Up and over the Fernan Saddle

There are days when I want to get outside and run or hike for miles. But, there are other days when getting out of the house sounds nice, but maybe the weather or an overall lack of energy deters me from intense activity. It’s on these days that a nice drive along the backcountry roads of northern Idaho is just what the doctor ordered. 

One drive we keep coming back to again and again is up and over the Fernan saddle. With beautiful views, fun, winding roads, and even some water access along the way, it won’t disappoint. 

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We access the saddle via Sherman Ave. downtown, heading east under the highway until the road changes to Fernan Lake Rd. Follow it all the way up until you reach the saddle/ parking area. You’ll take a road to the slight left (FS Road 268 or Lost Mies Rd.) and follow it into the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. As you travel, there are several offshoots you can explore. 

A few things to keep in mind: 

  • If it’s winter, you’ll want four-wheel drive, high clearance, and access to chains. 

  • Pack plenty of snacks, water, and warm clothing/blankets just in case. 

  • Plan for a full day’s trip and let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back in town. If you have a satellite GPS and aren’t familiar with the area, bring it. 

The higher elevations are rich with huckleberries come August. Just a few short steps off the road you’ll find a plethora of bushes. I had no idea how good the berry picking was up there until last year. With its close proximity, I’m ashamed to say I’ve been missing out on this spot for years. 

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Most of our Fernan excursions take place in the winter. The area is gorgeous covered in snow and great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing (as long as it isn’t too rutted by off-roaders and snowmobiles). We’ve found two new camping spots we want to go back to this summer - I’ll have to share those with you when we finally make it back. 

Some of my favorite spots to stop include Deception Creek, the bridge near Honeysuckle Campground that crosses over the little north fork of the river, and then again and this beautiful bend in the river valley (I’m not sure how to properly describe its exact location).

As you descend into the river valley the dirt road winds along several creeks and the little north fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and hugs the base of giant granite walls. It really is a spectacular area. 

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While we haven’t seen more than a handful of deer and some squirrels, I can imagine it’s ripe with elk, moose and the occasional bear. The river is nice and calm with some deep pockets. Juneau likes places such as these for swimming, but I can see that it may also be good for fishing if that’s more your style.

The road does eventually turn into pavement again and passes by Bumblebee campground and the boat launch area. From here, you can continue along the Cd’A River Rd. and back toward the highway and civilization. Unless you have a lot of time, in which case you may want to go back the way you came. That’s one of the great parts about this drive; with so many offshoots it’s very much a choose your own adventure kind of ride. 

Just watch out for potholes.