Pend Oreille River, Bonner County, Idaho

PEND OREILLE RIVER in Bonner County, Idaho
This river extends from the Lake Pend Oreille all the way to the Columbia River in Canada. The information here covers the river from Lake Pend Oreille to the Idaho, Washington Border not far past the Albeni Falls Dam. From Albeni Falls Dam to Lake Pend Oreille it's more of a reservoir in the summer and turns to a river during fall, winter, and spring when the dam is opened up. During the summer the flow on this river is very slow or non existent. But in late September they start to draw Lake Pend Oreille down so the flow on the river increases significantly. During the summer, primary activities include water skiing and sailing. Other times of the year the primary activity is fishing. There are 10 boat launches on the river/reservoir; nine are county owned and 1 is owned by a resort (see details below). I have included Cocolalla Creek sportsman access site even though technically it's not on the river but does give one access to the river and Cocolalla Creek marsh area, which is a beautiful area to kayak and fish from. There is no boat launch at the Cocolalla site; one must launch from the bank (see details below). Fishing: Large and Smallmouth Bass, limit of 6; two may be Largemouth Bass. No Largemouth Bass under 16 inches. No size limit on Smallmouth Bass. Trout: Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, Lake, & Kokanee. Aggregate limit - 6, with no size limit. Bull Trout closed to harvest. Call the Idaho Fish & Game for changes in these rules, etc. at 208-769-1414. Directions: To access the river/reservoir from the north side of the river use HWY 2. On the south side of the river see a map as there are several roads to access the river/reservoir with... Maps: View interactive Google Map below...

Pictures and info about boat launches, access points, etc. below map!

Pend Oreille River in Idaho Boat Launches & Camping

1. Dover Launch, Marina, & Park - Paved fee launch, docks, marina, sandy beach with swim platform/dock, park, dog park, walking trails, beautiful marsh, restrooms, running water, store. This access/launch is placed in the Lake Pend Oreille section because some consider this is the furthest west point to access Lake Pend Oreille even though its official on the Pend Oreille River. Dover City and Dover Resort are a collaborative group that has developed a stunning park with beautiful wood bridges over the marsh channels, beautiful park that is open to people as well as dogs. The resort maintains the launch and marina. The fee to launch is $19 a bit high when you can launch just down stream on the Pend Oreille River for free or in Sandpoint Idaho for a small fee. Sailors beware there are some power lines that cross the river near the launch and marina. The city maintains the beach and dock, Directions: On Highway 2. in Dover turn south at the Dover Bay turnoff, go west past the Discovery Center on Railroad Avenue to Dover Bay Way and turn left. Follow to Lakeshore Drive and turn right. Dover City Beach and Park is at end of this road next to City Hall. On your way to the launch/park you will pass through an upscale housing development. Maps: See interactive Google map below or visit google.com/maps type in Lake Pend Oreille, Bonner County, ID. or GPS coordinates for boat launch 48.245007, -116.614622 , Coordinates for beach 48.246327, -116.618615

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... Pave accessible paths to launch dock and to beach area; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One accessible launch dock. One paved launch at 5% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices but paved path does get close to the waters edge at the sandy beach; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand; Terrain: Mostly level to 5% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks at Dover Resort cafe and food, drinks, and gas in town of Sandpoint, ID.

2. Laclede Ferry Boat Launch - 2 Docks, 2 Paved Launches, and gravel launches. No restroom or running water. Directions: From HWY 2 at Laclede Idaho, turn south onto Riley Creek Rd. Where the road takes a sharp turn right (west), go straight onto Laclede Ferry Rd. Go straight to boat launch. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.161324, -116.754066

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails but wide gravel area to launches and shoreline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. No shade; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two long launch docks. Two single lane cement launches near each other at about 5% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. Wide gravel areas to the beach; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible camping near by at Riley Creek Recreation Area Park... See #3 below; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Gravel and mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to 5% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River, ID.

3. Riley Creek State Park Landing - Docks, paved launch, bay area during summer water levels where boats can beach, beaches, restrooms, swim area, playground, RV and tent campsites, large parking lot, open play fields, running water, benches and picnic area. Directions: From HWY 2 at Laclede Idaho turn south onto Riley Creek Rd. Follow sign to Riley Creek State Park. Maps: View interactive google map above/below or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.158999, -116.772106

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide path to launch of 7% grade. Paved paths throughout park giving access to fishing platform, to beach, and campsites; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two launch docks. Two fishing dock platforms. Double lane cement launch at about 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. However one of the paved paths goes to the sandy beach and is very near the water's edge; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Fully accessible tent and RV campsites with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines, with areas of deep marine vegetation; Terrain: Level to 7% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River, ID.

4. Priest River/Mud Hole Boat Launch and Park (State Park) - Paved launch, docks (not pictured... may or may not have dock at the launch depending on time of year, etc.) , beach, swim area, restroom, parking lot, playground, benches and picnic tables. Directions: In Priest River Idaho turn South onto Wisconsin Street. Before crossing the bridge watch for a brown sign with the symbols of a boat launch, swimming, teeter-totter, and picnic. Turn east on Railroad Avenue and follow this gravel road to the launch site. Maps: View interactive google map above/below or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.177852, -116.892583

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide paved area next to launch and paved roads through park. RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One short launch docks (may or may not be there as they remove the dock in the winter and during spring runoff). One single lane grated cement launch at about 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Fully accessible tent and RV campsites with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines, with areas of deep marine vegetation; Terrain: Mostly level with 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River, ID.

5. City Boat Launch and Park - City of Priest River paved launch, docks/fishing dock, beach, swim area, restroom, parking lot, playground, benches and picnic tables. Directions: Once in city limits turn south onto Wisconsin street and then turn left/east on Railroad Ave. to launch/park. Its on the east side of the river bridge. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in Priest River, Bonner County, Idaho or type GPS coordinates 48.176902, -116.904332

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide path to launch of 7% grade; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One launch dock, One U shaped dock with fingers to small craft or for jet skis. Single lane cement launch at about 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. Beach is soft sand and about 7% grade; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines; Terrain: Level to 7% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River, ID.

6. Albeni Dam Landing - Kayak only launch, restrooms, running water, benches and picnic tables, grass field, Dam info center. Directions: Watch for the signs directing to the Dam from HWY 2 just a few miles west of Priest River Idaho or Old Town Idaho. There is a large parking lot at the visitor center. On the east of this parking lot is a road that travels down the hill (or to the HWY) that will take you to the dam launch. At times, this launch has a pole in the center of it to prevent launching. Call the Dam for times the launch is open. Across from this launch is Albeni Cover State Park, which has a launch open from May - Oct (variable depending on river drawdown). Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.179423, -116.996387

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Small gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Short paved path from launch area along the shoreline and to upper parking area; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms at visitor center. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Man made rocky shoreline; Terrain: Level to 7% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 50 to 60 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River or Oldtown, ID.

7. Old Town / Rotary Club Boat Launch - Paved launch, dock, restrooms, running water, covered pavilion, paved bike trail, large parking lot. Directions: On the east side of the river next to the bridge between Old Town Idaho and Newport WA. This launch has a restroom and fishing dock. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in Old Town, Bonner County, ID. or GPS coordinates 48.185472, -117.032146

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Side walk to dock, but leads to stairs. Paved bike path nearby; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One L shaped dock, not accessible to wheelchairs. Paved single lane cement launch at about 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. Absolutely no access to water other than via launch; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud and sand along shoreline; Terrain: Level to 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water clear until late summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 50 to 60 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High currents and river like conditions at this launch; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Oldtown, ID/Newport, WA.

8. Albeni Cove State Park and Boat Launch - Paved launch, docks, sandy beaches, swim area, restrooms, running water, RV and tent campsites, benches and picnic tables, hiking trailers. Directions: Albeni Cove State Park is right across the river from Albeni Falls Dam. This popular park has tent and RV camp sites, swim area and beaches, and a boat launch. From HWY 2 at the Idaho/Washington boarder, turn onto HWY 41. On HWY 41 follow the sign to Albeni Cover. Maps: View interactive google map above/below or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.176507, -116.997126

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Small paved parking lot at launch; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide level paved at launch. Paved paths throughout park with varying grades of up to 7%; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms within park, not right next to launch area. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One launch dock, One mooring dock next to launch area. Single lane cement launch at about 6% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. Beach is soft sand and mud; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible tent and RV campsites with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines, of rocks; Terrain: Level to 7% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 50 to 60 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High currents; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Old Town, ID/Newport, WA.

9. Willow Bay Resort Landing - Paved launch, dock, marina with seasonal moorage available, beach, restrooms, restaurant, store, boat fuel. Directions: From either Sandpoint ID. or Coeur d'Alene ID on HWY 95... Take Dufort Road heading west; watch for the resort sign. Maps: View interactive google map above/below or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.152392, -116.768445

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Not accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One super long dock with fingers for mooring, and fishing area. Single lane cement launch at about 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... RV campsites only with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines; Terrain: Level to 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Priest River, ID.

10. Pend Oreille River Gravel Landing - Primitive gravel launch, steep banks, limited parking. Directions: From either Sandpoint ID. or Coeur d'Alene ID on HWY 95... Take Dufort Road to this launch; watch for sportsman access sign. Turn right/north on Ferry Rd, drive to end of road. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.157697, -116.752788

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Limited room for parking at end of Ferry Road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None.  No shade; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. No developed launch. Launch off steep bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. Beach is soft sand and about 7% grade; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand mud combo shorelines; Terrain: Steep loose dirt bank; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sagle or Westmond, ID.

Just up the road from this launch on Lake
Shore Drive is a muddy launch into
Morton Slough/Marsh for non motorized
craft about a 100 feet before crossing
 the railroad tracks. GPS coordinates
48.201631, -116.692449

11. Morton Slough Access Landing - Paved launch, dock, restroom, large parking lot. Directions: From either Sandpoint ID. or Coeur d'Alene ID on HWY 95: Take Dufort Rd. to this launch; watch for the Morton Slough Access Area sign.

Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.157697, -116.752788

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved parking lot with accessible van parking space next to restroom; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Limited shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One dock that can be accessed via wheelchair, but gangway is narrow. One single lane cement launch, at about 4% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud and thick marine vegetation combo shorelines; Terrain: Level to 4% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water clear until late mid to summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sagle or Westmond, ID.

12. Cocolalla Creek Access Area - launch from river bank, no services. Directions: From either Sandpoint ID. or Coeur d'Alene ID on HWY 95: Take Dufort Rd. to this site. This site is just before Morton Slough Access Area sign, before crossing the bridge. Maps: View interactive google map below or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.179967, -116.710619

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel, dirt/mud parking along road; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Shade via tree; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. No developed launch. Launch from bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud; Terrain: Dirt and level other than at bank; H2O/Water: Water murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 50 to 60 degrees. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sagle or Westmond, ID.

13. Springy Point Landing - launch, dock, beach, restrooms, camping, running water. Directions: Just before crossing the bridge to Sandpoint or just after crossing the bridge from Sandpoint turn west onto Riverview Rd. About 3 miles down the road watch for the Springy Point Recreation Area sign. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in Lake Pend Oreille, Bonner County, ID. or GPS coordinates 48.237124, -116.586338

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Pave upper and lower parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails but there is paved road to boat launch and next to beach; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One fully accessible dock. Paved single lane cement launch at about 6% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. However pavement goes right up to small soft sandy beach next to boat launch; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible tent and RV campsites with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud and soft sand shoreline; Terrain: Level to 6% grades; H2O/Water: Water clear until late summer. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sandpoint, ID.