Guides/Overland routes/Idaho
Overland route76 midifficulty: moderate

Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9)

RegionIdahoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9) — overland route near Kingston, Idaho, Idaho
Photo by Judy Wiley, USDA Forest Service
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
76mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any high-clearance vehicle in summer. The lower paved stretch handles any car; the gravel and dirt upper section narrows and roughens past Magee.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Drops out east of Pritchard; service returns near Kingston.
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The Coeur d'Alene River Road, FR 9, runs 76 miles along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River from I-90 at Kingston east through Pritchard, Magee, and Murray and into the FS road network that connects to Thompson Pass and the Montana line. The route is paved through Pritchard and Magee, then transitions to graded gravel and dirt forest road. Idaho Panhandle National Forests' Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District manages the corridor.

Most drivers run the full route in five to six hours, longer with stops at Murray for the Sprag Pole Inn and historic mining sites. The lower paved stretch is open year-round; the gravel upper section closes from late November through April. There are no technical obstacles, but the dirt sections turn slick after rain.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. The eastern gravel section closes from late November through April with snow.
  • Slick when wet. The dirt sections turn slick after rain.
  • Wildlife. Elk, moose, and black bears. Mountain lions and the occasional grizzly in the upper drainages.
  • Single-lane sections. Pullouts are limited east of Magee. Yield to descending traffic.
  • Mine tailings near Murray. Stay on the road and avoid old shafts and tailings piles.

Location

76 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 47.533, -115.967

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townKingston, Idaho
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r01/ipnf
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Approx. location47.533, -115.967

Getting there

Directions

From I-90 at Kingston (west entrance). Take I-90 to Exit 43 at Kingston, then turn north on Coeur d'Alene River Road / FR 9.

From Thompson Pass / Montana side (east entrance). From MT-200 west of Thompson Falls, take FR 9 west across Thompson Pass into Idaho.

Photos

4 photos

Photos · 4

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The river road runs north and east from Kingston on I-90 through the historic mining country of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Murray, an 1880s gold-rush town, is the central stop; Magee and Pritchard are smaller stations along the river. Idaho Panhandle's Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District covers the FS lands; the Hiawatha bicycle trail terminates near the eastern end of the FS road network.

Trail Overview

Seventy-six miles, point-to-point. The first thirty miles to Pritchard and Magee are paved and handle any car. The route narrows to graded gravel through Murray, then dirt forest road climbing toward Thompson Pass on the Montana line. Single-lane sections with limited pullouts occur on the easternmost stretch. There are no technical obstacles.

Points of Interest

  • Pritchard. Small unincorporated village on the North Fork. Pritchard Creek tributary still has visible mining-era diggings.
  • Murray. Historic 1880s gold-rush town. The Sprag Pole Inn houses a museum and a restaurant; the surrounding hills are dotted with mine tailings and old townsites.
  • Magee Ranger Station. Historic FS guard station with a campground.
  • Thompson Pass. Continental-divide crossing into Montana, accessing the Cabinet Mountains.
  • North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Cutthroat fishery; catch-and-release in upper sections.

Where to Camp

Magee Ranger Station Campground is the developed option on the route. Dispersed camping on FS land is allowed throughout the corridor with the standard 16-day stay limit. Multiple gravel pullouts along the river accommodate self-contained rigs. The Devil's Elbow area west of Magee has additional dispersed sites.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Check road status before driving. The Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District in Smelterville (208-783-2363) holds current condition info.
  • Top off in Kingston before heading east. Pritchard and Murray have small stores but limited or no fuel.
  • The Murray stretch in late summer can be busy with weekenders. Arrive early for parking at popular swim holes.
  • Cell service drops fast east of Pritchard. Plan navigation accordingly.
  • The route pairs naturally with Thompson Pass into Montana or with the Hiawatha Trail bike route at the eastern FS road network.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9)?
Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9) is rated moderate. The route runs 76 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9)?
Any high-clearance vehicle in summer. The lower paved stretch handles any car; the gravel and dirt upper section narrows and roughens past Magee.
When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9)?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar.
Is there cell service at Coeur d'Alene River Road (FR 9)?
Drops out east of Pritchard; service returns near Kingston.