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Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Photo: hakkun · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped

Drives Idaho North Idaho

Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway

ID 97 · Wolf Lodge Bay → Harrison

Twisty28 mi50 min2,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,600 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 97 is the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway along the lake's east side. It starts at the I-90 interchange at the east end of Wolf Lodge Bay, and this drive follows it south to Harrison. Visit Idaho describes it as a two-lane, paved winding road with few passing lanes.

Harrison, on the lakeshore, has full services, and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is close by. The drive is 28 miles and takes about 50 minutes, and the intensity is Twisty.

Along the way

  1. Wolf Lodge Bay (I-90)
  2. Beauty Bay
  3. Highway 97 (lake shore)
  4. Harrison
Elevation
2,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,600 ft
Wolf Lodge BayHarrison
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
Wolf Lodge BayHarrison
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There are few passing lanes, so expect to follow slower traffic.
  • Services are limited outside Coeur d'Alene and Harrison. Carlin Bay and Squaw Bay have partial services.
  • Eagle watching peaks in December and January.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Idaho 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 97 along Lake Coeur d'Alene take?

The Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway drive from I-90 at Wolf Lodge Bay to Harrison is 28 miles and takes about 50 minutes.

Is Highway 97 on Lake Coeur d'Alene open in winter?

Visit Idaho says the byway is open year-round.

Where is gas on the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway?

Harrison has gas, food and lodging. Visit Idaho notes limited services outside Coeur d'Alene and Harrison.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, from Wolf Lodge Bay to Harrison