The pristine serenity of Lake Coeur d’Alene and its surroundings has earned the lake a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful sights. In fact, it has been named as “one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world” by National Geographic.
When people come to Coeur d’Alene for the first time, they are often blown away by the sheer size of the natural lake. Combined with the clear blue water, forest-like setting, low altitudes and the bug-free atmosphere that is common in other parts of the country, Lake Coeur d’Alene is truly a unique place.
There is so much to do on Coeur d’Alene. From wake boarding, waterskiing and other water sports to fly fishing or parasailng, its all right here in Coeur d’Alene. Care to dine at a floating restaurant or hit a golf ball onto a floating green? You can in Coeur d’Alene.
Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the City Beach and numerous water activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, boat cruises, seaplane rides, kayaking and more.
Around the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, one can find the home of their dreams. From old rustic lake cabins dating back nearly a century, to enormous lakeside estates, the perfect home, second home or vacation residence can be found on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Because of the low elevation, warm summer water temps and lack of bugs, Coeur d’Alene is the ideal lake for you and your family.
About Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene spans 25 miles long, ranges from 1 to 3 miles wide and has over 109 miles of shoreline for boaters and vacationers to explore and enjoy. The lake is fed primarily by two rivers, Coeur d’Alene River and Saint Joe River. The outflow is via the Spokane River. The elevation of the lake is 2,125 feet above sea level.
Although glacially formed, Lake Coeur d’Alene’s surface level is raised about seven feet during summer months by a dam on the Spokane River in Post Falls, Idaho. The lake has been a primary method of transporting lumber in Kootenai County since the industry took root in the region. In fact, prior to a fire in 1917, Harrison was going to be county seat of Kootenai County, as the swiftly growing lumber town was at an opportune junction of the St. Joe and Coeur d’ Alene Rivers. After the fire, the mills were largely moved to the city of Coeur d’Alene, which then grew to become the county seat.
There are a number of model T’s sitting on the bottom of the lake, due to people in the early 1900s who would drive across the lake during the winter time in order to save half the distance in getting around the lake. When the ice broke, so did the chances for getting across. Also, there are some steamboats on the bottom that had been burned when they were no longer used to ferry people around on the lake. Divers frequently visit these ruins on the bottom.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is a popular tourist site for many people during the summer, offering great beaches and scenic views. A seasonal hobby of some local residents is viewing the bald eagles as they feed on the kokanee in the lake, mainly from the Wolf Lodge Bay. The North Idaho Centennial Trail, popular among cyclists, walkers, and joggers, follows along the lake’s north and northeastern shore.
