Tubbs Hill

A few weeks ago, while I was out shopping, I ran into a friend, and as women often do, we stood in the middle of the store blocking traffic while we covered a wide array of topics. My friend, Mary, has lived in Hayden for five years, her children attend school here, and she even owns a business in Coeur d’Alene with her husband. Imagine my shock when she told me that she had never hiked Tubbs Hill! So, this morning, with the sun finally peeking through the fog, we laced up our sneakers and headed up the hill.

Tubbs Hill is 120 acres of natural beauty located just southeast of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Accessible only by foot, a 3.5 mile trail circles the hill, which is surrounded by Lake Coeur d’Alene on three sides. The trail is steep and rocky in some places, so it can be a little treacherous, but the views of the lake and hillside are gorgeous and, for me, it’s a great workout! The trail begins on the west side of the hill, at the south end of Third Street. Small trails branch off from the main trail and lead to pocket beaches perfect for secluded picnic lunches in spring and summer months. If you follow the markers, you will stay on the main trail, wandering through green tunnels of trees, past beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, enchanted by wildflowers that change with the seasons, and you will even pass over a small suspension bridge.

The hill was sprinkled with bright yellow Glacier Lilies and purple camas.

Even though we started early, around 8:00 a.m., we passed a few fellow hikers along the trail. Later today, the hill will see many more walkers and joggers chasing the first rays of spring. And when I make this same hike in a few months, I might see kids jumping from rocks and swimming in the lake.

When we finished the hike, Mary said, "Let's do this every Saturday!" ...I thought she might say that.