Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or even just want to know more about this amazing place, you’ve come to the right blog post! In this article, we will cover everything from where to stay and what to do, to the history of Lake Coeur d’Alene. We hope that after reading this post, you’ll have a better understanding and appreciation for this incredible lake!

1. Do people swim in lake Coeur D Alene?

Yes, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a great place to swim! The water is great and the scenery is amazing. You can find a beach or swimming area on either the north or south shores of the lake.

Several marinas offer boat rentals, so you can explore the lake on your terms. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at Stand Up Paddle-boarding! No matter how you choose to enjoy Lake Coeur d’Alene, we guarantee that you’ll have a great time.

2. Does Lake Coeur D Alene raise and lower?

The lake does raise and lower! It can change by up to 6 feet during different times of the year. This change is made by the Post Falls Dam (much like what the Albeni Falls dam does for Lake Pend Orielle), which assists in powering the city of Coeur D Alene.

The lake rises during the times of the year when excess water makes its way into the lake, especially when snow is melting off of the mountains.

Unlike Lake Pend Oreille, this lake only rises and lowers due to overflow of water making its way into the lake, rather than changing for the health of the lake.

3. Does lake Coeur D Alene freeze?

Lake Coeur d’Alene does not freeze over completely, but the north and south shores do get icy during the winter. This allows for some fun winter usage, however not quite as much as most people would like for things like ice skating and ice fishing.

If you are looking to go ice skating on the lake, you are likely out of luck, however, lakes like Lake Cocollala that is nearby would be a great option. You could also always visit “CDA On Ice”, which is an ice rink right near the Coeur D Alene Resort.

4. What kind of fish live in Lake Coeur D Alene?

According to Idaho’s site, there are tons of different species of fish in the lake! Some of the most well-known are Bull Trout, Chinook Salmon, Largemouth Bass, and Cutthroat Trout. However, there are some other less well-known species, such as the Pumpkinseed, Tiger Musky, and more.

This lake is an awesome opportunity for fishers, or for people that have never fished. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors and maybe even catch dinner!

5. How deep is the lake in Coeur D Alene?

The deepest point of Lake Coeur D Alene is about 220 feet. The deepest part of Lake Coeur D’Alene is located in the north-central portion of the lake.

6. What towns are on Lake Coeur D Alene?

There are several towns located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, including Coeur d’Alene, Eddyville, and Harrison. The largest town by far is CDA (the other name for Coeur d’Alene), with a population of 50,540 in 2019.

If you are wanting to make a visit to this amazing lake, then your best bet would be to book some lodging within the town of Coeur d’Alene, where you will find plenty of lodging, shopping and so much more.

7. Is Lake Pend Oreille or Lake Coeur D’Alene Bigger?

While Lake Coeur D’Alene looks huge when you are sitting there looking at it, its next door neighbor Lake Pend Oreille is considerably larger (they even test submarines in it).

To give some perspective, Lake Pend Oreille has 111 miles of coastline, while Lake Coeur D’Alene 109. That isn’t that much of a difference, however their depth is what makes it huge! Lake Pend Oreille can get as deep as 1,150 feet, and Lake Coeur D’Alene only gets up to 220 feet deep. That is a lot of extra water!

8. What rivers feed Lake Coeur D Alene?

Two different rivers feed the majority of the lake, and that would be the Coeur d’Alene River and the St. Joe River. The Coeur d’Alene River’s inlet is at the southern point of the lake, right near Harrison, Idaho.

Meanwhile, St. Joe River goes into the lake at the very southern end of the lake right around Round Lake. It is very interesting to find that there are only two major rivers going into this lake, and both are near the southern end of this body of water.

9. What does Lake Coeur D Alene mean?

Coeur D Alene is a french word that means “Heart of Awl”, and originated by French trappers that had moved into the area and named the local tribe “Coeur D’Alene”.

10. Are homes expensive along Lake Coeur D Alene?

The Coeur D Alene area is one of the fastest-growing areas in the way of housing! Many people are moving to the area, as it is one of the nicest towns in the area, with a lot of awesome outdoor amenities.

That also drives up the pricing of homes, and especially homes along the waterfront of the lake.

Homes in the CDA region are truly amazing, however that does come with a price tag. While they aren’t the most expensive homes in the USA, they are climbing in value.

Conclusion

Lake Coeur d’Alene is an awesome place with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to swim, boat, fish, or just relax and take in the scenery, this lake has it all!

If you’re lucky enough to live near Lake Coeur D’Alene, we hope that you take advantage of everything it has to offer. If you’re looking for a vacation spot, Lake Coeur D’Alene should be at the top of your list!