Hayden, ID Outdoor Activities

Cool breezes gain steam over the waters of Hayden Lake before moving through the pine trees that line the fairways of Avondale Golf Course, adding to the bucolic splendor of the 18-hole, 6,600-yard layout. The course's short-grass corridors switchback through a combination of tree-lined and open terrain, with water hazards complicating passage on five holes, placing precise shots and webbed golf shoes at a premium.

A stint at the natural-turf driving range helps golfers to warm up for the round, a necessary measure for slow-starting swings that may struggle to reach the lengthy par 4 second hole—rated the course's hardest from the men's tees—in regulation. After hunting birdies and inflating the egos of smug putters across the landscape, players can recess to the Water Hazard Bar & Grill to recap memorable shots over dinner and drinks.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,600 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 72.0 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 130 from the farthest tees
• Five tee options

Shot chases regulation birds hurtled from two voice-activated traps at Coeur d’Alene Skeet and Trap Club, where guests take aim at clays on three trap fields, a five-stand course, and four skeet fields, one of which is also voice activated. Each field hosts two annual shoots and tournaments for its 55 league teams, while visitors and more than 700 members test their clay-shattering skills with a variety of wobble games. Elsewhere, novices boost shotgun skills during lessons, ladies brush up on gun know-how at instructional clinics, and kids sample clay-target sports in the youth program. In between rounds and lessons, customers can visit the pro shop to restock on ammo or pick up a shotgun to mount and hang above the mantel.