Tubbs Hill

210 South 3rd Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Hours

There are no specific hours for visiting Tubbs Hill, though in general public parks in Idaho are open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Cost

Visiting Tubbs Hill is free, but parking at McEuen Parking Lot is $2 an hour.

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About

Little did German immigrant Tony Tubbs realize that when he purchased a rocky peninsula in 1882, it would become one of Coeur d'Alene's iconic spots. Named in his honor, Tubbs Hill is a 165-acre park jutting into Lake Coeur d'Alene, offering breathtaking views, trails, history, and unique vegetation.

While Tubbs attempted to build roads and dwellings on the peninsula, the land resisted development. Over time, the city purchased portions of the property in 1936, 1969, 1974, and 1977.

During the 1960s, local preservationists played a crucial role in protecting Tubbs Hill. During these years, there were proposals to rezone the land for a convention center, resort hotel, and condominiums.

Thankfully, key leaders stood firm, and in 1969, the first portion was officially dedicated "for the benefit of the people forever."

Geologically, Tubbs Hill is composed of ancient Precambrian schist and gneiss. These rock formations have very shallow topsoil, making the land fragile and ecologically sensitive. Yet despite that, ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, native shrubs, and a variety of understory plants cling to the rock and support a delicate ecosystem.

Another reason for the park's popularity is its proximity to Downtown Coeur d'Alene. Such convenience makes it easy to plan a fun-filled day of things to do! For instance, after a morning hike around Tubbs Hill, take a tour on the Coeur d'Alene Lake Cruise to learn more about the area's history. Equally close are CDA's renowned eateries, like Stylus Wine and Vinyl Bar and Terraza Waterfront Cafe, to name a few.

Whether you enjoy a picnic at the provided tables or trek the trails, Tubbs Hill is a reminder that nature and community can thrive side by side.

Tubbs Hill: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Hiking enthusiasts will want to trek the 2.2-mile interpretive trail that hugs the shoreline and climbs over rocky outcrops. According to AllTrails, it's an easy, well-marked trail that climbs 298 feet and should take 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

For budding geologists, the rock formations are a highlight. The park is composed of ancient schist and gneiss, resulting in thin soil in some areas. These conditions make every tree, moss patch, and shrub feel hard-won and deeply rooted. For these reasons, stay on the marked trail to minimize erosion.

Tubbs Hill is rich with history, which you can discover on the trail. Near the start of your hike, look for the concrete footings of the Corbin House. It was the home for railroad tycoon D.C. Corbin, who opened the first railroad to reach CDA in 1886.

At the trail's halfway point are the concrete footers of the 1914 grandstand. Here, families gathered for boat races and Fourth of July celebrations. At the two-mile mark are the remnants of the Coeur d'Alene Mill Co., which closed in 1929.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will find much to admire while hiking. Keep an eye open for deer, osprey, bald eagles, and turkey. Sprouting from the thin soil are Douglas Firs, Tamaracks, Ponderosa Pines, ferns, lichen, and bushes. Edible berries are at ground level, like the Oregon Grape and the red Kinnickinnick, but they are very sour!

Even if you don't want to hike, bring carryout from a nearby restaurant, like Midtown Bluebird, for a picnic. Tables are near the parking lot, along with restrooms and a drinking fountain, making it an idyllic picnic spot!

For more information about this park, explore this brochure.

For these reasons, it's pretty clear to see why Tubbs Hill is a must-see on your Idaho vacation. Here, you can slow down, reflect, and connect with the landscape that has shaped Coeur d'Alene.

Local Tips

The trail is rocky and root-filled in spots, so wear appropriate footwear.
Dogs are allowed, but must stay on leash.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion.
Bring water, snacks, and a towel to enjoy Tubbs Hill Beach.
Use the trail map to take side trails and the fire access road.

Location

210 South 3rd Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane, WA?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) sits less than 40 minutes away. The drive is smooth and scenic, leading from city bustle to the calm of lake and mountain views. Coeur d’Alene feels close enough for easy travel yet far enough to hold its small-town charm.

What is the weather like in Coeur d'Alene?

Spring hillsides wake in green. The average high climbs to roughly 55 °F and the low holds near 36 °F, with lengthening days and the first warmth of spring returning to the lake. Precipitation in April averages around 2 inches, signalling the slow return of gentler weather.
Summer brings clear skies and long, warm days. In July, the average high reaches about 84 °F and the low settles near 55 °F. The skies stay clear roughly three-quarters of the time, with more than thirteen hours of sunshine each day and less than half an inch of rainfall on average.
Autumn days shorten and the air cools, the hills shift to gold and crimson. By October, the average high falls to around 58 °F and the low to about 38 °F. Rain collection for this month averages around 1 inch.
Winter arrives quietly, bringing an average high near 37 °F and a low around 26 °F in January. Precipitation accumulates to about 3 inches, with significant snowfall in the nearby mountains.

When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is a four-season destination, and each time of year offers its own kind of wonder.

Spring breathes color back into the hills. Trails open, golf courses green up, and wildflowers scatter across the shoreline. The days feel light and full of promise
Summer hums with life. The lake sparkles under long daylight hours, boats trace silver wakes, and the town moves to the rhythm of music, markets, and festivals. Evenings stretch lazily into starlit nights by the water
Autumn slows the tempo. The forests flare in gold and crimson, and the air carries the scent of pine and cool earth. It’s a time for quiet hikes, scenic drives, and sunsets that feel like good endings.
Winter softens everything. Downtown glows with lights, cafés steam with warmth, and the surrounding mountains call skiers to fresh snow. The calm of the lake in winter feels like a secret worth keeping

When are the high and low seasons in Coeur d'Alene?

The high season begins around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. This period draws the most visitors: lakeside activities, hiking, golfing and festivals all hit their stride.

The low season takes hold in the fall and winter months. The crowds thin and the pace becomes calmer. Yet the region still welcomes travelers thanks to excellent skiing nearby and the holiday charm downtown.

What are the biggest main events in Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene fills its calendar with moments that bring the whole town to life.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (end of June) – The city wakes early and cheers loud. Athletes from around the world test themselves against lake, mountain, and road while crowds line the shore in the summer sun. The air hums with determination and pride.
Car d’Alene (Father’s Day weekend) – Engines rumble and chrome gleams under the streetlights. Downtown becomes a parade of classics and customs, live music spills from every corner, and the whole weekend feels like a rolling celebration of motion and nostalgia.
Fourth of July Celebration – Begin the day with a classic small-town parade filled with flags, music, and hometown pride. As daylight fades, the lake turns glassy and still before the fireworks begin. Reflections dance across the water, echoing cheers from beaches and boats gathered to watch one of the Northwest’s most dazzling displays.
Art on the Green (1st weekend of August) – The lakefront becomes a garden of creativity. Artists, musicians, and chefs fill the air with color, sound, and the scent of local food. It’s a festival that feels handmade and full of heart.
Oktoberfest (mid-September) – A lively weekend downtown with local brews, food, and music that celebrate the turn of the season.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Day after Thanksgiving) – When winter settles in, the city glows. More than a million lights wrap the downtown waterfront, the parade winds through streets lined with cocoa cups and mittens, and the night ends with the lake shining under its holiday crown. From the resort docks, cruise across the water to the “North Pole”, where children meet Santa and the shoreline sparkles with wonder.

What are must-sees in Coeur d'Alene?

Lake Coeur d’Alene: Glide across the wide blue surface of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the mountains lean in and the water carries light like a mirror. Boats trace gentle wakes, kayaks cut through stillness at dawn, and the shoreline invites slow strolls and quiet reflection. Step aboard one of the scenic lake cruises from The Coeur d’Alene Resort to see hidden bays, forested hillsides, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Tubbs Hill Natural Area: Right beside downtown, this 2.2-mile loop blends forest, granite cliffs, and lake views. You’ll find hidden coves, clean water, and the quiet that comes when nature is only steps from the café.
Downtown Sherman Avenue & Lakefront Boardwalk: Wander from art galleries to coffee to waterfront benches. Walk the floating boardwalk around the marina at dusk and watch the lights shimmer in the water. The town feels alive without being rushed.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Floating Green): Even if you’re not big on golf, this is a spectacle. A green that floats on the lake! It captures the spirit of the place; water, lush grass, and an unexpected twist of fun.
North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Set your pace to discovery. These trails stretch past the lake, along rivers, through forests, and into open sky. Whether you’re walking, biking, or breathing the air, it offers a way to explore without getting lost in busy-town energy.
Silverwood: Just north of Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood brings a jolt of excitement to the region’s easygoing pace. Roller coasters rise above the trees, and the air fills with the sound of laughter and rushing water from Boulder Beach Water Park. Spend the day chasing thrills, then return to the lake for a quiet sunset. Two sides of summer living in perfect balance.