Rathdrum Idaho homes for Sale

Rathdrum History

Rathdrum is a city in Kootenai County. It is located on the Rathdrum Prairie at 47°48′30″N 116°53′33″W (47.808457, -116.892415), an elevation of 2,211 feet (674 m) above sea level as well as a total area estimated at 4.95 square miles. It is also situated at the base of Rathdrum Mountain. Early in the 1800s, Rathdrum town was referred to as Westwood to honor the town’s founder who was a great Pony Express rider and a rancher known as Charles Wesley Wood but his community members referred to him as ‘Wes.’ However, in 1881, the Federal Government informed the postmaster of the town that the town had to change its name as another town in the territory bore the same exact name. Therefore, Michael M. Cowley, a local businessperson suggested ‘Rathdrum.’

Rathdrum location is an extremely central location. 10-15 minutes to Post Falls, Coeur d Alene, and about 20 minutes to the Spokane Valley area.

Rathdrum Weather

Rathdrum has 175 sunny days in a year, and the rain is 23 inches, and 75 days in which precipitation is measurable. While the average snow in a city in the USA is 26 inches and Rathdrum, Idaho receives an average of 43 inches. ” The Sperling’s verified comfort index for Rathdrum is a 71%, where a higher score indicates a more comfortable year-round climate. The average for the comfort index relating to the US is 54.” This is according to recent studies of the area.  From my perspective, you are going to have more snow if you live on the North Side of town in the Twin Lakes area and less if you’re on the South side of town.  You will have more wind on the south side of the town and less on the North.  In my experience a little colder on the North side but without the wind so it actually doesn’t feel as cold.  That wind will bite on a really cold day.

Dining in Rathdrum

There are several great reasons for foodies to get excited in Rathdrum Idaho.  Nadine’s new Mexican Restaurant is becoming a big hit down on Main Street!  If you haven’t tried them you are missing out.  Not your normal Mexican restaurant.  Prepare to be amazed!  The Westwood is super popular and Penny’s Pit burgers are winning awards.   Local Deli over by Super One has a great sandwich,  Chinese on Hwy 41 and a fairly full spectrum of fast food. McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen.  There is something for everyone and something new coming in on a regular basis. 

A couple of Dr offices, a local dentist, and urgent care for emergencies. Pharmacy in town so you don’t have to travel to get your meds.

Rathdrum always has great community fun, and concerts in the park in the summer. Always love the kid’s fishing derby in the park – They have a ball during that! They block the creek up a little and stock it well. Not sure who enjoys it more the kids or the parents. Usually, little farmer’s market in the park also during the summer. Rathdrum days in July small-town fun! And always lots of participants.

Rathdrum Schools

Rathdrum is a wonderful community. Right in the heart of the award-winning  Lakeland School district. You will be pleased with the small-town feel and the great education your kids will receive

Things to do in Rathdrum Idaho

It wouldn’t be Idaho if there wasn’t lots of outdoor recreation.   Hiking, biking, and water sports opportunities within minutes of town. Twin Lakes area includes an 18-hole golf course, fishing, and boating.  There are also several local spots for accessing Inland Paper Company land. You do need to purchase a permit but great spots to hike, fish, horseback ride, firewood, Christmas tree cutting you name it they will let you access for a reasonable fee for hundreds and thousands of acres. And of course, you always have access to the National Forest Service land.

Rathdrum Mountain Park

The city has been trying over the years to develop about 556 acres of mountain land into a park. That is turning the area into parking, and recreation areas and providing shelter as well. In mid-June last year, the plans to turn the area around the mountain into a recreation hub were finally realized. The Theoretical plans already approved by the city council showed large and small shelters, three buses, parking for 20 cars, and a group-use site and restrooms at the gated entry on the south end of the property.  To stay up to date of what is happening on Rathdrum Mountain you may want to join Friends of Rathdrum Mountain’s Facebook page.

Rathdrum Health Care

Although Rathdrum does not have a hospital in town it does have a couple of family doctors, Immediate care, and a dentist.  It is about 15 miles away from Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d Alene,  the Specialty Hospital in Post Falls and about 30 minutes from all of the hospitals in Spokane including the VA Hospital.