Living the Lake Life LAKE COEUR D’ALENE is 25 miles long, 1-3 miles wide, with 109 miles of shoreline. The lake is fed by the Coeur d’Alene, the St. Joe, and the St. Maries Rivers. It flows outward to the Spokane River, which flows west about 25 miles into East Central Washington, emptying into the Columbia River. National Geographic described Lake Coeur d’Alene as one of the ten most beautiful lakes in the United States. Adjacent to downtown you’ll find Independence Point and City Beach which provide the perfect backdrop for many sporting events such as IRONMAN 70.3 and the CDA Triathlon/Duathlon. You can enjoy numerous water activities, such as waterskiing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, boat cruises, and kayaking while exploring the pristine waters. Wildlife watchers can see scores of migrating bald eagles flocking yearly to Lake Coeur d’Alene at Higgens Point to feed on kokanee salmon. Each year, the return of ospreys to Lake Coeur d’Alene is celebrated with the popular Osprey Cruise. North Idaho is known for its scenic beauty, world-class fishing, hunting, and numerous options for the outdoor adventurer. The St. Joe and Coeur d’Alene Rivers provide outstanding fishing opportunities for native cutthroat trout. The entire area’s abundant lakes yield everything from panfish to trophy bass, trout and salmon. Tours are available to
take you on an outdoor adventure, or explore the thousands of acres of lakes, streams and national forests on your own. For cycling and hiking enthusiasts of all levels and abilities, the North Idaho Centennial Trail will take you from the Washington border all the way to the east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Other maintained area trails include the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and the Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail, where bikers begin at either the Idaho or the Montana trailhead to pedal the 13-mile historic rail trail that passes through eight tunnels and over seven high train trestles. If mountain biking is more your style, area ski resorts have seasonal rugged bike trails built to challenge all skill levels. Speaking of winter sports, our area boasts three amazing ski resorts within a one-and-a-half hour drive from Coeur d’Alene: Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Linda Lantzy
Shane Young
Bob Legasa
Linda Lantzy
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Shane Young
