Heyburn State Park, Plummer, Idaho

Heyburn State Park is perhaps the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest. The park was founded in 1908 with 5,500 acres of land and an additional 2,300 acres of water. There are three lakes within the park. These lakes are Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes. The St. Joe River also runs through the park at the eastern boundary.

Visitors to the park can learn about the natural and cultural history. Before the land became a park it was a place for the Coeur d'Alene Indian tribe to gather. Due to its age the park had to rebuild a few buildings in the 1930's. The Civilian Conservation Corps camp helped to recreate the buildings which were beginning to fall into disrepair. As one can imagine the park is alive with various habitats. Ponderosa pines have grown very large and tall hiding the underbrush of the forest floor. There are grassy hillsides with wildflowers running rampant. On shadier areas there are cedar trees, hemlock and white pine. The lakes are surrounded by marsh and wetland. The wildflowers and plants are plentiful at the lakes too.

Summer is one of the best seasons to view Heyburn State Park. The flowers and plants will be in full bloom, and the campgrounds welcome tents and motor homes. The park has three campgrounds with facilities. For the adventurer hiking and biking is permitted along the many designated trails. When out in the wilderness it is possible to glimpse black bears, coyotes, deer, elk and other wildlife. Bird watching is another past time for visitors to enjoy.

A few of the trails are currently under construction to help expand the facilities of the park. A sewer project is making it possible to put facilities along the trail, rather than wooden outhouses. Mostly the Lakeshore Loop Trail and the Appaloosa Trail are affected. This will not last long though, so by 2010 these trails might be reopened.

Boating at the lakes is possible. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats are welcome on the lakes. They do allow motorized boats on some of the lakes. However, the boats do have to be registered with the park in order to launch and operate. Inflatable boats that are less than 10 feet do not apply.

A bit more on the history of the park is that the Coeur d'Alene Indians are thought to be the first inhabitants. They would build their camps near the lake for fishing and other food sources. Deer, bear, and birds would come to the lakes for water and food. The Native Americans were placed on a reservation, leaving most of the land to the US government.

When fishing in the lake visitors can catch pike, pan, or bass. Birds that come to the land are blue heron, osprey, and sparrows. Since there are motorized boats allowed water skiing is one leisure activity visitors enjoy. For gas and other items there is a store and fuel dock at the Rocky Point Marina.