Bull Run Lake

The Chatcolet Bridge – Bull Run Lake loop from Cataldo offers a fantastic road cycling adventure along the famed Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. You'll glide over smooth asphalt through the Coeur d'Alene River Valley, where wetlands teem with birdlife and moose sightings are possible, before reaching the spectacular Chatcolet Bridge. This historic trestle provides breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Coeur d'Alene and the St. Joe River Valley, making the ride a true highlight of northern Idaho cycling. The route is a moderate 72.9-mile (117.4 km) journey with 1090 feet (332 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 32 minutes.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail features numerous amenities. Trailheads like Cataldo and Bull Run offer convenient parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. While the trail is generally easy, the climb onto the Chatcolet Bridge presents a moderately challenging but rewarding incline. This route is family-friendly and best enjoyed during the milder seasons of spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

This route is part of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a celebrated rails-to-trails project recognized in the Rails to Trails Conservancy's Hall of Fame. Beyond its recreational value, the trail is also a testament to environmental remediation efforts, transforming a former railroad corridor into a scenic pathway. The Chatcolet Bridge itself, a converted Union Pacific Railroad trestle built in 1921, is a major landmark, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

The Coeur d'Alene River – Bull Run State Park cycling loop from Pinehurst offers a delightful journey through Idaho's Panhandle, tracing a paved path alongside the Coeur d'Alene River. You'll pedal through lush forested areas and extensive wetlands, where wildlife like Great Blue Herons and beavers are common sights. The route provides picturesque views of surrounding mountains, including Frost Peak, making it a truly immersive natural experience.

This moderate road cycling route covers 31.4 miles (50.6 km) with a minimal 499 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete. The terrain is mostly flat and beginner-friendly, though the impressive Chatcolet Bridge presents a short, moderate climb. You'll find numerous well-maintained trailheads with parking and restrooms along the way, but remember that drinking water is reliably available only in towns or at Heyburn State Park.

Part of the larger Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, this route follows an old Union Pacific Railroad line, transformed into a multi-use trail. It's a testament to environmental restoration, as the paving helped seal in contamination from historical mining. This unique heritage, combined with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and the iconic Chatcolet Bridge, makes it one of the top rated road cycling trails near Pinehurst, Idaho.