Beauty Carlin Trail #257, ID

Overview: Moderately easy hike up the east side of Mt Coeur d'Alene, also popular with mountain bikers.


Hike: From the parking area on the east side of Beauty Creek Rd, cross over to the west side of the road at the brown trail sign. The trail immediately drops down to Beauty Creek and crosses over it. Late spring/early summer snowmelt may make for a challenging crossing, but you can keep your feet dry any other time of the year. Once across the creek, the trail turns to the right and heads uphill.The forest is dense with pines, cedar, hemlock, and a large variety of other trees, which block most of your views. Shade is abundant, even in summer. A sharp bend in the trail gives a few views to the north before you turn to the southwest and continue heading uphill. The trail is in good condition and is never steep as you continue ascending the eastern slopes of Mt Coeur d'Alene.

At about 1.70 miles, the trail reaches an old road, which is the junction with Trail 258. Turn left on the road to continue on Beauty Carlin Trail (trail 258 contours around to the north side of the mountain, eventually connecting with Caribou Ridge Trail #79, which does allow for a lollipop loop option) as it quickly transitions from road back to singletrack.

Shortly after this junction, the trail crosses a small seasonal creek, then continues uphill, eventually reaching its terminus at FS-439. While views are limited for the entirety of the trail, mountain bikers keep the trail in good condition and clear of deadfall, allowing for a relaxing hike through the forest.

2023-09-29 LindaAnn