Coeur d'Alene, ID

Every year on Memorial Day weekend my family goes camping up the Coeur d’Alene River at Graham Creek. We found this spot several years ago and fell in love with the scenery, the hiking trails, and the close proximity to the river. Graham Creek is a great place to take your whole family for a camp out, and a good spot to park while you float down the river.

Graham Creek is located about 45 miles east of Coeur d’Alene on I-90. Take the Kingston, #43 exit and go north on Forest Highway 9. You will pass Bumblebee Campground and will start seeing several camping areas about 10 miles out. We always seem to camp after mile marker 15. On the left side of the road is an area right on the river with several spots and even an enclosed toilet and to the right are some secluded spots that lead straight to the creek and some great hiking trails. The Graham Creek area doesn’t have any campsites with electricity for campers, but isn’t that what camping is all about?

Although it is almost guaranteed to rain on us during Memorial Day weekend, we always have a good time. Besides just sitting around camp and eating S’mores, we follow the great hiking trails in the area and see a lot of different wild flowers, mushrooms, and animals. The trees in the area are also really good for climbing and we often use them to let the kids practice their rock climbing skills.

There are several turnouts along this part of the river where you can put your tubes in to float the river when it gets a little warmer. You have to be careful how far up you go though, as we have underestimated the time it takes to get back down and ended up with sunburns from the length of time we were on the water. If you would rather spend your days fishing, you can of course fish just about anywhere along this part of the river. We prefer to travel up the river a little ways away from all the campers. There are a few turnouts along the road that offer shaded picnic tables and some good fishing.

Although there are many activities available while camping up by Graham Creek, our kids are most excited by all the snails in the areas around the creek itself. There seems to be quite a colony every time we go. If we get too exhausted it is sometimes nice to just sit in camp with a good book and some snacks. The beauty of the area and the wonderful sound of the stream make for a very relaxing time.

To Bring:

Tents and other miscellaneous camp gear

Sleeping bags (additional blankets)

Camp food

Clean water

Hiking Boots

Water bottles or packs

Fishing gear

Camera

A good book

Sunscreen

Mosquito and bug repellent