Course Review: Circling Raven Golf Course

Location: Worley, Idaho (about 45 minutes south of Spokane)

Course Type: Public / Resort (part of Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort)

Par & Yardage: Par 72, 7,189 yards from the tips

Rating & Slope: 74.1 rating / 144 slope from the tips

Notable Features: Expansive fairways winding through 620 acres of rolling Palouse hills, wetlands, and woodlands; designed by Gene Bates; no houses in sight; a true wilderness golf experience.

Quick Take: Circling Raven is pure Northwest golf. Wide horizons, dramatic elevation changes, and a course that feels carved out of nature, not forced onto it. One minute you’re teeing off over golden prairies, the next you’re threading drives through tall pines, and then you’re crossing wetlands alive with wildlife. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically scenic — the kind of place that reminds you golf is an adventure, not just a game.

Detailed Course Breakdown

Course Difficulty – [Rating: 8/10]

Who’s it best for? Circling Raven is for golfers who like variety. It’s a long course, so it favors players who can move the ball, but the fairways are generous enough that mid-handicappers won’t feel beaten up. Beginners will be wowed by the scenery, but might find some forced carries and wetland shots intimidating.

Key challenges: Distance and angles. The back tees stretch to nearly 7,200 yards, and with elevation shifts, it plays even longer. Wetlands and tall native grasses can swallow up errant shots. The greens are large and often multi-tiered, making lag putting a must.

Tee box breakdown: Multiple tee sets make it approachable — from the whites, it’s a very playable 6,000 yards, while the tips turn it into a championship-caliber test.

Pro Tip: “Don’t be a hero — pick the right tees. The course is long enough and scenic enough that you won’t miss out by moving up.”

Scenery – [Rating: 9.5/10]

Overall vibe: Wild, untamed, and quintessentially Northwest. There are no houses, no distractions — just you, the course, and miles of Idaho wilderness. The routing takes you on a journey through open Palouse hills, into thick pine forests, and across marshland filled with birds and wildlife.

Best holes for scenery: Hole 8 (a sweeping downhill par 5 framed by forest), Hole 14 (a short par 3 over wetlands), and Hole 18 (a dramatic closer that rises toward the clubhouse with panoramic views).

Seasonal considerations: Summer is peak — long days, firm conditions, and vibrant colors across the landscape. Fall is breathtaking with golden grasses and fiery foliage. Spring can be a little wet, but the course drains well and wildlife sightings peak this time of year.

Walkability – [Rating: 6.5/10]

Can you walk it? Technically yes, but most don’t. The course covers a massive footprint with long green-to-tee transitions and plenty of elevation. It’s cart-friendly and the vast majority of players ride.

Elevation changes: Noticeable and often dramatic — you’ll get everything from downhill bombs to uphill grinds.

Pro Tip: “Save your legs for the swings — ride a cart here and enjoy the views.”

Course Conditions & Maintenance – [Rating: 9/10]

Fairway & rough condition: Excellent. The fairways are generous and well-kept, with smooth lies and consistent roll. Rough is fair but thick enough to grab a clubface.

Greens: Smooth, quick, and multi-tiered. They’re kept in tournament shape much of the season, so expect to be tested with both speed and slope.

Bunker upkeep: Well-raked and strategically placed, but not overbearing. They add to the visuals as much as the strategy.

Drainage in wet months: Solid, especially given the mix of terrain. Spring rains rarely make the course unplayable.

Pro Shop & Food Availability – [Rating: 8/10]

Pro shop selection: Strong, with a sharp Circling Raven logo that looks great on gear. Expect solid apparel options from top brands.

Food & Drinks: The Twisted Earth Grill inside the casino is your go-to for a sit-down meal, but the snack bar near the clubhouse handles mid-round needs well. Post-round, most groups head into the resort for a full spread of dining and drinks.

Pro Tip: “Don’t just leave after your round — make a night of it at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort. The golf + casino + dining combo makes it a perfect buddies’ trip stop.”

Practice Facilities – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Range: Expansive grass range with targets — one of the better warm-up setups in the region.

Putting & chipping areas: Large, well-contoured practice green and a short game area that lets you prep for the course’s tricky pitches and chips.

Overall vibe: Relaxed and inviting. Plenty of space to loosen up before tackling the big, bold layout.

Value for Money – [Rating: 9/10]

Greens Fee Range:

• Peak Season: $100 – $150

• Shoulder: ~$80 – $110

• Twilight: ~$65 – $85

How’s the value? Outstanding. For a course consistently ranked among the best public tracks in the U.S., the price is a steal compared to West Coast resort golf. You’re getting a national-caliber experience for well under what you’d pay in Oregon or California.

Booking Difficulty: Generally accessible. Summer weekends fill up fastest, but weekday tee times are usually easy to snag.

Pro Tip: “Bundle your round with a stay-and-play package at the casino — you’ll get better rates and a full getaway experience.”

Overall Rating: 9.0/10

Circling Raven is a PNW must-play. It’s the definition of destination golf: wild landscapes, top-notch conditions, and a design that never feels repetitive. Every hole feels like its own adventure, and the lack of development makes it a true escape from the everyday grind.

Best For: Golfers who want a mix of challenge and scenery, buddies’ trips, couples’ getaways, and anyone looking to pair golf with a resort stay.

Would we recommend? Absolutely. Circling Raven delivers the full Northwest golf experience — raw, beautiful, and unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip through Idaho or eastern Washington, put this course at the top of your list.