HOME
This is a wetland and forest walk with birding opportunities and the potential for some wildlife encounters. The high point offers a viewing platform that looks over the entrance to the Spokane River.
WillhiteWeb.com
Idaho Hiking
Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Access: Paved

Cougar Bay Preserve

Follow the edge of the wetlands for 0.7 miles until reaching an abandoned bulldozer. The trail then starts climbing the forested hillside above eventually making a loop back down to the wetlands. Be sure to take the side trail on the loop that climbs a few switchbacks up to the lookout platform. Overall, this is not that exciting of a destination but with such easy access from town, you are not investing much of a day to visit here.
Route:
Take US 95 south of Coeur d'Alene for 3.7 miles to the big sign off the road onto McAvoy Road and the parking area.
Access:
cougar bay cougar bay cougar bay cougar bay nature reserve map cougar bay cougar bay cougar bay nature reserve Spokane River Eagle project cougar bay nature reserve cougar bay cougar bay nature reserve Old dozer cougar bay observation platform Forest walk West Canfield Mountain
From parking lot, walk to the end of the road
Start of the trail
Cougar Bay and West Canfield Mountain
Frosty morning start
Trail follows edge of the wetlands
Lake level lower in fall and winter
Old dozer
Viewing observation platform
Entrance to the Spokane River in the distance
Forest walk has only a few views
Nice Boy Scout Eagle project
Overgrowing view from the viewing platform