Come to Kellogg in Idaho’s Silver Valley for great outdoor recreation fun. Bike, hike, ski, fish, ride an ATV and explore the forests and streams that once hosted a bustling mining community.
During the 1880s the Silver Valley beckoned many mining hopefuls for the promise of silver, gold and lead. Some mines operated for more than 100 years before finally closing in the 1980s. Today take a guided tour of the no-longer-operating Crystal Gold Mine. Walk along well-lit paved subsurface walkways with no climbing required. Purchase souvenirs from the underground gift shop.
A major highlight of this northern Idaho area is the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 72-mile (116-kilometer) paved track along the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad route. Walk or rent bikes to enjoy the highlights of the scenery, whistle-stop villages and larger towns along the way. Pedal west for about 3 hours near the Coeur d’Alene River to reach the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene at Harrison.
Hike over more rugged territory in the nearby Coeur d’Alene section of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Find peace along trails through pine forests with babbling streams and waterfalls. Some sections allow mountain biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
Participate in winter and summer sports at Silver Mountain Ski Resort. Two peaks over 6,200 feet (1,900 meters) provide plenty of space for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing in winter. Hike, golf, mountain bike and play in the lodge’s water park in summer. Ride the convenient 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) gondola lift from the town of Kellogg to the mountain for convenient access or simply a scenic trip above the trees.
Drive 70 miles (110 kilometers) east from Spokane, Washington to reach Kellogg. Look for the giant billboard reading, “This is the town founded by a jackass and inhabited by his descendants.” Ask residents about the legend of Noah Kellogg and his wandering donkey, who are credited with Kellogg’s creation as a town in early mining days.
