Lake Coeur d'Alene (31,872 acres) - keelboats

Lake Coeur d’Alene has 20 boat launch facilities not counting the launches’ on the Coeur d’Alene & Spokane Rivers (for boat detailed boat launch info see below). Sailing Lake CdA is an experience in and of its self. Fall & Spring bring consistent winds, winter has typically a steady breeze, and in the summer it is variable. Summer is known for the lightest wind on the lake with morning and late evening producing the most consistent and steady winds. In the morning there is normally a nice east or south wind, and in the evening when the sun is just tucking behind the hills the wind almost never fails to fill in (almost lake clock work) from the West/Northwest from the Desert. Some say Lake Pend Oreille is a better sailing lake and I have to totally disagree as I think neither is better, but for sure Lake CdA is a safer and much warmer water lake. Lake Pend Oreille is a great sailing lake as is Lake CdA but lake CdA is also a wonderful swimming and water skiing lake. I have found that Lake CdA is just a funner lake to play on for various water activities, and when it comes to exploring there is far more to see on the Lake CdA due to the many bays (& marinas with restaurants, gift shops, etc.), on-lake boat camping locations, and the three slow moving rivers (Coeur d’Alene & Associated Chain Lakes, St. Joe Rivers, & Spokane River ) that you can travel boat on. So besides Lake CdA being a great sailing lake it’s also a great place to visit and explore. MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Lake Coeur d'Alene is 27 miles long, ranges from 1 to 3 miles wide and offers over 109 miles of shoreline for sailors and explore to enjoy and 197 ft. deep at its deepest post off of Driftwood Point. The lake is fed by the Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe and St. Maries rivers, and Spokane is its outflow. For you anglers Lake CdA is known for its great fishing (from Chinook salmon to trout and Northern Pike)! The elevation of the lake is 2,125 feet (648 m) above sea level.

On-lake Boating Camp & Launch Sites

Kootenai county parks & waterways boating sites

Mowry Park - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/MowryPark.asp (South end of lake)

Harrison Marina and Boat Launch - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/HarrisonDocks.asp (Southeast end of lake)

Many Boat Launch only sites - click here: http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/FacilitiesMap.asp

Idaho National Forest Service & KOOTENAI COUNTY MAINTAINED boating site (south)

Bell Bay Campground - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/32.html &  http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/WindyBay.asp Is accessible by car but there is no boat launch at this park

BLM & KOOTENAI county maintained boating sites (north t0 south)

Mica Bay Boater Park - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_/Mica_Bay_Boater_Park.html & http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/MicaBayBoatersPark.asp  Not accessible by car.

Windy Bay Boater Park - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_/Windy_Bay_Boater_Park.html. Not accessible by car.

BLM boater sites on Lake CDA (top of lake CdA east to west)

Beauty Bay Boat Launch - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_/beauty_bay.html

Mineral Ridge Boat Launch and National Recreation Trail - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_/Mineral_Ridge_Boat_Launch.html

Blackwell Island Boat Launch and Park - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_/Blackwell.html

General CdA Boating Site info - http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/recreation_sites_.html

Resorts & Marinas

NORTH: Lake CdA Yacht Club, CdA Resort & Marina, Silver Beach Marina www.cdaresort.com; City of Coeur d’Alene Marine (day use only);Arrow Point Marina & Restaurant www. (pic - http://www.alamy.com/stock_photography/9/1/steve+bly/APBCYD.html; Boothe’s Beach Marina www.; Beauty Bay Marina www.; – MIDDLE PART OF LAKE: Carlin Bay Marina www.carlinbay.com – Black Rock Marina www.blackrockmarina.com – Sunup Bay Resort www. – SOUTHEAST: City of Harrison - Gateway Marina www.123gotoit.com - Conklin Marina www.cdalake.com - Heyburn  State Park (http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/heyburn.aspx). Docks & Marinas with limit of 1 & 2 day use: City of Coeur d’Alene Marina (limited 2 day stays max) www. 11^th Str. Marina www.

Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park (Northeast end of lake)

Higgins Point Boat Launch & Park -  http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/coeurdaleneparkway.aspx

City of Coeur d'Alene boat launch site; 3rd Street Boat Launch - http://www.coeurdaleneidaho.org

Bald Eagle Viewing Info

http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene/special_areas/Mineral_Ridge-_Wolf_Lodge_Bay/eagle_watch.html

OTHER: Coeur d’Alene Parkway - CdA Chamber www.coeurdalene.org. Phone #'s: Black Rock 446-1275; Booth's Park Coeur d'Alene 446-1275; Carlin Bay 446-1275 ; Fuller's Landing 446-1275; Gould's Landing 446-1275; Greensferry Bay 446-1275; Harlow Point 446-1275; Harrison City Docks 446-1275; Loff's Bay 446-1275; Mica Bay 446-1275; Spokane Point 446-1275 ; Third Street Breakwater 446-1275

Rentals: Sailboats, Power Boats, & Kayaks: SAIL Marine 762-7110; Boardwalk Marina 415-5600; Kayak Coeur d'Alene 676-1533; Red Lion Templin's Hotel 773-1611; Serendipity Houseboat & Events Center 651-6319; Vacation Sports Rental 888-665-0686; North Idaho College 769-5941

Hayden Lake (3,800 acres) – keelboats

Hayden Lake, with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and picturesque timber shores, is one of the most beautiful and popular lakes of Northern Idaho.  Its irregular shape gives it about 40 miles of shoreline, with the main portion of the lake being seven miles long and one to two miles in width.  Normal lake elevation is 2,239 ft. above sea level, and portions of it reach 178 ft. deep.  The lake is surrounded on three sides by panoramic timbered mountains, which rise to an elevation of 4,500 to 6,000 ft. In the early years as many as four steamboats served the lake industry, and Bing Crosby built a summer home on its shores. Hayden lake is also a great sailing lake and I have personally sailed many times on this lake. Its winds are similar in cases to Lake Coeur d’Alene’s with Spring and Fall having the best winds, winter also has nice winds but lighter than Spring and Fall. Summer winds are light during the day with morning and late evenings producing nice thermal winds (from the East or West). This lake tends to produce winds from all different directions during mid day and seems to not have consistent wind patterns other than in the morning and evenings, but is still a very enjoyable lake to sail on. There are two boat launches on Hayden lake, one on the Southwest end (Honeysuckle) and one on the Northeast end (sportsmen access). There is also a private marina just a short distance from the Honeysuckle Launch to the Southeast from this boat launch. Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and park is located on the east end of Honeysuckle Avenue and is by for the best launch facility and the only one you could launch a keelboats from. Hayden Lake Sportsmen Access is on the Northeast end of the lake and is suited for dinghies and has a steep road down to the ramp (I really do not feel this is a good place to launch a sailboat of any kind from other than a sail yak & dinghies 16’ and under).

MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Hayden Lake, Idaho and you will see lakes and where the red star is located is also where the main boat launch to this lake is located. Directions: From Coeur d’Alene or Spokane take I-95 North to Hayden Idaho, left on Honeysuckle Ave. and take this road all the way to the end to the boat launch.

CITY OF HAYDEN BOAT LAUNCH & PARK

Honeysuckle Boat Launch, see Directions & See this link http://www.hayden.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={9F136454-FE7F-48E1-9A05-B3DEF6E3186D}&DE={9A148421-C3B9-4939-B33D-06F70CAB0375}

KOOTENAI COUNTY BOAT LAUNCH (Sportsman Access)

http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/SportsmansAccessHayden.asp

NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE

Mokins Bay Campground - Facilities: 16 camp units, potable water. Open from late spring to late summer. Contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District for actual opening and closing dates. You can anchor your boat in the bay across the road from the campground and/or walk down the lake bank into/out of the water. Fee: $12/night, $6 extra vehicle. Reservations: No. Directions: From Interstate 90 in Coeur d'Alene, go north on US Hwy 95 for 6 miles, turn east on Lancaster Road, go 5 miles (paved), and then 11 miles around Hayden Lake to Mokins Bay, turn east at "Public Camp" sign and go 200' to campground. For more information, etc. contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/map.html

There are no BLM lands on Hayden Lake

OTHER: Hayden Chamber of Commerce http://www.haydenchamber.org; Phone #'s: Honeysuckle Beach 772-4411; N.E. Sportman's Access 446-1275
 

Lake Pend Oreille – keelboats

Want the feel of Ocean sailing on an Inland Lake then lake Pend Oreille is your ticket and is great lake for sailing in any size sailboat. This lake at times has ocean like swells and can have very rough storm like conditions (largest lake in Idaho) so keep your attention to the weather reports particularly on the North end where its hard to hid from bad weather. Lake Pend Oreille has distinctly wind patterns depending on where you are sailing and the conditions. On the South end of the lake (Bayview & Farragut State Park area) the prevailing winds when weather is brewing is typically from the Southwest. The usually prevailing winds during the summer come from the east. There are very high mountains around the south end of the lake that can at times block the wind. On the North end of the lake by Sandpoint there are typically three different wind patterns. In the summer breezes come steady from an Easterly direction. When weather fronts come to this area it usually bring a Southwest wind. And sometimes during the night a wind will come from the north from Canada and dye out by noon. Lake Pend Oreille is 43 miles long, has 111 miles of shoreline, and is 11,158 feet deep and deeper (if the Navy gave out the official stats for the areas they utilize), and if fed by the Clark Fork River. The lakes water exits via Pend Oreille River to the Columbia River. The scenery is spectacular with Islands and flatter hills to the north with sheer cliffs to South with its its Mountain Goal population. The lake is so deep the US Navy test submarines out of Bayview, which also has a community of float houses. Also the US Navy had deemed some areas of the lake classified and will not supply official depth readings. The city of Bayview (North end of the lake) is by far the official sailboat town for keelboats on this lake and has one congested public boat launch (watch for power lines when stepping your mast. Honestly its not a good location to launch from during the busy summers months due to the heavy boat traffic, plus when leaving you have to travel out a narrow channel (http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/

facilities/bayviewlaunch.asp). Farragut State Park the largest park in Idaho is next to Bayview (the official site of Inland WWII era training facility) with another public boat launch with far more room to park, etc. So launching from this site is best even though it also can be very congested in the busy summer months. Best thing about this boat launch is its right on the open water so you could sail right right off the dock. There is a pump-out station at his site and there is a reasonable fee to enter the park and use the boat launch ramp.

There are 8 Marinas on the lake some public and some not. Check them out below.

Sandpoint Marina
120 E. Lake Street, Sandpoint, Idaho 84864
A full-service marina with all amenities and 24-hour gas. At the north end of the Long Bridge on Hwy. 95 at The Old Power House.

Phone: 208-263-3083
Website: http://www.sandpointwaterfront.com
 

Bottle Bay Resort Marina
115 Resort Road, Sagle, Idaho 83860
The Marina has a restaurant, moorage seasonal and guests, and fishing, pontoon, canoe, kayak rentals.

Phone: 208-263-5916

Website: http://www.bottlebayresort.com

Hope Marine Services
47392 Highway 200, Hope, Idaho 83836
Your full-service, year-round stop. Boat sales, full-service shop, accessories, boat charters, adjacent to the Floating Restaurant.

Phone: 208-264-5105
Website: http://www.hopemarine.com

Harbor Marina
Harbor Marine is located Garfield Bay, which is just 15 miles from Sandpoint Idaho and right in the middle of the western shore of the lake. It's about an 18-mile boat ride to either Sandpoint. It's also in an area known by fishermen as a place to catch the big ones are caught. There are courtesy tie-ups at Harbor Marina, along with services of gas, restaurant, tackle, snacks, and boating supplies. The Forest Service maintains a public boat launch, swimming area and campground.

Phone: 208-263-9595

Website: http://www.harbormarinaidaho.com/

Whiskey Rock

This county dock facility is located on the middle portion of the lake on the east side. This site has public docks, 2 mooring buoys (when present), hiking trail (no running water or toilet facilities), and sandy beach area for swimming or beaching you beach cat.. This location is vulnerable from storms coming from the Northwest with little protection.

Bitter End Marina

17280 E. Bitterend Marina Rd. Bayview, Idaho. 83803.

This is a private sailboat only marina for members only. There is no launch site from this marina but you may arrange to park your trailer at their site wiht some buttering them up.
Phone: 208-683-2534.

MacDonalds Hudson Bay Resort & Marina

This is a private marina but has some guest moorage available. Services include a gas station, store with snacks, tackle, ice, and some sailboat parts. Plus they rent a 20' Ranger sailboat. There is also a boat ramp at this location but should call first to arrange usage and trailer storage. In addition they have a crane to lift keelboats in and out of the water. At their ficility they have some floating houses that are fun to check out.

Phone: 208-683-2534

Website: http://www.macdonaldsresort.com

Buttonhook Bay & Marina

Bottonhook marina is officially part of Farragut State Park at the furthest South end of the lake. You can't miss going to this marina if nothing else just to check out the beauty of it. Its also is the most protected bay on the lake with several docks to park at or you can anchor nicely in the bay as well. There is a trail that leads to showers and a swimming area, and this trail gives you access to several beautiful routes to hike on.  (http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/farragut.aspx)

5 Idaho National Forest Service boating sites - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/map.html

SAM OWEN CAMPGROUND -

http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/21.html

GREEN BAY CAMPGROUND -

http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/23.html

MAIDEN ROCK PICNIC GROUND - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/24.html

EVANS LANDING PICNIC GROUND - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/22.html

WHISKEY ROCK BAY CAMPGROUND - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/25.html

There are no BLM boater sites on Lake Pend Oreille

MAP: : to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Bayview, Idaho and this is the south end of the lake within Kootenai County. Boat launch info - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/

facilities/bayviewlaunch.asp - Farragut State Park & boat launch http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/farragut.aspx

Phone #'s: Bayview Boat Launch 446-1275; Sandpoint City Beach 263-7811; Farragut State Park 683-2425; Samowen Park 265-6600; Springy Point 437-3133; Trestle Creek 437-3133; Johnson Creek 437-3133. Bottle Bay Resort/Marina 263-5916; Lake Pend Oreille Cruises 255-5253; Sandpoint Marina 263-3083; Windbag Marina 263-7811

 BOATING LINKS

Always for current Priest Lake info go to the City of Priest Lake website at

http://www.priestlake.org

PARKS

Idaho National Forest Service boating sites

There are 14 boating sites on this lake to many to keep up with so go to the following link to get current info - http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/map.html

State Park info here http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/priestlake.aspx

There are no BLM lands on Priest Lake

Priest Lake Yacht Club

Blue Ribbon Charters
4 Seasons Rental
Full Spectrum Tours
Priest Lake Charters
Priest Lake Excursions
Priest Lake Guide Services
Priest Lake Motor Worx
Kaniksu Rentals

Map: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Coolin, Idaho and you will see the Lake easily; Phone #'s: Dickensheet 443-6710; Indian Creek 443-6710; Lionhead 443-6710; Kalispell Bay 443-2512; Hills Resort 443-2551; Indian Creek Marina 443-2292

Alpine Lake – dinghies

 Avondale Lake (20 acres) – dinghies

This lake is pretty much unknown to anyone other than those that own the property around it (2 owners), or live near by. Kootenai County owns the Chilco Falls park just in front of the lake (no lake access to this park yet) that is currently not open until the county gets an access road, which they are working on getting. From Rimrock road you can get glimpses of this lake. Again this lake is privately owned and you MUST get permission to access the lake (see contact info below). I actually discovered this lake by accident on a map, as most maps do not show the lake. This lake is about a 20 acre lake and windy can easily get to it as this lake sits high above I-95 on a ridge. I think this would be a fun little lake to sail yak on. MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Hayden Idaho then follow HWY 95 N. via supplied directions.  Notice when in the street map that it does not show a lake but when you click to view via the aerial photo you will then see the lake. INFO: You can possibly access this lake by getting permission from one of the land owners: South end of the lake owner is --- @ 208-000-0000. North end of the lake has much better access to the larger portion of the lake the contact person is Forest Gordy with Kootenai Properties, Inc. @ 208-000-0000. If you get permission to access the lake you can get to it by either hiking on the road that runs along the power lines or through brush from Rim Rock road. To first drive to this lake leaving Coeur d’Alene Idaho go north on HWY 95, you will pass the Garwood Rd stop light, then W. Ohio Match Rd., and after this road watch to your left for the road the runs along the power lines. Hiking on the power line road will get you to the lake. Also you can get to the lake by turning right on W. Ohio Match Rd, turn left on N. Rimrock Rd. and go pass E. Ridge Crest Rd. and looking to the left you will start to see glimpses of the lake through the trees. 

Fernan Lake (450 acres) – dinghies

Hauser Lake (550 acres) – dinghies

This is a splendid little sailing lake with depth of 40 ft. and has one boat launch. This is another lake I have sailed many times and simly is a wonderful little sailing lake. There seems to be a consistent thermal wind in the summer that develops in the evening from the north, you can actually watch it develop with a small mist like cloud on the hill and watch the wind slowly progress across that lake. MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Hauser Lake, Idaho pan in and you will see Fernan Lake easily. INFO: Directions: To access from either Spokane WA. or Rathdrum ID. On Hwy 53 take N. Hauser Lake Rd. Take a right on N. Fay Rd. to the Hauser Lake park and launch. HAUSER info site http://hauserthoughts.com/index.html

Boat Launch http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/HauserPark.asp

Radiant Lake (20 acres- Private) – dinghies

Idaho’s newest lake gem, Radiant Lake. This diamond of a lake draws its crystal clean water from one of the largest aquifers in the United States and will maintain its water level (8 ft) in even the driest of summer months.  It is a tremendous sailing lake for its size due to steady and sometime strong winds on the Rathdrum prairie. This is a man made lake and if you hurry you may still be able to purchase a lot right on this lake. There are 5 parks around this lake where both children and adults can indulge in a friendly game of basketball, volleyball or just relax on the beach and enjoy the simple pleasures of a family picnic. MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Rathdrum, Idaho pan in and you will see a fairly good size sandy area. Currently in mapquest their map has not been updated to show the lake full of water. DIRECTIONS: To access this lake from either Spokane WA. or from Coeur d’Alene ID. you need to go to Post Falls Idaho on I-90 and take Exit 7 and go north on Hwy 41, then right on W Nagel Rd, right again on the first available street. INFO: for more info about this lake and buying a lot/house on this lake go to www.radiantlake.com

Riverstone Pond (1 acres) – RC Model Sailboats

Riverstone (Pond) Park is a new jewel just a few miles northwest of downtown Coeur d’Alene Idaho, and is nestled between the Spokane River and the new Riverstone Theaters and condos. Next to this park is a corporate park, retail center with restaurant, etc. The park includes play area, pavilion, amphitheater area, restrooms, picnic tables, two bar-b-q grills, and open grass areas. The Pond is about 2 acres with a water fountain in the middle and is where the Coeur d’Alene area RC Model Sailing Club hold must of its events and regattas. No dogs are allowed in the park but there is a trail marked by red which dogs are allowed on.

Riverstone (Pond) Park is located on the outskirts of the city of Coeur d’Alene right off of NW Boulevard. From I90 take Exit 12 and go SE toward Coeur d'Alene city center (toward North Idaho College as the signs from the interstate indicate). MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho pan in and follow the supplied directions to locate the pond and River Stone. Currently in mapquest their map has not been updated to show the pond full of water.

Located on State Highway 41, Spirit Lake is just 10 miles north of Rathdrum and within an easy driving distance of both Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. One of North Idaho's smaller lakes, it is home to nothing short of spectacular lakefront views with the majestic Selkirk Mountains to the west and north. Spirit Lake has 12 miles of shoreline, is 4.5 miles long and one mile across. 100 feet at its deepest, it is the highest of all small lakes in the Inland Empire with an elevation of 2,400 feet. This is an ideal lake to sail on with nice winds coming off of the mountains. Sorry to say it would be difficult to get a keelboat into this lake let alone a hefty monohull dinghy due to the lack of depth at the boat launches on this lake. The town of Spirit Lake has a city park with public beach and good boat ramp and dock. There are full-service, beautiful resorts on the lake.

Tottens Pond (private) - sail yaks

Twin Lakes (upper 500 acres, Lower 350acres)– dinghies

Twin Lakes as it implies has two lakes joined by a narrow 10’ deep thoroughfare. This is a great lake for sailing and is enjoyable to move between the two lakes as long as you have the capability to lower your mast for the bridge and can paddle or motor through. Beautiful tree covered mountains surround these lakes and has nice light to moderate winds sporadically throughout the year. There are both lower and upper well kept public boat launch facilities http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/TwinLakesUpper.asp .

Directions: To access from either Spokane WA. or from Coeur d’Alene ID. you need to go to Rathdrum Idaho and from there head north on Hwy 41, follow signs to public access/sportsman access. MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Twin Lakes, Idaho pan in and north/up a little and you will see the Twin Lakes easily. Boat Launches: Lower - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/TwinLakesLower.asp - Thoroughfare - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/TwinLakesMiddle.asp Upper - http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/TwinLakesUpper.asp (both the upper and lower boat launches are good to launch from but the launch near the thoroughfare tends to have a lot of weeds around it).

Phone #'s: Upper & Lower Twin Lakes 446-1275; Twin Lakes Middle Channel 446-1275

 Corbin Park, Spokane river access point - sail yaks

This park is a fun location to swim and kayak from, and in late summer and early Fall its possibility a nice location for some sail yakking. Due to the depth of this location, 20’ in some spots, and when the flow of the river is really slow this area kind of becomes lake like between the west and east rapids (about a 1000 ft. long and 50-150 wide section). There really needs to be about 10 knots of wind for the wind to get down into this canyon. I have been at this park during some windy days and so the wind does get into this canyon. Corbin Park is a 28+-acre site along the Spokane River and offers access for kayaking or fishing, picnic areas, BBQ pits, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and softball field, and restrooms. Note of caution - if you plan to swim here take note that several people have drowned there due to some nasty under toes. I swim at this park a lot and love it but use common sense and know your limits. I actually swim at this park with my wet suite shorts (for extra flotation), or with a small boat bumper leash connected to my arm, or I just swim with my life vest on and employ these tactics with my kids. Better save than sorry. During middle or late summer is best to swim here when the water is low and moving very slowly, thus the under toes will be less. Here is the info the city supplies about the park: CORBIN PARK: Located at the south end of Corbin Road, off Riverbend Ave. from McGuire Rd this 28+-acre site along the swift Spokane River offers access for rafting or fishing, picnic areas, BBQ pits, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, softball field, frisbee golf course & restrooms.

INFO: Post Falls Chamber of Commerce www.postfallsidaho.org. MAP: MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type exactly [470-599] S Corbin Rd Post Falls, ID 83854, US and you will see a red star and this is where the park is.

Post Falls Dam reservoir - dinghies

208-769-1357 for Post Falls Dam info or view @ http://www.avistautilities.com/resources/hydro/weather.asp

The Post Falls Dam (Falls Park is a nice place to view the falls from) controls the level (8 ft. total from low to high water) of Lake Coeur d’Alene via an 11 miles stretch of Spokane River. There are two Islands in this reservoir, Harbor Island towards the west end and Blackwell Island on the east end. On the backside/north side of these Islands are narrow channels with a depth of about 2-5 feet. You cannot sail these channels due to low bridges and limited ability to maneuver. Sail yaks/kayaks would be the only appropriate vessel to use in these channels and of course lowering your mast is a must (no motors allowed). Regardless it’s beautiful and peaceful to navigate these channels. The reservoir itself is nice to sail on in the spring and the fall when boat traffic is low, but in the summer the traffic on this reservoir is best described as nuts! So if you boat this reservoir in the summer keep to the sides and practice very very defensive boating, better yet just do not boat here during the summer! And it’s nice to stay in the channels during the summer if you are using a sail yak/kayak where no powerboats are allowed. From the Post Falls Q’emiln Park just off of N. Spokane St. you can boat east all the way into Lake Coeur d’Alene, but there are height limits for sailboats due to there being bridges on both the west and east ends of the reservoir, along with boat launches as well. If you launch from the Q’emiln Park and want to travel east you will be limited to a 10-15 high mast and from Blackwell Island boat launch & Park on the east end of the reservoir the height limit is 20-25 ft (heights vary based on water level @ HWY 95 bridge) if you are headed to Lake Coeur d’Alene. There are two other nice parks on the river/reservoir called Black Bay Park (view on bike trail map http://www.northidahocentennialtrail.org/CenTrail.pdf) and Mill River Park (http://www.cdaid.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=53#Mill_River). Mill River has a day use dock and the beach it right next to the parking lot so you can easy launch your sail yak or small dinghy. With Black Bay Park there is no boat launch here but If you are boating with a sail yak or even a small dinghy you can walk your boat down the trail several hundred feet to the water. Overall this is a nice reservoir for dinghy sailing but would be way to narrow for a keelboat to sail on even though there is more than enough depth in the main channel. Sailing on this reservoir from one end to the other (between bridges) can be very enjoyable, and sailing on into Lake Coeur d’Alene. Note of caution - if you are launching from Q’emiln Park be aware of the current as you could be drown into the dam barrier (call 208-769-1357 for dam info or view at http://www.avistautilities.com/resources/hydro/weather.asp. In addition particularly during the fall the current can be very fast!

MAP LINK: View Map http://www.northidahocentennialtrail.org/CenTrail.pdf - MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Post Falls, Idaho and you will see the city of Post Falls, the river side of the city is the Post Falls Reservoir. The Reservoir runs south from Post Falls to Lake Coeur d’Alene. Directions: To get to the Post Falls Park from I90 heading from either Spokane or Coeur d’Alene take the Exit 5 and turn right (south) and cross the bridge and to the left you will see the park. To get to Blackwell Island take the Exit 11, turn right onto Northwest Blvd toward down town Coeur d’Alene, turn right onto the I 95 on-ramp and take a right onto I95, cross the bridge and to the right you will see the Blackwell Island boat launch and park. Boat Launches: For Post Falls park info click here! http://www.postfallsidaho.org/parks.htm#QEMILN%20PARK: Coeur d’Alene Official Blackwell Island boat launch and park info click here! http://www.id.blm.gov/recreation/blackwell/index.htm Info: There is a wonderful Blackwell Island RV Park right across the street for the boat launch http://www.idahorvpark.com/index.html . Post Falls Chamber of Commerce www.postfallsidaho.org - Centennial Trail info http://www.northidahocentennialtrail.org

HARRISON, IDAHO –keelboat via lake boat launch

The city of Harrison is your access to the mouth of the Coeur d’Alene River (Southwest end of the river) & South East end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Starting in Harrison the boat launch facility can accommodate almost any street legal trailerable power boat or trailerable keelboat (with swing keel – sorry the boat launch is not suitable for fixed keel sailboats). The public dock facilities at the Harrison Marina are excellent and maintained by Kootenai County Parks & Water Ways with restrooms, running water (running water is only available in Harrison, the Old Mission, and at the exit 34 junction), and the ONLY pumpout on the Coeur d’Alene River. There is also a private marina at this location with restaurant and one gas pump. It is best to fuel up before getting to Harrison as fuel is not always available at this one pump. There certainly is no diesel fuel available. The nearest gas station is at exit 34 on I90 & HWY 3 junction or in St. Marries some 30 miles away. In addition there is a city run RV and camp ground down by the private marina. The town of Harrison during the summer particularly has several wonderful restaurants, a grocery store, and lots of festivals. Go to http://www.harrisonidaho.org/index.cfm to learn more about this city and its annual activities.

During my trip to the chain lakes I accessed the lakes via a 20’ pontoon boat with 50 hp outboard and a Hobie Island sail yak. I spent 5 days checking out the chain lakes and even via a power boat 5 days was a bit quick to spend any significant amount of time playing on these lakes. If your time is limited I suggest you pick just one or two lakes to visit and then make a few more trips to hit all the lakes. I might add that accessing all 11 chain lakes via a 20’ pontoon boat is not possible from the Coeur d’Alene River since 3 of the lake channels prohibit or limit you from entering the lakes depending on your boat type and 3 other lakes have no navigate-able channels from the river. With a Canoe or Kayak you can access 8 of the lakes that have navigate-able channels from the river. There is a debate among locals where all 11 lakes should be called the Chain lakes or just 7 of the lakes that can be accessed via channels directly from the river. All 11 lakes are very close to the river and all have creeks and or channels that go directly into the river. For my report I have kept it simple by including all 11 has chain lakes - I am sure the debate among locals will go on for a very long time.

Maps: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Harrison, Idaho. Directions: To get to Harrison from either the city of Coeur d’Alene or Missoula MT. take I90 and take either Exit 22 onto Hwy 97 to Harrison or take Exit 34 onto HWY 3 then turn right onto HWY 97 west to Harrison. Harrison Chamber of Commerce http://www.harrisonidaho.org/index.cfm 

Boat Launch: http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/HarrisonDocks.asp

Anderson Lake (395 acres) – dinghies via river access

Starting from Harrison and going up stream (NE) on the Coeur d’Alene River the first channel and lake you will come to is Anderson Lake @ 395 acres. The channel is fairly easy to find because it is right after the HWY 97 bridge (the first bridge you will come to. There is also a boat launch next to this bridge) on the right (E.). This channel entrance has a small bridge with the name of the lake on it. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene bike trail runs the full length of the river chain lake system on the east side; thus, any lake on this side of the river has a bike bridge over the channel. The channel height limit due to the bridge is about 5’ high and 10’ wide (all measurements are estimates so don’t quote me) with a depth of about 4’-6’. When exiting into a lake (all the channels) be sure to make a physical reference as once you leave a channel into a lake it can be hard to find it again due to how the channel exit area blends in with its surroundings.

Once in Anderson Lake you will find it quite large and fun to water ski and fish on. There are a few houses on the east side of the lake and a good depth in the middle. Like all the chain lakes the shore line is covered in vegetation and surrounded by wild life and full of fish. There is no public facility on this lake. To get to the lake via road drive on HWY 97 and turn on E. Bell Rd, and the turn on S. Anderson Lake Rd and find a place along the road lake like the shore fishermen do and access the lake via hand launch.

MAP : to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Anderson Lake, Idaho and select #2 for the correct lake on mapquest.

Thompson Lake (260 acres) – dinghies via river access

The next lake on our way up the river is Thompson Lake @ 260 acres. The channel to this lake is marked by a sign with the name of the lake at a boat launch (no restroom, running water, or dock), which is right at the entrance to the lake. The entrance to the lake is on the left (NE.) side of the river. The bridge clearance is about 4 feet high with width of about 6 feet, and water depth of 4 or so feet. There are also several power lines running across this channel. Again remember once you exit this channel into the lake make sure you make a visual reference as once you leave the channel its very hard to find as it blends in so well with its surroundings. I was expecting this lake to be totally un-navigate-able due to water weeds, etc. but I found the lake on the E. end where the channel enters was free of weeds in its deepest point and to the S. there is a nice defined channel along the lily pads. This is NOT a lake you should water ski/tub on. Room for water skiing or tubing would be very restricted and certainly would disturb the abundant wild life, so go to this lake to view the wild life or go fishing. I viewed the most wildlife on my trip at this lake such as wild turkey, deer, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and fish jumping. To access this lake via road drive on HWY 97 and turn on E. Blue Lake Rd, and continue on this road until you see open water and a nice place to park along the road like the shore fishermen do and access the lake via hand launch.

Maps: Since you can not find Thompson Lake by type in the words on mapquest, type instead Anderson Lake, Idaho on www.mapquest.com and select #2 this will take you to Anderson Lake of course and right across the river from this lake you will see Thompson Lake.

Blue Lake (300 acres) – Keelboats via river access

Blue lake is our next lake to visit and is about 300 acres. The channel to this lake is well defined by an old rail road car used as a bridge with beefy boarded sides that go into the water with a height above the water of 8 ft or so. Overall it’s a deep channel (about 6 ft) except when you are entering the lake as it gets a bit shallower (about 3’ ft). At times the channel can become very narrow (about 6’) so when getting ready to enter or exit you will need to work with other boats in taking turns entering and leaving the channel. The exit of this channel is very close to a large hill to the NW. The shore line of this lake is totally private but of course the water is public and this lake appears to be a very nice lake to water ski/tube on and of course like all the chain lakes it’s a good fishing lake. There is no public facility on this lake. This lake has some high hills along the W, N, S side of the lake, very beautiful. To access this lake via road IF OPEN from Harrison via HWY 97, then E. Blue Lake Rd, and then right onto N. Brewster Rd. This road runs along E. shore of the lake and even though there are no boat launches you could launch your sail yak or small dinghy into the lake via this road next to or near the bridge again if the road is open.

MAP: to view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Blue Lake, Idaho and select #7 for the correct lake on mapquest.

Black Lake (300) – dinghies via river access or Sail Yaks/Kayaks launched off public dock

Our next lake is Black Lake at 308 acres with a depth of 10-30 ft. The channel to this lake can be potentially hard to find as it blends in well with its surroundings. Sorry there is just no feature that stands out to mark the channel to this lake, however when coming from Harrison you will know you have passed the channel when you start to see a ranch with a series of white fences on your right (E.) or vise versus pass the white fences. Once in the channel you will have to pass under a bike bridge (4’ high, 8’ wide, with water depth of about 4’) with a Black Lake sign on it. When exiting from the channel there is a telephone pole in the water which is a good feature to use to help you find the channel again on your way back out.

This lake has a deep and rocky shore line and with high hills almost all round the lake, quite stunning, and weeds on the east end. It also has the most homes around it out of all the chain lakes, yet this fact does not seem to distract from its beauty or wild life; I saw my first beaver on this trip in the Black Lake channel. This is also an excellent fishing lake. It is also a nice lake to water ski/tube on but please stay in the middle of the lake so your boat wake does not annoy the lake side residents. There is a public dock on the east end of the lake with no boat launch, restroom, or running water so you can launch a kayak from the dock but you will have to paddle some distance to get through the grass and lily pads, there is limited amount of space to park (2-3 vehicles without trailer). To access the lake and public dock from HWY 3, turn onto Black Lake Rd. and follow the signs to the Black Lake Boat Launch.

Map: Since you can not find Black Lake by type in the words on mapquest,