Johnson Mill River Park

Located on the shore of the Spokane River in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Johnson Mill River Park has a small beige hard-packed sand beach.  The park spans over two acres and is surrounded by lush green forests including wildflowers, ferns, and ancient oak trees, which together offer Instagram-worthy views.  The park is named after the historic Johnson Mill, a functioning mill in the 19th century.  Today, it is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty, flora and fauna.

Johnson Mill River Park does not have lifeguards but offers several other amenities, including a swim beach, picnic areas with a picnic shelter, picnic tables, benches, portable restrooms, an observation area, a day use boat dock, a fishing area, and a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures.

Johnson Mill River Park has a family-friendly beach that offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating,  hiking, watching wildlife, picnicking, and photography.  There is a safe swimming area if you plan to go in the water near the beach.   The shallow water of the Johnson Mill River near the beach is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small boats.  Anglers may catch various fish, including rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  The park features designated picnic areas with tables and benches, perfect for family outings.  Visitors may spot bald eagles, deer, rabbits, and numerous bird species around the lake during winter.  In addition, a tower provides panoramic views of the river and surrounding forest, which is ideal for spotting various bird species, making it a perfect spot to take Johnson Mill River Park photos.  Johnson Mill River Park hosts multiple community events throughout the year, including summer concerts and nature walks.  The park is a popular destination for photographers, particularly during the fall when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and orange.  Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Johnson Mill River Park offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Johnson Mill River Park is easy - it has a parking lot at 4350 West Shoreview Lane, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, United States, providing easy beach access.

Johnson Mill River Park is a popular destination for a family getaway that attracts many visitors throughout the year.

There are many attractions near Johnson Mill River Park.  McEuen Park is a dog-friendly lakefront park with many amenities, including a playground, splash pad, walking trails, large event pavilion, and Veterans Memorial.  Cougar Bay Nature Preserve is spread over an 88-acre preserve located near Coeur d'Alene Lake that features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows.  Its diverse ecosystem supports an array of wildlife, where you may spot eagles, ospreys, herons, and a variety of other bird species, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.  The Museum of North Idaho aims to preserve and showcase northern Idaho’s rich history and cultural heritage through intriguing exhibits, artifacts, photographs, documents, guided tours, and educational programs.  It offers an exciting insight into the history of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the impact of the railroads, the significance of steamboats on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and the development of the local timber industry.  Tubbs Hill is a 120-acre lakefront park, providing a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, rocky outcrops, and beautiful vistas.  The main loop trail around Tubbs Hill is about 2 miles long and offers hikers Instagram-worthy views, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and access to several secluded coves along the lake.  It also features interpretive signs along the trails, providing information about the local flora, fauna, and geological history.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch is a family-owned ranch that offers an opportunity to interact with a herd of alpacas and learn about these fascinating animals.  Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into the habits and care of the alpacas and the process of turning alpaca fleece into luxurious fiber products.  The ranch also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of alpaca wool items, such as clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Johnson Mill River Park.  Wolf Lodge Inn Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that serves amazing salads, steaks, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Beverly's is another upscale lakefront restaurant that serves chef-special, pre-designed meals.  The Mexican Food Factory serves incredible burritos, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, seafood, and meat dishes.  Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill serves amazing salads, sushi, sashimi, nigiri, seafood, meat, poultry, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.  Midtown Bluebird serves amazing salads, steaks, pork, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, China Inn Restaurant serves incredible noodles, fried rice, rolls, wontons, soups, pork, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for Johnson Mill River Park hotels, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star The Coeur d'Alene Resort is nine minutes away by car and offers many amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, hot tubs, a golf course, bars, and many restaurants.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Blackwell Hotel, which has a few amenities, including hot tubs, a gazebo, a pool table, a game and movie room, a bar, and a dining room.  Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star The Roosevelt Inn, which has many amenities, including a hot tub, a sauna, sun lounges, a garden, and a dining room.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star SpringHill Suites Coeur d'Alene, which offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, and complimentary breakfast.   If you are looking for another affordable hotel, the 3-Star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d'Alene offers a few amenities, including a hot tub, an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a dining area.