A visit to the small city of Harrison, Idaho is the perfect way to experience the stunning natural wonders of the area in a more relaxed, low-key environment. Visitors to this tiny but robust burg will enjoy all the usual outdoor activities, as well as special events throughout the year. Our Harrison vacation rentals offer a memorable experience in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and when you visit this beautiful locale, you'll see why its motto is "where the trail meets the lake."
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Yes, 23 of our Harrison homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 55 of our Harrison vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Harrison team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >Nestled along the southern coast of Lake Coeur d'Alene, with the Bitterroot Mountains in the distance, our Harrison rentals offer a small-town feel with lots of outdoor adventure. Just 34 miles from the bustling city of Coeur d'Alene and 39 miles from peaceful, charming Hayden Lake, and the close-knit town of Hayden, Harrison is an ideal home base for all your Idaho adventures.
if you're an angler, Harrison offers you an abundance of fishing opportunities, from quiet rivers and streams full of bass, salmon, and trout, to beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene itself, with even more varieties: catfish, sunfish, and northern pike. Drive along the sparkling Coeur d'Alene River, the tributary to the lake, and stop at one of the many pull-outs you'll find at its edge. Try your hand at fly fishing, and bask in the sun while you breathe in the fresh, crisp, Idaho air.
Have a boat? You'll definitely want to bring it along to traverse both Lake Coeur d'Alene and Chatcolet Lake, but you can also rent all manner of water toys like paddle boats, pontoons, or kayaks for an afternoon out on the water. You can also head just a bit northeast of town to Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge for unsurpassed wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring your camera for shots of osprey, eagles, swans, and more.
If swimming is your passion, Harrison offers a public sandy beach, located between the county boat docks and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. It's a protected swimming area, mere steps from a grassy park, so it's a great option for those traveling with kids.
Whether you prefer to get around on foot or on wheels, Harrison and its surrounding area offers hikers, bikers, and sightseers phenomenal opportunities to get next to nature and take in beautiful scenery.
With a well-developed trail system through the far-reaching area consisting of over 80 parks and 40 hiking trails, you'll be able to find trails that suit your taste and skill level for both hiking and biking. Pack a light picnic, wander through the forest, and find your way to the lake. Then take a breather and observe the beauty of your surroundings. A bit further out is Bell Bay Campground, which offers two hiking trails, and Heyburn State Park, the oldest state park in Idaho, which offers 13 miles of trails. While some trails are designated for hiking, others are shared with bikers and horseback riders.
Harrison is a hub for cyclists and roller bladers, and many come to this area to pedal or roll their way across the 72-mile paved rail-trail on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, from Mullan by the Montana border, all the way to Plummer, near Washington. This paved trail goes right through Harrison along the banks of the lake, making it a very scenic biking route.
If you're in the mood for a leisurely drive through some gorgeous country, the winding Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway is a must. Meander your way along the shores of this lovely body of water for breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves transform from green to vibrant reds and golds.
Harrison also has many back roads offering unforgettable sights, and if you go this route, you stand a very good chance of spotting plenty of wild animals and birds. Two other trips worth considering are White Pine Scenic Byway and St. Joe River Scenic Byway. And if you want to venture out further and make a day of it, visit the beautiful lakeside town of Bayview, just 60 miles away (nestled on the south shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake) for more natural beauty and plentiful outdoor recreation.
If you're looking for gifts for people back home, check out The Gallery at Harrison (open May through October) for jewelry, glass art, pottery, carvings, and more from Northwest artists. The Company Store is a great place to go for collectibles and vintage seconds, and Harrison Trading Post is the place for everything from souvenirs and sunglasses to sandwiches and sweet treats.
While dining options are undeniably more plentiful in Coeur d'Alene to the north, Harrison has its share of cafes and eateries. In the morning, visit the Tin Cup for espresso and coffee drinks, as well as breakfast and lunch snacks. And after a long bike ride, you'll have definitely earned a trip to The Creamery Ice Cream & Fudge Factory, as well as stop for wine tasting of locally handcrafted wines made from fruits and berries - but no grapes - at Sheppard Fruit Wines' tasting room across from the historic Grant Building in downtown Harrison.
To learn more about Harrison's colorful history, a visit to the Crane House Museum might be in order. Showcasing historical artifacts dating from the late 1890s to early 1900s, visitors can get a peek at the past of this quaint and historic resort town, including an old jail building from 1920.
And depending on the time of year you visit, you can also experience all the special events that come through Harrison: live music in the summer, a craft and trade fair, a car show, Grange Market, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.
With its stunning water and mountain views, numerous outdoor activities, and relaxing environment, a comfortable Harrison vacation rental offers the best of both worlds - plentiful year-round outdoor adventure, as well as the chance to unwind and take it easy in a beautiful, serene setting.
