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North Idaho: Boaters' Paradise
By Tim Williams
(from the print edition, May 2011)
 With dozens of beautiful alpine lakes and hundreds of miles of navigatable waters throughout North Idaho, it’s no wonder that one of the area's most popular activities is boating. From vintage charmers to grand cruisers, there’s something for everyone around the lakes. While you’ll see all types of watercraft, hundreds of wooden boats happily call these waters home. Many of these “woodies” are classics from another era that have been painstaking restored to their original glory. The region’s crystal-clear waters and rugged mountains are the perfect backdrop to showcase these beauties. A highlight of the summer season, a series of annual Wooden Boat Festivals and Parades are held each summer on Lake Pend Oreille (July 9-10), Lake Coeur d’ Alene (Aug 19-21) and Priest Lake (September 3-5). Post Falls is home to The Resort Boat Shop, one of the premier wooden restorers in the nation. This is a regional mecca for wooden boat owners and enthusiasts, offering vintage and new wooden boat sales, restorations, custom design and building, specialized wooden boat accessories and trailers. One of the best ways to see the lakes is from the water. Many local resorts and marinas offer hourly, daily and weekly rentals. On Lake Coeur d’ Alene, The Boardwalk Marina at The Coeur d’Alene Resort offers both Cobalt ski boats and pontoon boats. On Lake Pend Oreille stop by The Sandpoint Marina in the Old Powerhouse at Sand Creek, where you’ll find everything from kayaks and ski boats to wake boards and water skis. On Priest Lake, Crown Jewel Water Sports is the place for all your watercraft and water-sports needs. If you're interested in touring the waters but not looking to captain your own boat, several daily public cruises are offered on Lake Coeur d’ Alene, the Spokane River and Lake Pend Oreille. These are the perfect way to see beautiful waterways while relaxing with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers several options: a tour through the lake’s bays, a journey up the St. Joe River, a 4 of July fireworks excursion, even a pirate-themed cruise for the kids. In Post Falls, the River Queen departs daily for scenic cruises of the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene aboard an authentic Mississippi sternwheeler. Lake Pend Oreille Cruises depart from the Sandpoint City Beach dock, and feature a variety of daily excursions, including wine-tastings, eagle-watching, and the popular Afternoon History cruise – where you’ll learn about the geology of the lake and trace an ‘ice dam’ that was formed 17,000 years ago. With so many wonderful ways to experience the beauty of these magnificent lakes, it’s no wonder boaters hit the waters all season long. Tim Williams grew up spending summers on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and now divides his time between homes in Bellevue, Washington & Hayden Lake, Idaho.
Image credit: The Coeur d'Alene Resort. |
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