Coeur d'Alene Lake
Coeur d'Alene Lake
5
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Fed by waters from three different rivers, this pristine, 30-mile lake offers just about every water sport imaginable.
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- Violette54Payson, Arizona5,207 contributionsEast and South along the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic ParkwayOn eastbound I-90, at Idaho exit 22, the junction with ID SR 97, we turned south to cross the bridge and drive along the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Parkway to Harrison, and on to the the junction with ID SR 3. This was a pretty drive, but it was longer than we anticipated. We began near Wolf Lodge Bay, the east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This is beautiful country and the road was quite good.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- mrc282World9,452 contributionsshimmering blue water on a sunny daythe CdA lake is fairly big, and has its busy and quiet spots. it is still chilly in early May, but flowers are already blooming it claims to host the longest floating boardwalk in the world, near the the CdA Resort. a short distance away from here is Tubbs Hill, where you can hike up to the summit ridge in 15 min. but my favorite section of the lake is at CdA Parkway State Park, which has the Centennial trail running alongside the road. the terminus of this trail is Higgins Point. if you have time, you can continue driving to Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, where there is a 3.3 mile trail up to the top that gives you a bird eye view of the lake. the sun can be unforgiving in mid day even in May so i recommend doing this hike first thing in the morning. after that, the road (Route 97) continue to wind around the lake, getting more and more rural, until it reaches Harrison.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 May 2024
- Jim WSindelfingen, Germany8,774 contributionsGorgeous Lake With The World's Largest Floating DockWhenever I come TDY to Spokane, I make a side trip to Lake Couer d'Alene. This time was no different as I came here with a work colleague and his wife. It was a sunny and warm Sunday afternoon, perfect for taking a walk along the world's largest floating dock. I even got to see a seaplane takeoff this time. What a fun place!Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 August 2024
- Boldly Believe14 contributionsLove this lakeI really like this lake. It is great for photos and it is a good place to go to on a vacation in the summer. There is a spot near the Coeur d'Alene Resort where a person can go into the lake, and heads up, the lake will be cold at first, but if you keep moving you will warm up.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 October 2024
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5.0
1,432 reviews
Excellent
1,152
Very good
238
Average
27
Poor
6
Terrible
9
Familyvacayer
Battle Ground, WA245 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
What a beautiful lake in a beautiful town! There’s a lot to choose from and with planning, you can do a lot of cool things. The public park with the beach access is large and very nice. It offers public restrooms, lots of shady areas, basketball courts, trees, picnic tables, and easy access to the lake. There are parking lots that you pay to park in but they’re priced appropriately. If it’s a hot day, I do recommend getting there early. Around the lake you can rent paddle boards, paddle boats, pontoon boats, jet skis, boats for tubing, go parasailing, or take a lake cruise. From the park, there is access to the carousel, museums, and a short walk to downtown Couer D’Alene. I appreciate that I could access the lake from large stone ledges that stepped down into the water and that I could avoid the sandy beach. The beaches were very packed since it was very hot out, so we were able to distance better from the ledges. If you have any floating devices you’d like to bring, I encourage that as well. Fun for the whole family!
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling4Real
Fidalgo Island, WA334 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
My friend and I rented a 25’ Cobalt power boat at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and toured the lake by water. There were so many things to see from the infamous floating golf green, multimillion dollar mansions, mountains, etc.. We spent four hours touring the entire 25 mile long lake and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There were many other boats however not crowded at all. We enjoyed ourselves so much that the following day we hired a fishing charter outfit and were right back out on the water. We’ll certainly be back.
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,412 contributions
Jun 2020
We lived for years on Lake Chelan in Washington, and I have to say, Lake Coeur d'Alene reminds me a little of Lake Chelan. The water is clear, the scenery breathtaking...at at one end is a resort town with all kinds of fun things to do.
Written 10 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nolessthan4me
Charlotte, NC24 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Beautiful setting and walk to shopping, coffee and food galore. The resort is great, but you can just stay nearby to see all the beautiful places . Mineral ridge hike was amazing! Tubs hill was just a stroll. The park is along the lake and just gorgeous. I used the picture this app to identify interesting plants, we hiked at the national forest 15 minutes away, we loved the coffee at vault!. You can do this trip and spend thousands, or on a backpack budget, the days inn looked like the nicest one I had seen in a long time - we went with a Hampton inn bc the resort sold out, but we loved that too! Enjoy all this area has to offer and then drive to Spokane or sandpoint for more!
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlene L
Yerington, NV650 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
This looks like a beautiful lake. We drove by several public beaches. The water is crystal clear and there is all sorts of things like dinner boat rides in the area. Hope to return when the smoke is gone.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc282
World9,452 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
the CdA lake is fairly big, and has its busy and quiet spots. it is still chilly in early May, but flowers are already blooming
it claims to host the longest floating boardwalk in the world, near the the CdA Resort.
a short distance away from here is Tubbs Hill, where you can hike up to the summit ridge in 15 min.
but my favorite section of the lake is at CdA Parkway State Park, which has the Centennial trail running alongside the road. the terminus of this trail is Higgins Point.
if you have time, you can continue driving to Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, where there is a 3.3 mile trail up to the top that gives you a bird eye view of the lake. the sun can be unforgiving in mid day even in May so i recommend doing this hike first thing in the morning.
after that, the road (Route 97) continue to wind around the lake, getting more and more rural, until it reaches Harrison.
it claims to host the longest floating boardwalk in the world, near the the CdA Resort.
a short distance away from here is Tubbs Hill, where you can hike up to the summit ridge in 15 min.
but my favorite section of the lake is at CdA Parkway State Park, which has the Centennial trail running alongside the road. the terminus of this trail is Higgins Point.
if you have time, you can continue driving to Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, where there is a 3.3 mile trail up to the top that gives you a bird eye view of the lake. the sun can be unforgiving in mid day even in May so i recommend doing this hike first thing in the morning.
after that, the road (Route 97) continue to wind around the lake, getting more and more rural, until it reaches Harrison.
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B.G. Fletcher
17 contributions
Dec 2020
Lake Coeur d'Alene is one of those places that is great no matter the season. My personal favorite is to go in December when the bald eagles are there. My favorite spot on the lake is Beauty Bay because the views are spectacular - and it is just far enough off the road to be quiet and relaxing.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,775 contributions
Jul 2023
A group of 50 and 60 something 1st cousins came to the lake for a day. Such a beautiful lake!
We wanted to take the sea-plane tour, but they were not answering their phone.
One cousin had a boat on the W side of the lake and it was so pretty! Such clear water. We really liked that the downtown area of the lake area was easily accessible.
We wanted to take the sea-plane tour, but they were not answering their phone.
One cousin had a boat on the W side of the lake and it was so pretty! Such clear water. We really liked that the downtown area of the lake area was easily accessible.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,123 contributions
Aug 2020
From the pictures and reviews I had read beforehand, I wasn't expecting much. But when we first turned the corner and the lake and downtown came into view, it almost took my breath away. I grew up in Europe and this place reminds me so much of resort towns in Bavaria or Slovenia. The whole downtown and lakefront were so clean and well maintained. Flowers everywhere! Lots of cute shops and even a sightseeing boat that crisscrosses the lake. The monuments honoring the military were not damaged or covered in graffiti. We will be back and are now considering retiring in the area.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mynameisD
Portland, OR927 contributions
Jul 2022
Coeur d'Alene Lake is lovely. A beautiful place to hang out. We were traveling through and checked out the lake and the local Park, there is a great dog park and plenty of things to do around the lake area.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're planning a trip including a visit to Coeur d'Alene either Labor Day weekend or early/mid September. Is Labor Day weekend crazy with crowds? If we wait until early/mid September, is it too cold for swimming? Do activities shut down after Labor Day? Thank you.
Written 29 June 2024
where can we rent a boat for use on the lake? pontoon or houseboat would be great
Written 2 March 2020
I believe we used the boardwalk boat place right by the resort. The boat was in really good shape.
Written 2 March 2020
I will be visiting in April and am looking for activities to do since it is off season???
Written 21 December 2019
Go to the library across from the wonderful bakery by the lake. They have a giant size kids book about the aftermath of a hurricane written by Stephen Colbert because somebody kept hiding all the books they thought were too liberal. Sooo funny. It's a kids book to generate money for hurricane relief and tell a kind story but somebody thought they needed to censor it because Stephen Colbert wrote it!! The book has its own easel because it's like two feet wide squared. Also, the lake walk is wonderful and you can take cruises on the lake. It is really peaceful. Have fun!!!
Written 22 December 2019
What is the route/roads for a motorhome from Missoula, Mt. to Couer d Alene, Idaho? Are there any passes to go up and down??
Written 27 June 2019
We just did that trip ourselves in a Motorhome over Fathers Day weekend. You would travel Interstate 90 and there is two mountain passes. Lookout pass is at the state line boarder of Montana and Idaho, Elevation is 4710 for Lookout. If you stop at the Silver Dollar Bar close to the state line has free camping with electrical hookup.
Before Coeur d'Alene you will cross Fourth of July Pass elevation 3173. It is a Interstate route with lots of trucks but it does flow good. Note they did have a little road construction on the route but not much delay. You will enjoy the beautiful forest and if you get a chance stop off at Wallace Idaho.
Written 27 June 2019
We are planning a camping trip this summer in August and were just informed about the toxic levels of heavy metals flowing into the lake from multiple different sources. Has anyone experienced any adverse reaction after swimming or heard from the locals not to swim in the lake? Thanks
Written 8 May 2019
There has been significant improvement in the clean up of the tributaries that had hd the heavy metals. There has no known adverse reaction from the lake itself.
Written 9 May 2019
Yes the beach is free
There are parking lots where you pay.
Or just park on the street for free, 2 hour limit in close.
Or go about four blocks away for free all day.
We drive a 33foot motorhome so go 4 blocks away.
Written 15 January 2018
So I'm taking my girlfriend for a weekend in Coeur d'Alene and am wanting to propose. But have made the mistake that I don't know the area at all. Are there any decent beaches that are secluded with public access or similar areas? Thanks in advance!
Written 27 May 2016
when you ask me this question if you look at my pic there is a perfect place at the hotel there, see the arch in my pic I remember there being a bench or seat there beautiful place to propose. Hope this helps! Call resort to be sure they are so good at helping with these things! Good luck! N congrats!
Written 28 May 2016
Crissjlar
Christchurch, New Zealand
Where can I find prices and descriptions of boat tours?
Written 1 May 2016
Northwest Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Cruises. My friend had a Groupon coupon two for one! Depending on the time of year you go, cruises (90 minutes) May through September were at: 12:30 or 2:30. There's a 4:30pm in summer also. Check the website for exact dates and price updates. You may book online. We had no problem getting on buying at the dock in late June with the coupon, but we did arrive early. Glad I brought a sweater.
Adults: $24.75 Seniors 55+ : $22.75 Children (6-17): 16.75. 5 and under: Free
We Seniors boarded early to get a table upstairs, but people are friendly so don't be afraid to share a table!
Written 3 May 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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