Coeur D'Alene Lake, Glacial lake in Kootenai County, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene Lake is a glacial lake in Kootenai County, northern Idaho, measuring 25 miles long with 109 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 194 feet (59 meters). Nine marinas are spread along the shore, providing docks, fuel stations, and services for boaters.
The Schitsu'umsh people lived in this region for centuries before British explorer David Thompson arrived as the first European in 1807. Logging and mining companies settled in the late 19th century, using the body of water to transport timber and minerals.
The name comes from the French expression "Herz der Ahle" or "coeur d'alêne," which French-Canadian fur traders applied to the local Schitsu'umsh people. Today the waters remain central to tribal ceremonies and resource stewardship practices that visitors can observe through guided interpretive programs.
Multiple public ramps allow access with boats, kayaks, or paddleboards, with the clearest views usually found during calm weather in early morning hours. Shoreline trails are suitable for walking and cycling, while the water becomes warm enough for swimming in summer months.
Between November and February, over 200 bald eagles gather at Wolf Lodge Bay to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. This seasonal spectacle draws birdwatchers from across the region who gather along the shore to observe the raptors diving and fishing.
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