Best Things to Do in Post Falls, Idaho
The Best Things to Do in Post Falls, Idaho
Post Falls sits right on the Spokane River in north Idaho, about 10 minutes west of Coeur d’Alene. It’s the kind of town where you can spend the morning on a riverfront trail, the afternoon at a swimming beach, and the evening at a local distillery. If you’re visiting the Inland Northwest, Post Falls deserves more than a drive-through.
Key Takeaways
- Q’emiln Park and Falls Park give you direct access to the Spokane River with trails, water features, and picnic areas all in one spot.
- The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs 23 miles of paved trail right through Post Falls, perfect for biking, walking, and running.
- Post Falls Community Forest offers 120 acres of mountain biking trails, hiking, and natural rock climbing walls minutes from downtown.
- Post Falls is located just 10 minutes from Coeur d’Alene, making it an ideal home base for lake days, Silverwood trips, and more.
Riverfront Parks and Water Features
The Spokane River is the heartbeat of Post Falls, and the city has built some great riverfront parks around it.
Q’emiln Park
Q’emiln Park (pronounced “ka mee lin”) is the crown of Post Falls parks. It sits right along the river and gives you direct access to walking trails, picnic shelters, BBQ pits, horseshoe pits, and open green space.
The park connects to Falls Park, where you can watch the Post Falls Dam release water over the falls. It’s one of the best spots in town to feel the power of the river up close, and it’s free to visit year-round.
Local Tip: Visit Falls Park in late spring when the river is running high. The falls are at their most impressive in May and early June.
- Paved walking paths along the river
- Picnic shelters and BBQ pits
- Horseshoe pits and open lawn areas
- Easy access to the Centennial Trail
- Drinking fountains and restrooms on-site
You can learn more about Q’emiln Park and other city park locations on the City of Post Falls Parks & Recreation page.
Black Bay Park
Black Bay Park is where families head for a full summer day. It features a guarded swimming beach, a fishing pond, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas with shelters you can reserve.
The park is located on the east side of Post Falls and offers a calmer setting compared to the busier river parks. If you’ve got kids who want to swim and a cooler full of lunch, this is your spot.
- Guarded swimming beach (seasonal, typically mid-June through August)
- Stocked fishing pond
- Basketball courts and volleyball courts
- Picnic shelters with BBQ grills
- Playground equipment
Post Falls Community Forest
The Post Falls community forest is 120 acres of wooded terrain tucked off Riverview Drive. It’s one of the best-kept outdoor spaces in the area and a favorite for locals who want to get off pavement and into the trees.
The community forest features mountain biking trails with loop routes for different skill levels, from beginner-friendly singletrack to more technical lines. It’s also home to natural rock climbing walls that attract rock climbing enthusiasts from across northern Idaho.
Hikers and trail runners use the forest year-round. In summer, the tree canopy keeps things cool. In the fall, the trail system is quiet, and the colors are worth the visit on their own.
Local Tip: The community forest can be tricky to find the first time. Look for the small parking area off Riverview Drive, south of Seltice Way. There are no big signs, so use GPS.
- Mountain biking trails with loop routes for all skill levels
- Natural rock climbing walls
- Hiking and trail running
- Dog-friendly (leash required)
- Free to access, no entry fee
Biking and Walking the North Idaho Centennial Trail
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile paved trail that runs from Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d’Alene all the way to the Idaho-Washington state line. Post Falls sits right in the middle of this route, making it one of the best places to hop on for a ride, run, or walk.
The trail surface is asphalt, so it works for road bikes, hybrids, strollers, and wheelchairs. You can park at the Millennium Skate Park on Greensferry Road in Post Falls and head east toward Coeur d’Alene or west toward the state line.
- Info
- Total Length: 23 miles
- Surface: Asphalt (paved trail)
- West Endpoint: Idaho-Washington state line
- East Endpoint: Higgins Point, Coeur d’Alene
- Post Falls Parking: Millennium Skate Park, 300 N. Greensferry Rd.
- Best For: Biking, walking, running, inline skating
The Centennial Trail connects to the Prairie Trail at Riverstone, giving you even more biking trails to add mileage. Whether you want a quick 4-mile out-and-back or a full day ride to the lake and back, the Idaho Centennial Trail has you covered.
Check current trail conditions, parking options, and a detailed map on TrailLink.
Local Tip: If you’re biking east toward Coeur d’Alene, the stretch along Coeur d’Alene Lake near Higgins Point is the most scenic section. Plan your turnaround there if you don’t want to ride the full 23 miles.
Water Sports on the Spokane River
Post Falls offers easy access to the Spokane River for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Several put-in points near Q’emiln Park let you launch without a reservation or a boat launch fee.
The river through Post Falls is generally calm enough for recreational kayaking, though you’ll want to stay aware of current conditions, especially in spring when flows are higher. Jet skiing is popular on wider sections of the river and on nearby Lake Coeur d’Alene, about a 15-minute drive east.
If you’d rather stay on shore, the river banks near Falls Park and Q’emiln offer solid fishing spots. Trout and bass are common catches throughout the summer season.
Outdoor Activities Beyond the River
Highlands Golf Course
Highlands Golf Course is an 18-hole public course on the north end of Post Falls. It’s a well-maintained layout with elevation changes and views of the surrounding hills. Highlands golf is a solid pick for visitors who want to squeeze in a round without driving to Coeur d’Alene.
Green fees are affordable compared to the resort courses in the area, and tee times are easier to get, especially on weekdays.
Disc Golf
Post Falls has disc golf options for players looking to throw a few rounds between other outdoor activities. Local courses offer a mix of wooded and open fairways, making them a fun addition to any active trip.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Post Falls
Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park
Silverwood Theme Park is about 25 minutes north of Post Falls in Athol. It’s the largest theme park in the Northwest, with over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions. Your admission ticket includes access to Boulder Beach Water Park, which has wave pools, lazy rivers, and a collection of water slides.
Silverwood is open seasonally from late April through late October. It’s easily one of the best family day trips from a Post Falls home base.
Check the latest hours and ticket prices on the official Silverwood website.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Day Trip
Lake Coeur d’Alene is just a 10-15 minute drive from Post Falls, and it opens up a full day of lake activities. You can swim at City Beach, hike Tubbs Hill, rent a boat, or grab lunch along Sherman Avenue downtown.
If you’re staying in one of our Post Falls vacation rentals, you’re close enough to enjoy the lake without fighting for parking in the middle of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Head over early in the morning and you’ll have your pick of spots.
We also offer pontoon and wake boat rentals with delivery to select properties, so you can spend a full day on the lake without the hassle of trailering.
Post Falls Parks at a Glance
- Swimming Beach
- Q’emiln Park: No
- Falls Park: No
- Black Bay Park: Yes
- Community Forest: No
- Q’emiln Park: Yes
- Falls Park: No
- Black Bay Park: Yes (pond)
- Community Forest: No
- Q’emiln Park: Yes
- Falls Park: Yes
- Black Bay Park: Yes
- Community Forest: Yes
- Q’emiln Park: Yes
- Falls Park: No
- Black Bay Park: Yes
- Community Forest: No
- Q’emiln Park: No
- Falls Park: No
- Black Bay Park: Yes
- Community Forest: No
- Q’emiln Park: Yes
- Falls Park: Yes (viewing)
- Black Bay Park: No
- Community Forest: No
Local Food and Drinks
North Distillery
North Distillery is a local craft distillery in Post Falls that’s worth a stop after a day outdoors. They produce small-batch spirits, and the tasting room has a laid-back vibe that fits the Post Falls pace.
Post Falls also has a growing restaurant scene along Seltice Way and near the Spokane Street corridor. You’ll find everything from wood-fired pizza to Mexican food to classic American diners.
Where to Stay in Post Falls
CDA Vacation Rentals manages privately owned vacation homes, cabins, and condos across Post Falls and the surrounding north Idaho area. Our properties are not hotel rooms. They’re real homes with full kitchens, laundry, and room to spread out after a long day of recreational opportunities.
Select properties offer amenities like hot tubs, lake views, and pet-friendly policies (dogs only, housebroken, non-refundable pet fee applies). Every rental comes with keyless entry, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24/7 local support from our team right here in the area.
When you book direct with us, you save 10-15% compared to third-party platforms. Browse our full inventory of Post Falls vacation rentals or check out homes in nearby Hayden and Bayview.
FAQ
What is Q’emiln Park, and what can you do there?
Q’emiln Park (also written as ka mee lin) is a riverfront park in Post Falls along the Spokane River. You can walk paved trails, use picnic shelters, fish from the bank, and easily accessible paths connect it to Falls Park and the Centennial Trail. It’s free to visit and open year-round.
Is Post Falls a good base for exploring Coeur d’Alene?
Yes. Post Falls is about 10 minutes west of downtown Coeur d’Alene, so you can explore Sherman Avenue, City Beach, and Lake Coeur d’Alene without a long drive. Staying in Post Falls often means more availability and a quieter setting while still being close to all the adventure the area offers.
Can you swim at any parks in Post Falls?
Black Bay Park has a guarded swimming beach that’s open seasonally, typically mid-June through August. It’s the best swimming beach option within Post Falls city limits. For lake swimming, Coeur d’Alene’s City Beach is a short drive east.
What is the Post Falls Community Forest used for?
The Post Falls Community Forest is a 120-acre wooded area with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and natural rock climbing. The biking trails include loop routes for all skill levels, and the forest is free to access year-round. It’s a favorite spot for locals who want to explore real natural beauty without a long drive.
Are CDA Vacation Rentals the same as the Coeur d’Alene Resort?
No. CDA Vacation Rentals is a locally owned property management company, not a hotel or resort. We are not affiliated with the Coeur d’Alene Resort. We manage privately owned vacation homes, cabins, and condos in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and other north Idaho communities.
What outdoor activities are available in Post Falls during the summer?
Summer in Post Falls means water sports on the Spokane River (kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing), biking the Centennial Trail, mountain biking in the Community Forest, disc golf, golf at Highlands Golf Course, and day trips to Silverwood Theme Park and Lake Coeur d’Alene. There’s no shortage of things to do during the summer season, and shopping and dining options in town keep growing.
