Coeur d’Alene is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With the majestic Lake Couer d’Alene, Tubbs Hill, and so many parks and nearby trails, there is always something to get you outdoors and immersed in Idaho’s natural beauty. However, the Cougar Bay Preserve is one lesser-known outdoor area that is truly perfect for nature lovers. This hidden gem is the place to go in northern Idaho when you want to escape reality, find some solitude, and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

The Cougar Bay Nature Preserve is located right along Highway 95 and just a few miles from downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Rebecca/Google
This is an 88-acre preserve on the northwest shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Nature Conservancy; however, many people don’t take advantage of this outdoor space or even know it exists.
Levi Ross/Google
Due to the various terrain and the wetlands, this area is a paradise for wildlife. The Cougar Bay Nature Preserve attracts all types of animals from moose and deer to beavers and otters.
Jean Jones/Google
In fact, there are up to 34 rare animal species that are seen in the preserve, including more than 25 bird species.
Derek Fraser/AllTrails

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You can stop and enjoy the wildlife from one of the many platforms or benches around the preserve. Bring a camera and binoculars — you never know what you will see!
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One of the best ways to explore the preserve is by tackling one of the easy trails.
Mary Lyons/Google
However, you will want to make sure the trails you choose are open to the public. There are several older trails in the preserve that are not maintained and will take you onto private land.
The most popular trail is a one-mile loop that is easily accessible from Highway 95, near the Cougar Bay Preserve sign. Along your way, you’ll walk through all types of landscapes. Take your time and truly immerse yourself in your surroundings. You may see and hear all types of creatures on your journey.
Jenna Quattrocchi/AllTrails
The Cougar Bay Nature Preserve is free to access and open from sunrise to sunset all year long. It’s one hidden gem in northern Idaho that nature lovers will never want to leave.
Rebecca/Google

For more information on the Cougar Bay Nature Preserve, you can visit The Nature Conservancy website.

Have you ever been to this incredible preserve? Did you see wildlife during your visit? Let us know in the comments!

Another hidden gem that many people don’t know exists is Old Mission State Park, located in Cataldo, less than 30 miles from Coeur d’Alene. You’ll want to add this unique state park to your bucket list.

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Cougar Bay Nature Preserve, 1636 S McAvoy Rd #1500, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA