Summer crowds are gone, the smoke has cleared, and the larch and aspen around Lake Coeur d'Alene are starting to turn. If you only hike one month a year in the Inland Northwest, make it October — and make it these two trails.
Tubbs Hill: the lunch-break classic
Right off downtown Coeur d'Alene, the main loop around Tubbs Hill runs a little over two miles of lake views, basalt outcrops, and quiet coves. In October the maples and shrubs along the east side light up, and on a calm morning the lake doubles every color. It's an easy walk by mountain-town standards, but the rolling grade still earns you an appetite — especially if you take the spur trails up toward the summit.
Mineral Ridge: the view that's worth the switchbacks
Twenty minutes further around the lake, the Mineral Ridge Scenic Loop climbs about 700 feet in a bit over three miles above Beauty Bay. This is the one to save for a clear afternoon: the overlooks frame Wolf Lodge Bay, where bald eagles start gathering as the kokanee run picks up in late fall. Bring layers — the breeze off the lake has teeth once the sun drops behind the ridge.
Trail math worth knowing: a brisk two-hour fall hike can burn 500 to 800 calories. If you drive home on an empty tank, the gas station snack aisle usually wins. Have a plan instead.
What to eat before you go
These are morning-friendly hikes, so eat like it. A couple hours ahead, you want slow carbs, a little protein, and nothing heavy. A Hot Oats bowl with banana does the job on a cold morning; so does a PB Crunch Toast if you're grabbing something on the way out of Spokane Valley — we're right on E Sprague, basically on your route to I-90.
The refuel on the way home
The drive back from Mineral Ridge to Spokane Valley is about 35 minutes, which is roughly how long your muscles stay most eager to restock glycogen. That's good timing. Swing into Everbowl at 13324 E Sprague Ave, Suite 101 and build the recovery plate:
- Carbs to restock: an açaí or pitaya base with banana and granola — the Pitayum covers all of it in one bowl.
- Protein to repair: peanut or almond butter, or go straight to the PB Everbowl.
- Fluids you'll actually drink: cold-blended fruit carries water with it. A Nanaberry Bliss on the side finishes the job.
October logistics, quickly
Days are shortening fast — sunset lands around 6:15 by mid-month, so start Mineral Ridge by 3 at the latest. Trails are damp in the mornings; shoes with real tread beat sneakers. And the Tubbs Hill lot fills on sunny Saturdays even in fall, so early is still the move. Hike the color, earn the bowl, and get back before the dark does.
Refuel at Everbowl Spokane Valley
Cold-blended açaí, pitaya, and smoothie bowls made to order at 13324 E Sprague Ave. Perfect after the trail, the river, or the gym.
See the menu →This article is general wellness information from Everbowl Spokane and is not medical or dietary advice. Talk to a qualified health professional about your individual needs.