A pristine natural environment draws many to enjoy bicycling, hiking, whitewater rafting, golf or a casual retirement lifestyle.
Visit the community of St. Maries, Idaho to experience small-town living in wide-open wooded spaces. The town is ideal as a base for outdoor recreation throughout the seasons on the hills, lakes, rivers and valley that make up the area.
Waterways near St. Maries are popular for boating, fishing and swimming. Whitewater raft or kayak on more than 20 miles (30 kilometres) of Class II and III rapids on the St. Maries River from Mashburn to the St. Joe River. Pack your gear and camp overnight along the river. Find thrilling Class III to IV whitewater in a short section at Skookum Canyon.
For nine holes of challenging golf with panoramic views, visit the public St. Maries Golf Course. Stay for a pleasant dinner overlooking the grounds. Move from golf cart to motocross bike or ATV and explore the 1,400 acres (600 hectares) of groomed trails in and around the city. Rent bicycles or e-bikes to enjoy the long, flat “rails-to-trails” Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes stretching between Idaho towns on the former Union Pacific rail line.
In summer, visit the Emerald Creek Garnet Area and sluice for a 12-sided star garnet, the Idaho state gem. The Paul Bunyan Days celebration during September’s Labour Day weekend features logging competitions, running events, craft sales, music performances, fireworks and drinks in the “topless” Blue Ox beer garden, which has no roof.
The serene region around St. Maries has become popular for active retirees. Take advantage of health care services, shopping, restaurants and other amenities that serve the larger population of Benewah County.
Find St. Maries in a beautifully wooded valley about a 2.5-hour drive from the Canadian border. Fly to SpokaneOpens in a new window, Washington and drive about 1.5 hours to reach St. Maries.
