Pin itTwo nights, two rounds, and the best of Northern Idaho's mountain lake setting without the resort premium.
2 Days
Bucket List Trip
$800–$1200/person
2
Moderate
A serious Coeur d'Alene golf trip without the resort green fees that dominate the destination's reputation. Circling Raven, the strongest course in the region by most measures, charges $75 at Raven Hour and standard rates that run well below the Resort course. Avondale Golf Club in Hayden Lake offers mountain golf with weekday rates from around $55.
Coeur d'Alene, Northern Idaho, Idaho
Trip at a Glance
Fly into Spokane International Airport and drive to Coeur d'Alene, checking into a mid-range hotel such as the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn. The included breakfast on the following mornings eliminates a daily expense and a scheduling complication.
Morning round at Avondale Golf Club in Hayden Lake, 15 minutes north of downtown. The 1968 layout plays through mature tree-lined corridors with mountain views, and weekday rates of $55 to $75 make it the most affordable course in the region.
Check out and drive 45 minutes west to Spokane International Airport. An early departure leaves time for a morning walk along the lakefront or a final breakfast on Sherman Avenue before heading to the airport.
Trip Logistics
Plan the Practicalities
A single base in Coeur d'Alene works for this itinerary. The Best Western Plus, SpringHill Suites, La Quinta, or a vacation rental all serve at rates between $55 and $200 per night. The 30-minute drive to Circling Raven on Day 1 is the longest transit. Avondale is 15 minutes from most accommodations. A rental car is necessary.
The value proposition is straightforward. Circling Raven at Raven Hour is one of the best deals in the Pacific Northwest, and Avondale provides honest golf at a fraction of the Resort course price. The two courses, combined with the free activities at Tubbs Hill and downtown and the optional Wallace excursion, produce a trip that costs less than a single peak-season round at many major golf destinations. The quality of the golf is not diminished by the budget. It is simply accessed differently.
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