You guys, IT IS HOT OUT! With temperatures rising into the triple digits this week, and all the things closed down due to COVID, we are hitting the lake! In the Inland Northwest we are blessed with some of the best lakes around. Depending on your lake activities, please wear the appropriate gear, like life jackets! Before you head out, check the website for your specific lake destination to check any updated guidelines due to COVID-19.
West Plains
Silver Lake
Silver is a 486 acre lake located about 2 miles from I-90’s Four Lakes exit. It has long been considered on of the best trout producers on the Eastside of the mountains! Be aware, at the
Medical Lake (Closed for COVID)
149 acre lake, there are a few parks that dot the shoreline of medical lake and also a great paved trail around the lake. Waterfront park, has parks, trail access and a great swimming beach.
West Medical Lake
West of Medical Lake is West Medical Lake! Another great fishing location, shoreline fishing available however pay close attention to any “No trespassing” signs.
Clear Lake
Enjoy boating and fishing at this lake! Public boat launch on the west side of the lake. On the east side you will find Clear Lake’s Military resort, active and retired military, National Guard, DoD Civilian employees and family members are welcome!
Williams Lake
About 12 miles southwest of Cheney, fishing abounds at the smaller, stocked lake. There is a public boat launch as well as some family owned resorts that offer boat launches, resort stays, and dining.
Spokane
Liberty Lake
On the south side of this lake there is a swimming beach with lifeguards, campsites, playground and hiking trails. The public boat launch is located on the north end of the lake
Bear Lake
This is a quiet 29acre spring-fed lake located in north Spokane County near Chattaroy. It is only accessible through Bear lake Regional Park off Highway 2. There is a swimming area, playground and hiking trails but no boat launch.
Newman Lake
Newman lake is one of the largest lakes in Spokane County at 1,200 acres. There is a public access point which includes a boat launch, and also the Newman Lake Resort and Marina, and Sutton Bay Resort. Other than that, much of the shoreline is lined with private property.
Trout and Emerald Lake
Near the towns of Kettle Falls and Republic, you can drive directly to Trout Lake Campground. To reach Emerald lake, hike the Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 to Emerald Lake Trail #94, just a little over 6 miles round trip.
Sullivan lake
Camping, paddling, fishing, hiking and huckleberry picking are all activities you can do here! Located in the Colville National Forest, just four miles SE of the town of Metaline Falls. Access the lake is at two locations; East Sullivan Lake Campground at the north end and Noisy Creek Campground on the south end.
Twin Lakes
On the Colville Indian reservation, two lakes are frequently referred to as Twin Lakes. Each is accessible from locally owned resorts areas. The North Twin Lake has Rainbow Beach Resort, with boat and cabin rentals, and a swimming area. South Twin Lake has Hartman’s Log Cabin Resort, with cabin and boat rentals, camping, RV sites and a restaurant!
Lake Roosevelt
This is a 130-mile long man-made lake! Formed out of the upper Columbia River with the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. Five agencies and Native American tribes collectively manage this lake, be sure to check maps and websites when you plan your trip. Numerous day-use areas and campgrounds are within the recreation area, including Kettle Falls near the north end and Fort Spokane, which is located in the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia rivers. The Boat launch near the towns of Davenport and Reardan has a $6 launch fee.
Northern Idaho
Lake Coeur d’Alene
This lake is HUGE! At more than 31,000 acres, lake Coeur d’Alene has 16 boat launch locations. Two locations included in Lake Coeur d’Alene that are worth checking out are the North Idaho college campus located off Rosenberry Drive, you’ll find a less busy public beach access, and Harrison, ID!
Hayden Lake
Located in the Bitterroot Mountains east of the city of Hayden ID. The very popular beach called Honeyscukle Beach offers many amenities for enjoying your summer day. The swimming area is staffed with lifeguards, a concession stand, and a boat launch (with fees). The public boat launch is on the northeast side of the lake, and the Hayden Lake Marina , with a store, restaurant, boat rentals and boat launch is on the south shore.
Spirit Lake
Located north of Rathdrum Idaho, Spirit Lake hold views of the Selkirk Mountains. In town lake access can be found at the Spirit Lake Rec Center, where you can also buy snacks and beach supplies as well as rent paddleboards, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, row boats, life jackets and bicycles. There are three other public boat launches, an Idaho Fish and Game sportsman’s access on the north shoreline, Maiden Rock on the east side, and Bronze bay on the west end of the lake. Two resorts provide cabins, boat rentals, fishing docks and swimming beaches; Sedlemayers Campground & Resort, and Silver Beach Resort.
Lake Pend Oreille
This is Idaho’s largest and deepest lake! This lake is beautiful at all its vistas, a few places to visit would be Bayview, Hope, and Sandpoint. Wherever you end up here, you will have a good time and find many activities and amenities.
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