Summary
Encircled by the southern peaks of the Selkirk Mountains, Post Falls is a city steeped in history shaped by the Spokane River.
This waterway drains the vast Lake Coeur d’Alene located a few miles to the east, and within Post Falls, it meanders through a rugged canyon characterized by picturesque banks flanked by ponderosa pines.
There exist numerous locations in Post Falls where one can access the riverbank to appreciate the natural scenery, with options to rent kayaks, paddleboards, or motorized vessels for an independent journey along the Spokane.
The surrounding region boasts a robust tourism infrastructure, ensuring that visitors will not need to travel far to enjoy golf courses, family attractions, and the unrestrained beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene.
1. Falls Park
This park is a local favorite for leisurely walks in a breathtaking environment without needing to exit the city. Falls Park also reflects the early years of European settlement in the area.
The dam on the Spokane River was initially constructed in the 1870s to supply power for a lumber mill. In 1905, it was modified to provide hydroelectric power, enabling energy supply to mines located up to 100 miles away.
The artificial falls created by the dam provide a spectacular sight in the spring when the Spokane River swells with runoff from the melting snow of the mountains via Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Regardless of the season, the views are captivating, allowing visitors to look into the canyon towards the deck arch bridge situated just downstream.
Informative signage narrates the history of Post Falls, while the park is equipped with shelters, a fishing pond, restrooms, and a playground inclusive of equipment designed for children with motor skill disabilities.
2. Q’emiln Park
Situated on the southern bank of the Spokane River, this nearly 80-acre park offers a wealth of natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities.
With steep and rocky terrains, Q’emiln Park is an excellent location for hiking, and the trails within this 40-acre system are consistently well-preserved.
The pine-rich environment is ideal for rock climbing, presenting numerous routes and what is reputed to be the finest “5.10 cragging area” in the inland Northwest.
Along the riverside, visitors will find a boat launch and a designated swimming area supervised by lifeguards throughout the summer months.
Additional amenities include four spacious shelters, BBQ grills, horseshoe pits, seasonal concessions, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
3. Water Activities
Gentle and wide, the Spokane River is highly appealing for aquatic activities during the summer. The prime location for enjoyment is Fun Unlimited, situated by Templin’s Marina, directly across from Q’emiln Park.
For those interested in paddling, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available, alongside a variety of motorized watercraft options.
Visitors can choose from an array of vessels, ranging from jet skis and wakesurfers to leisurely cruising options on the river or at the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene, located a short distance to the east.
Fun Unlimited’s Post Falls site features a beach area, embracing a roped swimming zone and a launch site tailored for paddlesports.
4. North Idaho Centennial Trail
Spanning through Post Falls and tracing the riverbank on the eastern side of the city, a 24-mile paved trail extends from the Idaho/Washington border to Higgens Point, positioned to the east of Coeur d’Alene.
As indicated by its name, the North Idaho Centennial Trail was established in the 1980s to commemorate the centennial of Idaho’s statehood in 1990.
Since 2017, the trail has undergone extensive renovations, resulting in all 24 miles being repaved. For those with time and vigor, the trail offers a delightful means to walk or cycle towards Lake Coeur d’Alene without the hindrance of traffic.
Ten miles traverse Post Falls, interconnecting various parks and featuring ample seating along the way, with several historical markers. At the Idaho-Washington border, the trail continues an additional 37 miles as the Spokane River Centennial Trail.
5. Buck Knives Plant
Given the region’s deep roots in frontier life, it is fitting that one of the prominent employers is a knife manufacturer.
Buck Knives, an industry leader, was established in 1902 and is so entrenched in hunting culture that the term “buck knife” has become synonymous with a folding lockback knife. Observant film enthusiasts may recognize Buck Knife models featured in productions such as Red Dawn (1984), the Scream series, and Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003).
Originally founded in San Diego, the company relocated its headquarters to Post Falls in 2005. The factory provides complimentary tours throughout the year, Monday through Thursday.
Participants can witness the craftsmanship involved in creating Buck Knives and learn about the company’s historical significance and the innovations that have transformed the knife industry.
6. Black Bay Park
Located upstream from Falls Park and Q’emiln Park, Black Bay Park presents another public space along the Spokane River.
One appealing aspect of Black Bay Park is its wilderness ambiance, featuring towering ponderosa trees that enhance its natural beauty.
Nevertheless, the park offers an array of amenities, including a shaded picnic expanse, two illuminated tennis courts, a basketball court, and well-maintained paved trails leading to scenic riverside locations perfect for relaxation.
In the summer, the park has a designated swimming area, allowing visitors to enjoy fishing conveniently off the bank without needing to leave the city.
7. Corbin Park
Located downstream from Falls Park, Corbin Park encompasses 28 acres of beautifully rugged riverside land, featuring views of an impressive outcropping on the opposite bank.
This park serves as a favored access point for kayaking and rafting on the river, while also offering ample seating, picnic areas, a playground for children, day camp sites, barbecue grills, a ball field, a volleyball court, and a football field.
One notable enhancement includes an updated 18-hole disc golf course, complete with a kiosk at hole #1 and custom tee signs for ease of navigation.
8. Golf
An extensive array of publicly accessible golf courses lies within a 20-minute radius of Post Falls, including four courses in nearby Coeur d’Alene and two additional options just across the state line at Liberty Lake.
Within Post Falls, three more golf courses are available, all framed by the stunning mountain landscapes surrounding the city.
The Links features a traditional Scottish-style layout, utilizing the natural contours of the land and offering challenges with deep bunkers and robust winds.
The Highlands provides an 18-hole, par 72 course, complete with six scenic yet demanding water hazards and one of the region’s finest practice facilities, inclusive of a full-size grass driving range alongside spacious putting and chipping areas.
Finally, Prairie Falls Golf Club merges parkland and links-style golfing, where visitors may encounter wildlife such as elk, moose, eagles, and osprey.
9. Post Falls Historical Society Museum
Situated at the corner of 4th Avenue and Spokane Street, this commercial building has a presence dating back to 1923.
Once home to a drugstore, the space has been transformed into a valuable resource for exploring the history of Post Falls.
The museum, open from Wednesday to Saturday, houses an array of artifacts connected to the past, with a special focus on the timber industry.
Three rooms are dedicated to specific exhibits, showcasing household items, military uniforms, and even a historic classroom setting.
10. Post Falls Brewing Company
Located directly beneath the water tower by the Spokane River, this favored craft brewery and brewpub welcomes patrons daily, boasting an extensive selection of beers on draft.
For enthusiasts of hoppy IPAs, this venue offers a wide variety, featuring no fewer than five IPAs, complemented by a stout, lager, amber beer, porter, and a collection of hard ciders and seltzers.
The taproom often hosts live music events most Saturdays, while the outdoor seating area provides enchanting views of the mountains on the southern side of the river. A food truck serves up pizzas and wings on-site.
11. Up North Distillery
As indicated by the stainless steel silos visible from West Seltice Way, a craft distillery resides on the western outskirts of Post Falls.
Up North Distillery is dedicated to producing small-batch craft spirits under a “farm to flask” philosophy. Their offerings include barrel-aged honey spirits and apple brandies matured for varying periods.
These products utilize 100% local grains, fruits, and honey, with every aspect of the distillation process conducted by hand.
The offerings change with the seasons, and visitors can enjoy a bar experience offering a variety of cocktails alongside spirits and local beers. Food trucks are present on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
12. Stateline Speedway
For those seeking high-speed excitement, Stateline Speedway features a small stadium-style racetrack hosting a diverse array of events from April to September.
The event schedule includes late models, bandoleros, legends, and dedicated open wheel nights.
For younger racing enthusiasts, the Wreck It Racing nights showcase demolition derby events, featuring unique competitions such as a “bump to pass” race, a towing race, a motorhome race, and even a boat race.
Other activities include car shows, monster truck events, and family nights taking place on Wednesdays.
13. Lake Coeur d’Alene
The second largest lake in Idaho is located less than ten miles east of downtown, with a pleasant surface temperature averaging around 70°F during summer.
Conveniently, the largest city along the lakeshore, Coeur d’Alene, is adjacent to Post Falls, providing a plethora of amenities and experiences.
Visitors can partake in a scenic cruise on the lake, traverse a network of well-kept trails, explore attractions such as a unique llama farm, dine in the charming downtown area, engage in fishing, or simply relax beside this natural marvel.
City Park features a lovely lakeside promenade coupled with a beach area, while McEuen Park, recently renovated, showcases a large splash pad that delights children during summer.
Lastly, migrating Kokanee salmon visit the lake during the fall and winter months to spawn on the gravelly shores, attracting numerous bald eagles, which are best viewed at Wolf Lodge Bay, a few miles northeast of Coeur d’Alene.
14. Tubbs Hill
Visitors need not search far to find a picturesque location along the Coeur d’Alene lakeshore.
Within walking distance from downtown lies an undeveloped peninsula bordered on three sides by the lake and dominant with a hill.
Tubbs Hill is publicly owned, allowing access to its forested slopes via a two-mile loop encircling the perimeter.
The western trailhead is located in McEuen Park, leading to exquisite lookouts, designated historical markers, and serene spots like Tubbs Hill Beach situated on the southern shore.
15. Silverwood Theme Park
For further inspiration for a day out, the largest amusement park in the Pacific Northwest is situated less than 20 miles from Post Falls.
Since its inception in 1988, Silverwood Theme Park has expanded consistently, adding new rides each season.
Today, the park features over 70 rides and attractions, ranging from tilt-a-whirls to bumper cars and numerous amenities for younger family members.
Thrill-seekers will find ample excitement in the extensive selection of both steel and wooden roller coasters, with the addition of Stunt Pilot in 2021, a mirror image of California Great America’s RailBlazer.
Entry also includes access to Boulder Beach, which boasts two wave pools, a lazy river, and a variety of slides to thrill visitors of all ages.
