Herman Lake is a private lake with no public access. If you are in the area you may hear about the lake, so it is appropriate to mention here. Herman Lake is near the junction of Herman Lake Cutoff Road & Old Hwy two, known locally as "Herman Junction." Where these two roads meet Hwy 2 turns to gravel, so if you want to stay on pavement use Herman Lake Rd. Directions: To view Herman Lake and so some bird watching from the road take HWY 2 from Bonner Ferry's and then turn north onto Herman Lake Rd. Herman Lake Rd off of HWY 2 is just 3 miles from the Idaho Montana boarder. Maps: View Google Map below...
Marine deputies and fire crews responded to a boat fire near Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene on Saturday morning, with all people evacuated safely and no injuries reported.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), the incident occurred around 11 a.m. Saturday, prompting a response from KCSO Marine Deputies and local fire crews. All people aboard the vessel were able to get off the boat before emergency responders arrived.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, sheriff's officials said.
The sheriff's office used the incident as an opportunity to remind boaters about the importance of water safety and preparedness.
"It is a good reminder that you need a fire extinguisher on your boat," KCSO stated.
No additional details about the number of occupants, the type of vessel involved, or the extent of damage were immediately available.
NOTE: Fire likely cause from fumes in the bilge and the blower was not turned on or not turned on long enough, and no fire extinguisher on board.
SEE MEMORIAL SERVICES Times below for the Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Idaho area. Contact your local military group(s) for events in your area.
I thought it was only fitting I supply you with this article about honoring those that have fallen in war to keep us free. See Article Below!
And I personally would like to thank those who USA military family members have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free, not just in this country but also for the world. There is no greater love than to give your life for another!
May we all remember their sacrifices today and forever. Let us visit their graves, support gold star families, and help lift where we stand, in our communities. Let us always stand, put our hands over our hearts, and take off our hats for the national anthem. And let us remember to defend the US Constitution at all costs via voting for those who know and uphold it, and by getting involved in our local communities. To truly honor the fallen is to uphold that which they fought and died for.
And to add to this, today is to specifically remember our fallen US military members and no one else! Memorial Day Monday is more than just another holiday. See Memorial events at the end of this page to enhance our remembrance. Also watch a USA military movie to remember the fallen, such as the Band of Brothers, Pearl Harbor, Midway, etc. Make a comment below related to your favorite war movies and memories of the fallen.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
Skipper Miles Moore
MEMORIAL ARTICLE by the Navy SEAL who killed Usama bin Laden
Don't wish me a happy Memorial Day Don’t wish me a happy Memorial Day. There is nothing happy about the loss of the brave men and women of our armed forces who died in combat defending America. Memorial Day is not a celebration. Memorial Day is a time for reflection, pause, remembrance and thanksgiving for patriots who gave up their own lives to protect the lives and freedom of us all – including the freedom of generations long gone and generations yet unborn. We owe the fallen a debt so enormous that it can never be repaid. Memorial Day is a time to honor the lives of those who would rather die than take a knee when our national anthem is played. But they will fight and die for the rights of those who kneel. This holiday is a time to think of young lives cut short, of wives and husbands turned into widows and widowers, of children growing up without a father or mother, of parents burying their children. Memorial Day is a time to think of might have beens that never were. Of brave Americans who put their country before themselves. Without these heroes, America would not be America. Unfortunately, for many Americans this solemn holiday might as well be called Summer Day – marking the unofficial start of the season of barbecues, days at the beach, time spent on baseball fields and golf courses, hiking and enjoying the great the outdoors. All those things are great – we all appreciate them and they are some of the best things in life. But Memorial Day is not Summer Day. Nor was the holiday created as a way to promote sales of cars, furniture or clothes. Another Memorial Day brings with it a whole lot more than the start of summer. Since last Memorial Day, grass is now growing above the final resting places of many young men and women whose lives were taken too soon while defending our country in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other far-off places many Americans have rarely heard of. When Army Sgt. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson and Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright were killed last October in an ISIS ambush in Niger, many Americans asked: We have troops in Niger? These unknown soldiers lost their lives protecting you – every one of you reading these words. Think about this: Millions of high-school seniors are walking across auditorium stages this season, receiving their diplomas. Most will go on to college or jobs, but some will choose a career of military service, joining the second generation of American warriors fighting in the Global War on Terror – a war that began with the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that took the lives of almost 3,000 people in our homeland. Most of these new recruits – who were not even born or who were just infants when the 9/11 attacks took place – will make it home just fine. But some will not. I pray that I am wrong, but the sad truth is that the number of American war dead on Memorial Day in 2019 will be higher than it is on this Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, I salute my brothers and sisters-in-arms who have served beside me in War on Terror. My heart especially goes out to the families of those who did not return home. In fact, I think about all those who served and those who have given their lives fighting for America from our county’s earliest days in the Revolutionary War. They all have my gratitude. We think we are strong, but in war any of us can be turned into just a memory in an instant. And war seems to have been the universal experience of just about every society on the planet at one time or another, for as long as there have been human societies. How do we stop the wars resulting in such tragic waste of lives? How do we stop the number of American war dead and war dead in other nations from growing? I wish I knew the answer. But battle lines are being drawn and redrawn, and wars and terrorist attacks just keep going on and on. Weapons are getting bigger. Bombs are becoming smarter and more lives are being lost every day all over the world, leading to more death, more anger and more war. Some are so loyal to their cause that they strap bombs on their bodies or fly passenger jets into buildings. They conduct beheadings. They set prisoners on fire. How do we find common ground with them? Do we even try to find common ground, or do we finally take the gloves off and start landing punches intended to take our enemy out for good? I’ve been on over 400 Army combat missions and have seen more war than most Americans. More than I care to remember, but cannot forget. There is never a shortage of war. War spreads faster than fire and like fire it leaves destruction in its wake. It hurts my heart as an American every time I see another service member’s body being brought home draped in an American flag. But it hurts my heart as a human being with every act of war we are all unleashing against each other around the world. This Memorial Day, I urge all Americans to remember all the fallen sailors, soldiers, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members who have so bravely served our country, as well as their families. And I urge all Americans to join me in the hope and prayer that somehow, someday people around the world will focus more on our similarities than our differences and that we will move closer to a time when war is just a memory – part of our past but not our future.
Robert O'Neill is a Fox News contributor and ex-Navy SEAL best known as “the man who killed Usama bin Laden.” O'Neill joined the Navy in 1996 and deployed as a SEAL more than a dozen times, participating in more than 400 combat missions across four different theaters of war.
Hello everyone! I hope you all will find a Memorial Day ceremony in your area and go to it to honor our fallen Heroes. I know I will as I have family that have served and one son who is serving now in the Navy. We need to make this day more than a day to buy things and barbecue, etc. It should be a day of reverence. Here below are two events in my area that honor our fallen Heroes. Plus after noted events is an amazing article by the Navy Seal who killed Usama bin Laden. A very inspiring article by an American hero who teaches how to truly observe Memorial Day. MONDAY/MEMORIAL DAY
Kootenai County Memorial Day events:
• 9 a.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 Memorial Day ceremony — McEuen Park, 420 E. Front St., Coeur d'Alene
• 9:30 a.m. Hayden Veterans Commission and U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. wreath laying on Hayden Lake — Honeysuckle Beach, 2369 E. Honeysuckle Ave., Hayden
• 11 a.m. Marine Corps League Detachment 966 Memorial Day ceremony — Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene
• 11 a.m. American Legion Post 143 Memorial Day ceremony — Evergreen Cemetery, 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls
• 11 a.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 Memorial Day ceremony — Forest Cemetery, 1001 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene
• 11 a.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3603 Memorial Day ceremony — Pleasant View Cemetery, 1298 S. Goldfinch Road, Post Falls
• 11 a.m. Hayden Veterans Commission Memorial Day ceremony — McIntire Family Park, 8930 N. Government Way, Hayden
• Noon, American Legion Post 154 and the city of Rathdrum Memorial Day ceremony — Pinegrove Cemetery, 6693 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum
• Noon, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1473 Memorial Day ceremony — Greenwood Cemetery, 400 10th Ave., Spirit Lake
As of this announcement date, peak runoff has not occurred, though it is approaching. The lake will peak soon after. The goal will be to have the lake to at least 3.0 feet by Friday, May 23rd. Weather and precipitation will influence the level the lake peaks at as well as the time it reaches peak. Once peak lake level has occurred, the lake level will be stabilized through gate operations.
As you’re likely aware, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years), in accordance with Idaho Code 70-507. We’ve reviewed information from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) forecast issued in early May shows below average values of streamflow volume are expected for the Priest River basin.
In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation that predicts hotter and drier-than-normal conditions for North Idaho in the May through July timeframe.
The US Drought Monitor reports current conditions are abnormally dry for the Idaho panhandle.
Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting drought conditions.
These predictions all point to a “dry” type of year, and therefore, operations are planned to hold the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet during the recreation season. Specifically, IDWR plans to hold the lake at 3.38 feet early in the recreation season. Once flow in the Priest River drops to 200 cfs (likely in July or August), the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually from its current level to 3.0 feet through September 30th to augment the river flow.
Additional updates will be released in the May-June time frame, and any revisions to the plan will be announced then.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
Bells Lake is between the St. Joe River and road NF-50, about 5 miles north of St. Maries, Idaho. Not really a good lake to go boating as there is no real way to get a boat into the lake. However the Idaho Fish & Game indicates fishing on this little lake that looks more like a pond. For fishing info visit this link... Fishing Bell Lake. Also a good place to bird watch.
ACCESSIBILITY: Difficult access... view lake from road. Could access lake over steep bank and then portage through marine vegetation. Certainly not accessible to wheeled mobility device.
Heyburn State Park / 4 lakes area is one of the camping, boating, and fishing jewels of the state of Idaho. Heyburn S.P. consists of several large camping areas, cabins, numerous hiking trails, 3 boat launch facilities, beaches, and wilderness area. The bike trail called the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene is connected to this park. There are four lakes that were created/expanded by the Post Falls dam in this park area (and more beyond the park). These 4 lakes are on the southeast end of Lake Coeur d'Alene, some might thing these 4 lakes is just a continuation of Lake Coeur d'Alene as all the water is very much connected to each other and the St. Joe River. The largest of these 4 lakes (excluding Lake Coeur d'Alene) is Chatcolet Lake (off of St. Joe River, south). To the north of Chatcolet lake is Hidden Lake; to the east is Round Lake, and also to the east and south of Round Lake is Benewah Lake. The St. Joe River (see info below and in the St. Joe River section of this site) runs through these lakes in a unique channel system that boaters can use to access the city of St. Maries and beyond. Connected to the St. Joe River in the City of St. Maries, is the St. Maries River.
Lake Chatcolet is the largest of the four lakes. It consists of 600 acres and has more open water and boat launches than the other three lakes. Round Lake, the second largest lake, consists of 410 acres and is known for it's great fishing. However, due to all the aquatic vegetation and it's shallow depth, it isn't suited to high-speed boating. You can sail in this lake but by mid-summer there will be too much aquatic plant life fouling your rudders, etc. Benewah Lake is the 3rd largest; it consists of 400 acres and is another shallow lake with lots of aquatic plant life. This is another excellent fishing lake. The last and smallest of the 4 lakes is Hidden Lake, which consists of 90 acres, and is more like a bay connected to Lake Chatcolet and St. Joe River, than like a lake. Beyond the park and up river on the St. Joe River there is one large shallow lake (See Hepton Lake) and 3 smaller lakes next to the St. Joe River.
Lake Chatcolet is the only lake of the 4 I think are worth sailing on due to its lower level of weeds and deeper water. The other 3 lakes are perfect for fishing and kayaking/canoeing. And again, the St. Joe River would be great to either motor or kayak/paddle up. I have actually sailed and motored my sailboat up this river, a fun trip for sure. Regardless of what style of boat you use, experiencing where the river runs through is a credible experience.
Visit specific lakes via index for accessibility levels... Click Here!
Here is one of my favorite YouTube sailing accounts, Ruddy Duck Sailing Adventures. I particularly love this channel because its local and he creates great videos/content. I am also planning on doing more videos this year and I take inspiration from him and his account.
Check out his videos at this link and reward is awesome work by subscribing...
Below is a forwarded message from the USACE that Flexible Winter Pool Operations (FWPO) have been requested by BPA this year and the USACE will accommodate that request by adjusting the operations at Albeni Falls Dam temporarily. The notice shows they will likely raise Lake Pend Oreille (LPO) by 3 feet over the next couple days. They will likely release that water in the near future to generate power. As a reminder, FWPO is an agreement with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) that allows them to request LPO be filled up to 5 feet in the winter and then released again to generate power when power is in demand. FWPO, and power generation overall, is the reason we have had a maximum lake drawdown for the past 10 years. 2013 was the last year LPO was held at a high winter pool of 2055.5'.
Lakes Commission Meeting Adjustment: January 9th is postponed. Since our agenda has numerous USACE speakers, we are attempting to reschedule our meeting. Stay tuned! We will let you know ASAP of the new date. Zoom link for attending virtually, will remain the same.
Hayden Lake (3,880 acres), with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and picturesque timber shores... is one of the most beautiful and popular lakes of Northern Idaho. It's irregular shape gives it about 40 miles of shoreline with the main portion of the lake being seven miles long and one to two miles wide. Normal lake elevation is 2,239 ft. above sea level, and portions of it reach 178 ft. deep. The lake is surrounded on three sides by panoramic timbered mountains which rise to an elevation of 4,500 to 6,000 ft. In the early years as many as four steamboats served the lake industry, and Bing Crosby built a summer home on its shores.
Hayden lake is a great sailing lake and I have personally sailed many times on this lake. Its winds are similar to Lake Coeur d’Alene’s with Spring and Fall having the best winds; winter also has nice winds but they are lighter than Spring and Fall winds. Summer winds are light during the day with morning and late evenings producing nice thermal winds (from the East or West). This lake tends to produce winds from all different directions during mid day and seems to not have consistent wind patterns other than in the morning and evenings, but it is still a very enjoyable lake to sail on. This lake is a popular location for water skiing and fishing.
There are two boat launches on Hayden lake, one on the Southwest end (Honeysuckle) and one on the Northeast end (Sportsmen Access). There is also a private marina just a short distance from the Honeysuckle Launch to the Southeast from this boat launch. Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and park is located on the east end of Honeysuckle Avenue and is by far the best public launch facility and the only one you could launch a swing keel sailboat from. Hayden Lake Sportsmen Access is on the Northeast end of the lake. Hayden Lake is suited for dinghies and has a steep road down to the ramp (I really do not feel this is a good place to launch a sailboat of any kind from. It's best suited for kayaks & dinghies 16’ and under).
Directions: From Hayden Idaho on US HWY 95... Go east on Honeysuckle Avenue all the way to the Honeysuckle Boat Launch and park. East Honeysuckle Road intersects with 4th Street. Maps: View Google Map below...
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from level to 3 percent inclines; PATHS/TRAILS... Marked paths to and from launch and beach area. Paved wide path to beach from parking lot. There is a gravel wide level path along the dike to and from low head dam; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… One fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Fully accessible docks and ramps. One 2 lane cement launch, 3% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… There is a paved wide path to the beach, No access pad for wheeled mobility devices over the beach into the water. Beach sand is not supper soft and beach has about a 2% grade; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at or near by; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: None; Terrain: Is mostly level with steepest grade of 3 percent in the northeast end of the parking lot; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Summer months there is a concessions stand at the launch park area. Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden. Here are two links from the City of Hayden Honeysuckle launch/park info http://www.hayden.govoffice.com/and Kootenai County parks and water ways Hayden Lake sportsman access info http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/SportsmansAccessHayden.asp
Directions: From Hayden Idaho on US HWY 95... Travel east on E. Honeysuckle Ave. Turn right after intersecting 4th Street on East Honeysuckle Ave. Take East Hayden Ave. to Hayden Marina. Maps: View Google Map below...
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from level to 3 percent inclines; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Not accessible; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Fully accessible docks and ramps. One cement single lane launch, 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… None; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at or near by; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: None; Terrain: Is mostly level with steepest grade of 5 percent; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden.
3. Mokins Bay & Campground
Directions:From Interstate 90 in Coeur d'Alene... Go north on US Hwy 95 for 6 miles. Turn east on Lancaster Road (turns into East Hayden Lake Rd). Go 5 miles (paved), and then 11 miles around Hayden Lake to Mokins Bay. Turn east at the "Public Camp" sign and go 200 feet to campground.
ACCESSIBILITY: Will be assessed May 2019
NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE: Mokins Bay Campground- Open from late spring to late summer. Facilities: Sixteen camp units, potable water... Contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District for actual opening and closing dates. You can anchor your boat in the bay across the road from the campground and/or walk down the lake bank to the water and paddle out via small watercraft. Fees: There are fees to camp. Contact the Forest Service for details. Reservations aren't necessary. For more information contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District athttp://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/map.html
There are no BLM lands on Hayden Lake.
4. Hayden Lake Sportsman Access Boat Launch This site is built on a sloping hill of significant grade of 10 percent or less. The water at this launch site is heavily invested with lily pad and other aquatic plant life.
Directions: On HWY 95 passing through Hayden Idaho going north... Turn onto E. Lancaster road (turns into East Hayden Lake road); follow to the East Park road Sportsman Access sign.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from 3 to 7 percent inclines. Parking lot is split from launch area by steep 10 percent inclined paved road; PATHS/TRAILS... None. One must use the launch road from vehicle in parking lot to launch area. Road is 10 percent incline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… One fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One fully accessible dock with gangway, with one single lane cement launch ramp with 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… None. Not suitable for this site; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at this site but about 10 miles away is the Mokins Bay Campground (see #3 above this launch info); O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: This end of the lake is heavily infested with lily pads and other aquatic plant life making for an idea location for fish and waterfowl to live; Terrain: Is heavily inclined up to 10 percent inclines; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degrees. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden.
Maps: View Google Map below... Hayden Lake Google Map... Zoom in to see waypoints... for boat launches, etc.
We are proud to announce the 1st annual Historical Lake Coeur d'Alene (CdA) Cardboard Boat Race.
The theme of this event is to commemorate our rich Historical Lake CdA Steamboats history.
Our goal for this event is simple, to bring the community together to laugh and cheer on the participants. This event is for both the racers and spectators.
Many of the participants are taking great care to build their boats, others not so much :)
There is a $10 non refundable fee to insure participants are serious about competing and to cover a bit of our expenses. By paying the fee you are then signed up to participate. Click here to sign up and please read the rules.
Racing starts at 10:AM, July 19th, 2025 at Independence Point in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho USA.
To learn more about about our steamboat history please visit the Museum of North Idaho and Historical Lake Coeur d'Alene (coming soon).
The Post Falls Dam is going through some renovations in Spring 2024. None of the work is going to affect boating on the river or the lake. Dam was finished in 1906 and now needs some updates. It is amazing how this dam was built so well and has lasted so long.
To learn more about the dams construction schedule and details visit these links...
Just a reminder that all lakes open to winter fishing in Inland NW (E WA., N ID, NW MT) will officially close this March 31 to fishing and boat launches (fishing and gates opens again the day after Black Friday on Sat.). Winter lakes for example in E WA. like Fourth of July Lake, Hog Lake, etc. It means again the lakes are closed to fishing and the gates to the access roads to the launches are locked.
However one can go over or through the gate or fence (cannot cause damage to the gate or fence of course) when fishing is closed and gates locked. The lands are public and access is allowed unless posted otherwise on the gate or fence. Always follow all rules as posted.
My wife and I like to access these lakes via hiking into them with our inflatable SUP's. Its nice for paddleboarding because there are no powerboats to deal with. Its quite and beautiful.
Amelia Wheaton... First steamboat on Lake Coeur d'Alene Idaho, launched 1880. In this picture she is docked in the big pool on the Coeur d'Alene River in Cataldo, Idaho. Notice the Sacred Heart Old Mission in the background. This was typically the furthest these large steamboats would go up the river but sometimes during high water they would go a few more miles up the river to kingston, Idaho. Information, pictures, etc. like this will soon be posted on our new Lake Coeur d'Alene history site.
It is with great anticipation that we are announcing that our 2nd edition Historical Lake Coeur d'Alene chart will be coming out this May 2024, to be shown for the first time at the first annual Northwest Hunt Fest at the Kootenai County Fair grounds. This show is for hunters but is also an outdoor show in general as well.
This new chart, called Historical Lake Coeur d'Alene chart will include as before the Steamboat history but with new features, Native history, depth lines, navigation aids, kayak routs, and other new info. The chart will continue to show boat launches and access points.
Our chart will of course be available in printed form but also in artistic form, such as light up chart, wood, and metal. And we will also include clothing, with designs on hats, shirts, and hoodies, etc.
We will continue to have lake information on our site, FunToSAIL.com but our new chart and products will have its own new site at historicallakecda.com or historicallakecoeurdalene.com . For now these 2 web address our pointed at our funtosail.com lake cda page, but again as soon as our new site is up and running it will be directed to the new site.
Our new website will have extensive lake history not seen on our current funtosail page or anywhere else online. We will also include current day info, such as restaurants, resorts, and services.
Tolo Lake is a small 36 acre lake
located on the Camias prairie, 6 miles west of the town of
Grangeville, Idaho off of HWY 95. Its the only lake on the Camias Prairie, all other bodies of water are ponds on farm and private
property lands. Camias prairie was home to Mammoth's and various
tribes over thousands of years. Most recent native history show that
Nez Perce tribe claimed the area. The lake is also home to Geese and
other waterfowl, and Deer and Elk.
Its a popular fishing lake, for
Crappie, Blue Gill, Catfish, and Trout. The lake has one paved launch
with dock and 2 finishing docks. There are paved access paths and
picnic tables covered and uncovered, and fire pits, and one fully
accessible vault toilet. No camping allowed. The lake is only 1800
feet wide from west to east and 1500 feet wide north to south, with a
max depth of 15 feet. It is surrounded continuous by brush with a few
open spaces for shore fishing or bird watching. The lake is not good
for swimming as its full of algae. Gas motors are allowed but is a No
Wake Zone and No PWC allowed over the entire lake.
There is a fishing dock and parking
area on the southwest side of the lake separate of (south of) the
boat launch area that also give access to a fishing dock separate of
the launch and associated boat dock.
Those who know about this lake use it
as a rest stop off of HWY 95. Whether you come to fish, birdwatch, or
have a relaxing picnic this lake is a beautiful place to be. Bring
your bug spray as the lake is home to mosquitos. The lake is always
full enough with water to boat on.
Directions:
Tolo Lake is 6.7 miles due west from Grandeville. HWY 95 goes east
into the town of Grangeville and then west away from the town,
making a U shape. The access road, Lake Road cuts across the U shade
made by HWY 95, from the north to south or vise versa over the
prairie. Heading toward or away (west or east) from Grandeville, turn
off of HWY 95 from the north or south onto Lake Road. From the north
or the south the lake is about 4 miles off of HWY 95. The lake is
very visible and on the east side of the road. Latitude/Longitude:
45°55'3.27"N 116°14'18.39"W
TOLO
LAKE BOAT LAUNCH ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Mostly
level hard packed gravel parking area. No disgnated paved accessible
and/or van parking; PATHS/TRAILS... 1
paved path and 1 gravel trail to fishing dock (see West Fishing Dock
and North Fishing Dock and Trail assessments below). Paved accessible
path gives access to covered picnic area, launch ramp and launch/boat
dock. Paved path is 5-7% grade. Dock ramp/grangway is 3-5% grade
depending on water level; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One
fully accessible vault toilet with parking access pad; SENSORY... No
sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.
DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS…
One L shaped dock at launch is primarily for boats as there are 2
other docks specific for fishing. However due to the other 2 fishing
docks not having ideal trail width, grade, and hard pack surfaces it
is not ideal to be navigated by most wheeled mobility devices (this
could change particularly with the North fishing dock access trail),
so fishing on the launch dock maybe be best for some persons with
disAbilities. The ramp/grangway to this dock is 3-5% grade depending
on water level; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No
access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... No;
CAMPING/PICNIC... No
camping allowed. 2 covered pinic tables on cement pads with one
having a short paved access path. The one covered picnic table
without access path is next to the parking area, on level ground, and
easy to access with a wheelchair. 2 fire pits. Camping available in
nearby town of Grandeville (7 miles away) or White Bird or Salmon
River (15 miles away); O.T.H.E.R…
Oddities/Barriers:
Gravel and sand/dirt ground;Terrain:
Mostly Level
with banks around most of the lake; Environmental
Conditions:
Cold and hot during the summer months. Can be very windy at times.
This brush around the lake that does not give much shade, and few
trees for shade, but a few. There is shade at 2 covered picnic
tables. Water in lake is typicall full of alge or other debre;
Resources:
No
drinking water available at site. Food, drinks, and gas at town of
Grandeville off of I95.
TOLO
LAKE NORTH FISHING DOCK ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Mostly
level hard packed gravel parking area next to boat launch and
restroom. No disgnated paved accessible and van parking; PATHS/TRAILS...
1 gravel trail leads to fishing dock of 30” to 36” wide. Width of
trail is limiting to some wheeled mobility devices such as
wheelchairs. Near the end of the trail by the fishing dock the trail
has a 15% grade on loose gravel. This dock and trail was installed in
2023, so some improvements may still happen in 2024; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One
fully accessible vault toilet with parking access pad at main parking
area; SENSORY...
No
sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.
DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS…
T shaped 60' fishing dock is wide enough for 2 wheelchairs to pass
each other. The ramp/grangway to this dock is 3-9% grade depending on
water level; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No
access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... No;
CAMPING/PICNIC...
No
camping allowed. 2 covered pinic tables on cement pads with one
having a short paved access path at main parking area. The one
covered picnic table without access path is next to the parking area,
on level ground, and easy to access with a wheelchair. Camping
available in nearby town of Grandeville; O.T.H.E.R…
Oddities/Barriers:
Gravel and sand/dirt ground;Terrain:
Mostly Level
with banks around most of the lake; Environmental
Conditions:
Cold and hot during the summer months. Can be very windy at times.
This brush around the lake that does not give much shade, and few
trees for shade, but a few. There is shade at 2 covered picnic
tables. Water in lake is typicall full of alge or other debre;
Resources:
No
drinking water available at site. Food, drinks, and gas at town of
Grandeville off of I95.
TOLO
LAKE WEST FISHING DOCK ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Mostly
level hard packed gravel parking area with some potholes separate of
boat launch and restroom facilities. No disgnated paved accessible
and van parking; PATHS/TRAILS...
No accessible path or gravel trail. 1 gravel/dirt/sand primitive
trail leads to fishing dock of 30” or less wide, with 10-15% grade;
RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One
fully accessible vault toilet with parking access pad at boat launch
parking area; SENSORY... No
sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.
DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS…
One figure fishing dock. The ramp/grangway to this dock is 3-7% grade
depending on water level. Dock is not accessible to wheeled mobility
devices due to trail to dock; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No
access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... No;
CAMPING/PICNIC...
No
camping allowed. No pinic tables. Camping available in nearby town of
Grandeville; O.T.H.E.R…
Oddities/Barriers:
Gravel and sand/dirt ground;Terrain:
Mostly Level
with banks around most of the lake; Environmental
Conditions:
Cold and hot during the summer months. Can be very windy at times.
This brush around the lake that does not give much shade, and few
trees for shade, but a few. There is shade at 2 covered picnic tables
at the Boat Luanch area facility. Water in lake is typicall full of
alge or other debre; Resources:
No
drinking water available at site. Food, drinks, and gas at town of
Grandeville off of I95.
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