Meander Through A Shady Forest Along The 8-Mile Marie Creek Trail In Idaho For An Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure
By Courtnie Erickson|Published January 19, 2023
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There is something special about getting away from the stresses and worries of life and immersing yourself in nature. As you venture along the Marie Creek Trail near Coeur d’Alene, this is exactly what will happen. This Idaho hiking trail takes you through a shady forest, over multiple streams, and through meadows to create an unforgettable (and peaceful!) outdoor adventure.
The Marie Creek Trail is located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest near Coeur d’Alene. You will find the trailhead off of East Marie Creek Road north of Wolf Lodge and east of Coeur d’Alene.
This trail is approximately eight miles long, so come prepared for a full-day adventure. However, the trail is fairly easy so if the distance doesn’t bother you, hikers of all skill levels should be able to tackle this trail with ease.
The Marie Creek Trail in northern Idaho offers a little bit of everything. Despite the trail being easy, there are some inclines you have to tackle. But don’t worry! There are also plenty of downhill areas that make the trail enjoyable.
You will hike through thick forests. This will not only make you feel tucked away from the real world, but it provides plenty of shade on those hot summer days.
There are also several meadows you’ll walk through, which are not only beautiful but will provide direct sunlight. Make sure to bring sun protection for these stretches of the trail and a camera to capture some gorgeous images of the wildflowers along your way.
You may want to bring water shoes on this Idaho trail. You will encounter multiple creek crossings. Some of these crossings have logs and large rocks to help you get over the water with ease, while a few others can be a bit difficult.
One of the highlights of the Marie Creek Trail isn’t necessarily the beauty (even though it is quite gorgeous!), but it is the peace you will experience. This is a quiet trail, particularly if you visit during the middle of the week. This is a terrific trail to spend some time disconnected and away from your worries.
While this trail doesn’t have any breathtaking overlooks or massive waterfalls as a payoff for your effort, you’ll know you’ve reached the end when you’ve come to a large grove of trees and a small sign. Turn around and enjoy the views all over again. The quiet, beauty, and peace you’ll feel on this trail are hard to find elsewhere.
Marie Creek Trail is a beautiful winter or summer hike. However, it is best to avoid this trail during the spring months as it becomes extremely muddy due to the spring thaw. You can visit the Forest Service website for more day hikes in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest near Coeur d’Alene.
Have you explored the Marie Creek Trail? What did you enjoy most about this hiking trail in Idaho? Do you have any tips for first-timers tackling this trail? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!
For more scenic hikes in Idaho, check out this list of 12 trails that are scattered around the Gem State. You’ll find one trail for each month of the year.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
