Circling Raven
Idaho's most decorated public course, a sprawling Gene Bates design across 620 acres of forest, wetland and Palouse meadow at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort south of Coeur d'Alene.
Photo: Circling Raven Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Circling Raven is the course that put northern Idaho golf on the national map, a vast, generous Gene Bates design opened in 2003 on tribal land at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort in Worley. Spread across 620 acres of pine forest, wetland and rolling Palouse grassland, it has room most courses can only dream of, with holes routed in splendid isolation through dramatically varied terrain and not a house in sight.
Owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, it has been ranked the number one public course in Idaho by the major panels and is a fixture on best in state and best casino course lists. At 7,189 yards from the back tees it has real teeth, yet the width and the multiple tees make it a joy for every level. Paired with a full casino resort, it is one of the Pacific Northwest's most complete and best value golf getaways.
Circling Raven Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 2003
- Designer
- Gene Bates
- Type
- Forest and meadow
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,189 yards
- Green fee
- From about 90 dollars
Designer and details verified June 2026: Circling Raven was designed by Gene Bates and opened in 2003, playing 7,189 yards to a par 72 with a course rating of 74.5 and a slope of 140. It is routed across 620 acres at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and is consistently ranked the number one public course in Idaho. Indicative green fees of roughly 90 to 150 dollars reflect the 2026 summer peak season and change by season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The defining quality is space. Bates used the full 620 acres to give each hole its own world, moving from open meadow to tight forest corridor to wetland carry without ever feeling crowded. The elevation changes are generous, the bunkering is bold, and the variety from hole to hole keeps a round constantly fresh.
From the back tees it is a legitimate championship test, long and exacting, but the four or five sets of tees mean it never punishes the average golfer who plays the right yardage. The greens are large and well contoured, the par 5s tempt the bold, and the closing stretch through forest and water delivers a memorable finish. Conditioning is consistently excellent for the climate.
This is destination golf in a part of the country golfers often overlook, well worth the trip north for the scenery alone. Walkable in spirit and superbly maintained, Circling Raven anchors a northern Idaho golf escape that pairs golf with lake country and a full resort.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public, daily fee; open to visitors, owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe |
| Green fee | From about 90 to 150 dollars, indicative 2026 summer peak; rates vary by season and demand |
| Booking | Book online or through the resort; the season is short, so summer tee times fill early |
| On the day | Cart golf standard, and walkable; resort dress; allow for a long, varied 18 |
| Getting there | In Worley, about 35 minutes south of Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane airport (GEG) |
| Best months | Roughly April to October; high summer is prime, shoulder months are quieter and cooler |
Access and fees verified June 2026; daily fee pricing and the northern season change year to year, so always confirm current rates, opening dates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel sits beside the golf, a full resort with hotel, spa, dining and gaming that makes Circling Raven an easy stay and play. Settling in on site is the simple play, with the first tee minutes from the room and the lake country of northern Idaho close by.
For a wider Pacific Northwest golf trip, Circling Raven pairs with the mountain and meadow golf to the south and west, from the Central Oregon resort golf at Black Butte Ranch to the remote reversible courses at Silvies Valley Ranch.
Looking for a base nearby? See our recommended hotels and resorts.
Build a northern Idaho golf trip
We arrange the Coeur d'Alene Casino stay and Circling Raven tee times, pair them with the best of Pacific Northwest golf and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Circling Raven questions
Who designed Circling Raven Golf Club?
It was designed by Gene Bates and opened in 2003 on tribal land at the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort in Worley, Idaho. It plays 7,189 yards to a par 72 across 620 acres.
Is Circling Raven the best public course in Idaho?
It is consistently ranked the number one public course in Idaho by the major panels, including Golfweek and Golf Digest, and is a regular on best casino course lists.
Is Circling Raven open to the public?
Yes. It is a public daily fee course owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, and is often played as a stay and play with the casino resort hotel.
How much does it cost to play Circling Raven?
Indicative green fees run from about 90 to 150 US dollars in the 2026 summer peak season. The season runs roughly April to October, and rates change by season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, yardage and rankings verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.