? Check out this big list of things to do in Coeur d’Alene or press the button below.
From parking advice to cliff jumping tips, the guide below has everything you’ll need.
Tubbs Hill, CDA – Quick Facts
Take a look at these quick facts for some fast details to plan your visit.
- Location: Google Maps
- Park Size: 120 Acres
- Hours: 5AM – 11PM
- Main Trail Length: 2.2 Miles
- Average Hike Time: 2 Hours
- Free Parking: Google Maps
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Bicycles: Not allowed
- Campfires: Not allowed
- Main Trail Map: AllTrails
Tubbs Hill Trail
Hiking at Tubbs Hill is a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene without having to leave downtown.
The nature trails at this park are easy to follow and perfect for the whole family.
The Tubbs Hill hike is also great for scenic trail running right from your hotel or resort.
The Main Trail
The Main Trail is a perimeter loop around the hill with a distance of 2.2 Miles.
This path is well marked with trail markers and should take about 2 hours to complete at a reasonable pace.
Because a majority of Tubbs Hill is surrounded by water, this Main Trail is a great option for views at the water’s edge.
For a great map and GPS guidance on your hike, check out your route on the AllTrails app.
Summit Trail
Looking for a bit more adventure?
While the Main Trail stays close to the waterline, Summit Trail at Tubbs Hill will take you right to the top overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene.
The hike is not marked and a bit steeper with a total distance of about 1-mile.
Tubbs Hill Beaches
There are actually two beaches to choose from. One is accessible at the park’s edge while the other requires a short walk on the trail.
Sanders Beach
Sanders Beach is the easier of the two to access.
Located on the opposite side of the hill from McEuen Park, Sanders Beach is a great option for a little sand and relaxation.
Be warned though, like most beaches in CDA, this one gets busy during the summer.
That being said, Tubbs Hill swimming from this location is great!
Tubbs Hill Beach
Taking a short hike will get you to Tubbs Hill Beach. It will also give you a smaller crowd than the likes of Sanders Beach. This spot is located about half-way around the loop.
This is the perfect destination for experiencing Lake Coeur d’Alene from land.
Cliff Jumping
Tubbs Hill cliff jumping is last in our guide but certainly not least.
Cliff jumping, obviously at your own risk, is a perfect summertime activity.
If the weather is good and the water is clear you’ll likely come across a few other adventurous cliff divers. For first-timers, this is a great hint to find the best jump points. Don’t be afraid to ask around if you’re not sure.
Before jumping, make frequent checks of the weather and watch for changing water conditions. It is vital when cliff jumping to examine water levels and always verify your landing and below.
Access and Parking
You can actually access Tubbs Hill from a few different locations. Keep reading for the best parking and trail access.
Free Parking
We found that parking a vehicle in Coeur d’Alene can sometimes be a pain unless you’re willing to pay.
For free parking, just head to the open lot south of City Hall. The lot is right next door to Tubbs Hill and McEuen Park. Plus, it’s quick access to downtown which can make it great for all-day parking as well.
Scroll back to our quick facts section at the beginning to find a link to Google Maps for directions.
If you need more information on McEuen Park, our guide should have what you need. Press the button below to check it out.
From Downtown
If you’re already downtown the best way to get to Tubbs Hill is through McEuen Park.
From the main downtown street, E Sherman Ave, it will only take 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the trailhead.
Just head straight south on 4th St and you’ll run right into the hill which is hard to miss. This convergence of McEuen Park, Tubbs Hill, and Lake Coeur d’Alene is the beginning of the main trailhead.
City Hall Shortcut
If you take our advice and park for free at City Hall, then we have more great news for you.
A small access point to the trail is located at the southwest corner of the lot. Here’s a link to that spot on Google Maps to make it even easier.
This little access point is called City Hall Trail and quickly converges with the beginning of Summit Trail at the end of the Main Trail.
Common Questions
No. Unfortunately, you are not able to camp at this Coeur d’Alene natural area.
The hours are 5 AM – 11 PM and it’s open year-round.