Lake Coeur d'Alene
Idaho
Lake Coeur d'Alene is a natural dam-controlled lake located in northern Idaho, spanning approximately 25 miles in length and up to 3 miles in width, with over 109 miles of shoreline. It was formed by the Missoula Floods at the end of the last Ice Age, shaped by glacial activity that carved its basin and dammed rivers in the region. The lake is primarily fed by the Coeur d'Alene and Saint Joe rivers and drains via the Spokane River. It holds significant cultural importance for the Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d'Alene) Tribe, who have inhabited the area for centuries and rely on the lake for fishing and traditional practices. The lake supports diverse recreational activities including boating, fishing, and swimming, and is home to the popular Coeur d'Alene Resort. Its water levels are managed by the Post Falls Dam, causing seasonal fluctuations. Historically, the lake was integral to the local timber industry and transportation, with remnants of early 20th-century automobiles and steamboats resting on its bed. Environmental stewardship remains a priority, with the tribe actively managing water quality and fisheries to preserve this vital ecological and economic resource.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lake Coeur d'Alene is during the summer months when the water temperature is warmest for swimming and boating. Visitors are encouraged to check local resources for any water quality advisories and consider purchasing tickets or booking accommodations at the Coeur d'Alene Resort in advance during peak season. The Schitsu’umsh Tribe manages part of the lake, and respecting tribal lands and regulations is recommended. Water activities and fishing are popular, so bringing appropriate gear and licenses is advisable. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer serene views and better wildlife spotting opportunities.
Zajímavosti
- •Lake Coeur d'Alene has over 109 miles (175 km) of shoreline, making it a vast natural feature in northern Idaho.
- •The lake was created by the Missoula Floods at the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.
- •Several Ford Model T automobiles are believed to rest at the bottom of the lake, a result of early 1900s drivers misjudging ice thickness during winter crossings.
- •The lake's water level is controlled seasonally by the Post Falls Dam, causing fluctuations up to 7 feet.
- •The Coeur d'Alene Tribe owns the southern third of the lake and its submerged lands, a status affirmed by a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Historie
Lake Coeur d'Alene was formed between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago by the Missoula Floods resulting from the breaking of an ice dam during the last Ice Age.
The Schitsu’umsh people, also known as the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, have lived around the lake for centuries and have maintained stewardship over its resources.
European explorer David Thompson first recorded seeing the lake in 1807.
The construction of the Post Falls Dam altered the lake's size and shape, merging several smaller lakes into one larger body.
The lake played a vital role in the regional timber industry, with lumber transported via its waters.
Ownership and water rights have been legally affirmed for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, including the right to set water-quality standards on their portion of the lake.
Průvodce po místě
Shoreline and Recreational Areas
Explore the extensive shoreline offering numerous spots for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking, with scenic views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
Coeur d'Alene Resort
A luxury resort on the lake's northern end, known for its amenities, lake views, and as a hub for water-based activities.
Steamboat GraveyardEarly 20th century
An underwater site containing the remains of several old steamboats that once operated on the lake, offering historical insight into the region's transportation past.