Lake Coeur d'Alene Live Cam
A natural dam-controlled lake in North Idaho
History
Coeur d'Alene Lake is located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Idaho and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States. The lake has a rich history that spans thousands of years, beginning with the indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for generations.
The first inhabitants of the Coeur d'Alene Lake region were the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, a Native American people who lived in the area for thousands of years. The name "Coeur d'Alene" means "heart of the awl," which is a reference to the tribe's skill in crafting sharp tools.
In the early 19th century, European fur traders began to arrive in the area, and by the mid-1800s, the region had become a hub of activity for the fur trade. The arrival of European settlers led to conflicts between the indigenous people and the newcomers, and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe was eventually forced to cede much of its land to the U.S. government.
In the late 1800s, mining became the dominant industry in the Coeur d'Alene Lake region, with vast deposits of silver, lead, and zinc being discovered in the surrounding hills. The boom in mining led to an influx of people into the area, and by the turn of the 20th century, the town of Coeur d'Alene had become a bustling center of commerce.
Throughout the 20th century, Coeur d'Alene Lake remained an important site for mining, logging, and recreation, and today it is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the lake's crystal-clear waters, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife. The lake and its surrounding areas are also home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including bald eagles, moose, and grizzly bears.
Top Tourist Attractions
Coeur d'Alene Lake and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of tourist attractions and activities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the area:
- Coeur d'Alene Resort: The Coeur d'Alene Resort is a luxurious hotel located on the shores of the lake. The resort features a world-class golf course, a marina, and a spa, as well as numerous dining and shopping options.
- Tubbs Hill: Tubbs Hill is a 120-acre park located in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Silverwood Theme Park: Located just a short drive from Coeur d'Alene, Silverwood Theme Park is a popular amusement park with rides, roller coasters, and a water park.
- Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes: The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a 72-mile paved bike trail that winds its way through the scenic Idaho panhandle.
- Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises: Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises offers a variety of sightseeing cruises on the lake, including a sunset dinner cruise and a bald eagle watching cruise.
- McEuen Park: McEuen Park is a 22-acre park located in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The park features a playground, splash pad, and skate park, as well as numerous sports fields and courts.
- Museum of North Idaho: The Museum of North Idaho offers exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of the Coeur d'Alene region, including the area's mining and logging industries.
- Coeur d'Alene Public Library: The Coeur d'Alene Public Library is a beautiful and modern facility that offers a wide range of books, media, and programming for all ages.
- Silver Beach Marina: Silver Beach Marina is a full-service marina located on the north shore of the lake. The marina offers boat rentals, fuel, and supplies, as well as a restaurant and bar.
- Coeur d'Alene City Park and Beach: Coeur d'Alene City Park and Beach is a popular public beach located in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The beach features a playground, picnic areas, and a swimming area with a lifeguard.
Climate
Coeur d'Alene Lake is located in the Northern Rocky Mountains region of the United States and has a humid continental climate. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters.
In the summer months, which typically run from June through August, temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (about 18 to 32 degrees Celsius). Humidity is generally low during the summer, and the lake provides a refreshing escape from the heat.
Fall in Coeur d'Alene is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (about 5 to 20 degrees Celsius). The fall colors in the surrounding forests are a popular attraction for tourists.
Winter in Coeur d'Alene is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to the 40s Fahrenheit (about -7 to 4 degrees Celsius). The area receives an average of 70 inches (178 cm) of snow per year, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Spring in Coeur d'Alene is mild and rainy, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit (about 5 to 20 degrees Celsius). The area's forests and hills come alive with wildflowers in the spring, making it a beautiful time to visit for nature lovers.
Geography
Coeur d'Alene Lake is a large freshwater lake located in the Northern Rocky Mountains region of the United States. The lake is situated in northern Idaho and spans approximately 25 miles (40 km) in length and 1 to 3 miles (1.6 to 4.8 km) in width. The lake has a maximum depth of 220 feet (67 meters) and covers an area of 30,000 acres (12,140 hectares).
The lake is fed by several tributaries, including the Coeur d'Alene River, which is the largest. The Spokane River also flows out of the lake's northern end. The lake's watershed covers approximately 1,300 square miles (3,367 square kilometers) and includes the Coeur d'Alene Mountains to the east and the Selkirk Mountains to the north.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, which are the result of the lake's low nutrient levels and the surrounding forests that filter the runoff from the surrounding hills. The lake's shoreline is rocky and forested, with numerous bays and coves. The lake is surrounded by the city of Coeur d'Alene to the south and the town of Harrison to the southeast, as well as several smaller communities along its shores. The lake and its surrounding areas are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.