Things to Do in Harrison, Idaho: A Complete Trip Planning Guide
Harrison, Idaho sits at the southern tip of Lake Coeur d'Alene, a town of roughly 200 people that serves as one of the best outdoor recreation hubs in the Idaho panhandle. It is the kind of place you might drive through without stopping if you did not know what was here. That would be a mistake.
Despite its small size, Harrison is surrounded by an outsized amount of things to do. World-class trails, a pristine lake, forested mountains, and a charming downtown that feels like a step back in time all come together in a package that rewards anyone willing to venture off the interstate.
Here is what to put on your itinerary.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
No list of things to do in Harrison would be complete without the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. This 73-mile paved rail-trail is consistently ranked among the top bike trails in the United States, and Harrison sits almost exactly at its midpoint.
The trail follows the old Union Pacific Railroad corridor from Mullan in the east to Plummer in the west, passing through river valleys, wetlands, and long stretches of lakeside scenery. Because it is built on a railroad grade, the trail is remarkably flat and accessible to all skill levels -- families with young kids, serious cyclists, runners, and walkers all share the path.
From Harrison heading east, the trail follows the Coeur d'Alene River valley through forests and past old mining towns. This is a scenic, quieter section with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
From Harrison heading west, the trail hugs the southern shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This is the showstopper stretch -- miles of unbroken lake views with mountains rising on the far shore. Watch for osprey diving for fish and bald eagles perched in the shoreline trees.
The trailhead in Harrison is right downtown, making it an easy walk or short drive from Harrison Bluffs. If you did not bring bikes, rentals are sometimes available in town during the summer months. Check with local businesses for current availability.
Lake Activities
Lake Coeur d'Alene is the centerpiece of the region, and Harrison gives you easy access to some of its best stretches.
Swimming
Harrison City Park has a public swimming beach that is perfect for families. The water is cold in early season but warms to a comfortable temperature by mid-July. The beach is free, has restroom facilities, and offers a gentle entry that works well for younger kids.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The southern end of the lake is calmer than the busy north end near Coeur d'Alene city, which makes it ideal for paddling. Launch from the Harrison marina area or the city park and explore the shoreline. Early mornings are especially beautiful when the water is glassy and the light is soft.
If you paddle south toward the St. Joe River inlet, you will find yourself in one of the most scenic waterways in Idaho -- wide marshlands, towering cottonwoods, and wildlife everywhere.
Boating
Harrison has a public boat launch for those with their own watercraft. The south end of the lake is popular for fishing boats and pontoons. If you are looking for a mellower boating experience away from the wakeboard and jet ski traffic of the north shore, this is your spot.
Fishing
The fishing around Harrison is genuinely excellent, and it draws anglers from across the Northwest.
Lake Coeur d'Alene holds chinook salmon (kokanee), rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The kokanee fishing in particular can be outstanding from late spring through fall.
The St. Joe River, accessible just south of Harrison, is a renowned fly-fishing destination. It is one of the highest navigable rivers in North America, with clear water and healthy populations of westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. The river winds through old-growth forests and offers some of the most scenic wade-fishing in the state.
You will need an Idaho fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or at local sporting goods stores. Make sure to check current regulations, as some species have specific seasons and slot limits.
Exploring Downtown Harrison
Harrison's downtown is small -- essentially a few blocks along the lakefront -- but it has real character. This is a town that has been here since the railroad days, and some of that history is still visible in the buildings and the layout of the streets.
What you will find:
- Restaurants and cafes with lakeside seating and locally sourced food. Grab a burger and a beer on a patio overlooking the water.
- A general store for camping supplies, snacks, ice, and firewood. This is your last stop before heading to camp.
- The Harrison Marina where you can arrange boat access or just sit on the dock and watch the lake.
- Local art and shops that pop up during the summer season, often featuring work by regional artists and craftspeople.
Downtown Harrison is walkable from one end to the other in about five minutes. It is the kind of place where you will end up chatting with locals on the sidewalk and losing track of time.
Heyburn State Park
About 10 miles south of Harrison, Heyburn State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the Pacific Northwest. It covers over 5,700 acres along the shores of Chatcolet and Benewah lakes, which are connected to Lake Coeur d'Alene.
The park offers hiking trails through old-growth forest, a swimming beach, boat launches, and a visitors center with information about the area's natural and cultural history. The Rocky Point trail is a popular short hike with good views, and the lakeside picnic areas are a nice spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Heyburn is also an excellent place for bird watching. The wetlands and lake margins attract a wide variety of species, including herons, eagles, osprey, and migrating waterfowl.
Wildlife Viewing
The Harrison area is rich with wildlife. Even without seeking it out, you are likely to encounter:
- White-tailed deer -- common throughout the area, especially at dawn and dusk
- Bald eagles -- regularly spotted along the lake and river corridors
- Osprey -- nesting platforms are visible along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
- Moose -- occasionally seen in wetland areas south of town
- Wild turkeys -- frequently spotted along roadsides and in meadows
Bring binoculars. The bird watching alone is worth the trip, especially during spring and fall migration.
Scenic Drives
If you have a vehicle and some time to explore, the roads around Harrison offer some beautiful drives.
Highway 3 south toward St. Maries follows the St. Joe River through a winding valley. The scenery is beautiful year-round but peaks in fall when the cottonwoods and larches turn gold.
The east side of the lake can be explored via forest roads, though some require higher clearance vehicles. These roads climb into the hills above the lake and offer sweeping panoramic views.
A drive north to Coeur d'Alene along Highway 97 takes you along the eastern shore and is one of the more scenic approaches to the city.
Stargazing
This one is easy to overlook, but the dark skies around Harrison are remarkable. Away from the light pollution of larger cities, the night sky here puts on a show that most people rarely get to see. The Milky Way is visible on clear nights from late spring through fall, and meteor showers are spectacular. More on this in a future post, but for now, just remember to look up after dark.
Planning Your Stay
Harrison Bluffs makes a natural base camp for exploring everything on this list. Our campground offers five tent camping sites on bluffs overlooking the lake, each with fire rings, picnic tables, and views. The location puts you minutes from downtown Harrison and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes trailhead, with easy access to the lake and all the activities described above.
Harrison Bluffs is open from May 1 through October 31. For the best weather and water activities, visit between late June and early September. For fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, May, early June, and September through October are excellent choices.
Whether you come for the biking, the fishing, the lake, or just the chance to slow down in a small Idaho town, Harrison has a way of exceeding expectations. It is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret, even though it has been quietly welcoming visitors for over a hundred years.