John C. Pointer MWS

Constructed in 2014, the 1.2-mile John C. Pointner Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary trail is located just a few miles south of Coeur d’Alene. The trail lies in the 155-acre parcel managed by the BLM, which was acquired from Mr. Pointner in the early 2000s. John C. Pointner had dedicated much of his life to preserving the Cougar Bay wetland and protecting the many species of wildlife and birds in the area. His wish upon his death was to have the area retained for the public to enjoy and appreciate the natural setting. The nearby loop trail managed by The Nature Conservancy offers an additional one-mile of trail. The reward for reaching the highest point of the trail is a newly constructed overlook that offers not only a resting point but spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.