Heyburn State Park is the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908, it is comprised of approximately 5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water. The park includes three lakes; Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes, with the shadowy St. Joe River meandering along the eastern boundary of the park.
Natural and cultural history is plentiful at Heyburn. Before it was a park, the general area was a gathering place for the Coeur d' Alene Indian tribe. In the 1930's, the park was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and those hardworking crews built many of the park's buildings.
Heyburn is a natural park with a variety of different habitats. Large, tall Ponderosa pines tower over grassy hillsides covered in wildflowers. On shadier slopes, cedar trees mix with hemlocks and huge white pines. On the edges of the lakes, the wetland/marsh areas are home to many types of wildflowers and plants.
The Park Today
The Park Today 5/13/08
Warm weather has melted most of the snow in the park opening up new recreation opportunities. Hiking trails are now accessible. Users can expect some snow still lingering in shaded areas and may encounter trees across the trails. The Equestrian trailhead located off highway 5 on the west side of the park boundary is not accessible due to construction activities.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s Update. From the Plummer Trailhead to Kellogg is open with the following exceptions. Expect to encounter some short sections with snow at Dudley, Pinehurst and Kingston.
Winter cleanup to remove vegetation, fallen trees and rocks have not occurred. Please ride carefully and expect some debris on the trail.
Chatcolet Lake has risen dramatically this week permitting the launching of larger boats (up to 24’) at the park’s three boat launches.
The Chatcolet and Hawley’s Landing Campgrounds are open for the season on a first-come, first-served basis until May 23, 2008. Reservations will be required after this date. The Benewah campground is now open for the season and does not require reservations to camp.
Work has begun on the new visitor’s center at the entrance of Chatcolet Road. Heavy equipment is in operation from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Expect minor traffic delays while entering the park as well as construction noise if you are planning to stay at Hawley’s Landing Campground this spring and summer.
Water Quality
Heyburn State Park violated a drinking water standard on June 26, 2007. You as a state park visitor have a right to know what is being done to correct this situation. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has performed a systematic series of additional test to determine the cause of the problem.
Corrective measures are currently being designed to address this problem. It is unlikely that the new treatment facility will be in place prior to this summer’s camping season. Therefore, as a self-protective measure, users should choose one of the following options: 1) secure drinking water from another secure source; or 2) boil water used for consumption for five (5) minutes.
History
The Coeur d’Alene Indians were the first inhabitants of the area now known as Heyburn State Park. It was an ideal place for an encampment. Then, as today, the lakes provided an abundance of fish, the marsh areas had plentiful waterfowl and the heavily timbered slopes and open meadows were ideal habitat for deer, bear and upland birds.
Heyburn State Park was created from the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation by an act of Congress, on April 20, 1908. The deed, signed by President William Howard Taft, granted 5,505 acres of land and 2,333 acres of water to the State. The park was named in honor of U.S. Senator W.B. Heyburn of Idaho.
Much of the early construction was performed by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp SP-1. Starting in 1934, Camp SP-1 members built roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters and the Rocky Point Lodge (now the Rocky Point Interpretive Center). Today, many of these facilities are still in use—the CCC's proud legacy.
Recreation
Fish for pike, bass, or pan fish in the lakes. Bird watching is terrific at Heyburn, with osprey and blue heron as common as sparrows back home. Boating, water skiing, sailing and canoeing are also popular pursuits. Trails for hikers or horseback riders are shaded by 400-year-old ponderosa pines. The Rocky Point Marina offers a public boat ramp, store, fuel dock, restroom and parking.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 72 mile paved bike trail, goes right through Heyburn State Park. You can bike or walk the 3100 foot bridge/trestle across the St Joe River to the other side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The gentle grade is easy for just about anyone. Bicycle rentals for adults and children are available at the park headquarters.
Take a Cruise
You can take a leisurely cruise on the lakes in Heyburn State Park aboard the cruise boat Idaho. Join us for regularly scheduled cruises, or charter the boat for your wedding, reunion, meeting or party. Call Heyburn State Park for details, 208-686-1308, email us from the link below, or view the brochure.
FAQ's
- Is Heyburn State Park part of Coeur d'Alene Lake?
- Yes we are located at the southern tip of what most people think of as Lake Coeur d'Alene. The Lakes making up this portion are, Lake Chatcolet, Benewah Lake, and Hidden Bay.
- Do you have boat slips for rent or boats?
- Yes we have moorage for boats in two different marinas. The Rocky Point Marina and The Chat Marina. We have two row boats, two kayaks, two canoes and two paddleboats which for rent for $5.00 per hour and $20.00 per day.
- How far is your park from Coeur d'Alene and Spokane?
- We are approximately 40 miles from Coeur d'Alene and 40 miles from Spokane.