Showing posts with label boating the inland northwest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boating the inland northwest. Show all posts

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Hayden Lake, Kootenai County, Idaho

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. Its 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).

Free printable Map available soon!

OTHER: Hayden Chamber of Commerce http://www.haydenchamber.org ; Phone #'s: Honeysuckle Beach 772-4411; N.E. Sportsman's Access 446-1275.

BOAT LAUNCHES AND MARINA

1. Honeysuckle Park, Boat Launch, & Beach 
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



2. Hayden Marina
Marine, boat launch (2 ramps), services...
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 at http://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.




Friday, February 13, 2026

WATER RESCUE — LAKE PEND OREILLE

Every year during late winter and early spring we learn of drownings that could have been prevented simply by wearing a Life Jacket/PFD. The following report is a good example of what not to do when it comes to paddling and/or boating on cold water.


For heavens safe wear a dam Life Jacket, seriously it's not that hard. I just hate to hear about preventable deaths. I value life and deaths as a result of carelessness or being uneducated about water safety is a death that could have been prevented.


A life lost is painful to loved ones and to our community.


Here is the report...

Timberlake Fire Protection District, Northern Lakes Fire Protection District crews and Kootenai County Sheriff's Office responded to a water rescue involving two kayakers on Lake Pend Oreille this afternoon.


Two kayakers were on the lake when one kayak capsized. The male who remained in the kayak did not have a life jacket, while luckily, the male in the water did have a life jacket. Initially, the individual in the water was clinging to the side of the kayak. The kayakers were forced to abandon one orange kayak, which remained floating in the lake, and paddle to shore to await rescue.


Most of the responding crews staged at the Naval Base, where the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol boat was stationed. Additional crews staged at the Eagle Boat Launch to obtain a visual on the two individuals. Fire crews deployed on the Bayview fireboat to reach the kayakers.


Crews made contact with the victim who was in the water and transported that individual to the Eagle Boat Launch, where they awaited the arrival of a Timberlake Fire Department medic. The second individual, along with a first responder, remained on the shoreline and was later picked up by additional responding personnel.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol was tasked with recovering the abandoned kayak.


According to the last report, the individual was out of the water and being warmed by rescue personnel in under 45 minutes from the initial call.


The sheriff ticketed the one of the kayakers for not having a whistle and life jacket/pfd on board. Your note required to wear you pdf (you should) but must have one on board, along with a sound producing device like a whistle. See requirements by clicking here.


FunToSAIL.com offers Boating Safety classes focused on sailors and paddlers. Powerboaters take of class from your local Sheriff Department or Coast Guard Auxiliary.


🛟 PFD SAFETY REMINDER 🛟


Wearing a personal flotation device while kayaking, whether or not it is a legal requirement it is a critical safety measure, especially during cold-water conditions.


Cold water shock can cause an immediate loss of breathing control, muscle strength, and coordination within seconds. Even experienced swimmers can become incapacitated before they are able to self-rescue or reach shore. A properly worn PFD keeps your airway above water, reduces fatigue, and buys precious time until help arrives.


Kayaks are especially vulnerable to capsizing due to wind, waves, and cold-water instability. A life jacket only works if it is worn, not stored in the kayak.


Not wearing a PFD is not just a risk — it dramatically increases the likelihood of a rescue call becoming a recovery call. Your life jacket in the truck does no good when you are dead.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Lake Coeur d'Alene Steamboats

Back to cardboard steamboat page  OR   Back to FunToSAIL.com

 

Here is a list of the known steamboat wrecks on Lake Coeur d'Alene. It is estimated there were approximately 200 steamboats that graced the waters of the lake from 1880, the first one being the Amelia Wheaton to the last passenger steamer Biddie II (no known pictures) in May1942 via a fire and the very last steam powered boat, the St. Joe Tugboat 1943. Steamers varied in size from 20–30-foot pleasure boats called launches, to tugboats of 30-60 feet, to 120-180 ferries. All lengths are the hull only, does not include length with paddle wheel (if it had one).

We have line drawings of 18 steamboats on our Historical Lake Coeur d'Alene Chart that are Not pictured here due to our effort to protecting our art from online thieves, etc. Our chart is available for sale from us at FunToSAIL.com on our online store and at various shows we attended, and at Jakes Dive Shop in Coeur d'Alene Idaho.

Amelia Wheaton 86 feet/26.2 meter... This was the first steamboat on Lake Coeur d'Alene, August 1880.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ajax Tug 60'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bonnie Doon (originally name the Milwaukee) 88'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bonanza Tug 82'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Colfax (sister ship Spokane) 100'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cougar II Tug 65'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eagle Tug 65'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flyer 130'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Georgie Oakes 160'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harrison 150'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Idaho 148'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss Spokane (twin diesel engines) 120'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seeweewana (originally named Hawley’s Comet. Single diesel engine) 65'. In picture shows John Finney's party barge, the "Dancewana" being moved by Seeweewana cruise boat. Was not steam powered but powered by a single Diesel engine. The Dancewana barge became the hull of the current Coeur d'Alene ferry ---.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spokane 100’

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Joe Tug 85' (longest living steamer. Last steamer on the lake. Decommissioned in 1943)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Maries Tug 75'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rutledge Tug (no known pic) 36'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to cardboard steamboat page  OR   Back to FunToSAIL.com

Leave a comment...

Monday, September 22, 2025

Elsie Lake, Shoshone County, Idaho


ELSIE LAKE
200 acres and up 80 feet deep
This lake is in a spectacular setting with high alpine mountains all around the lake. The boat launch into this lake is a primitive gravel launch which drops off quickly into the lake about 20 feet or less off the shore. No motors are allowed. The lake is home to rainbow and brook trout; the wilderness area is home to black bear, moose, mountain lions, elk, deer, and a variety of foul. Make sure to keep all food contained as any food left open will be most likely visited by Moose, maybe a black bear, etc. No fee camping areas are mostly along the north shore but none on the east and most of the south shore where there are a steep mountain and cliffs. There is one accessible restroom not far from the launch area. Hiking in this area is a must! It's a popular ATV and dirt bike area. Maps: View Google map google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 47.427598, -116.022882 or type in Elsie Lake Idaho or follow these Directions: Elsie Lake is 12.6 miles from the I90 exit 54/Big Creek Exit. The road to this lake is paved for a short distance through the very small city of Deep Creek, then the rest of the road is gravel. The road was improved recently especially through the rockslide area. This road is not marked nor are their signs giving directions to the lake, however if you stay on the largest and obvious road it will lead you to the lake. As mentioned, there is a portion of the road that goes through a slide area that can potentially deposit large boulders/rocks on the road, so be careful. Best to travel on this road when it's drier during the summer versus spring and certainly not during the winter. Some parts of the road get rough at times with very deep ruts. When you get close to the lake you will come to a saddle area between mountains and then you will take a deep descent to the lake that is less than a mile. Once near the lake there is a road that goes north to the restroom and primitive launch area. There is also a road that goes south to a turnaround area. From the turn about one could potentially camp but would require portaging your gear to a suitable campsite. See below for assessment and article about my trip to Elsie Lake... I camped at and sailed on this lake.
11 designated camp sites

Elsie Lake Primitive Launch (fairly hard packed gravel, dirty/sand, and mud mix). Maps: View Google map google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 47.427598, -116.022882 or type in Elsie Lake Idaho.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel/dirty/sand/mud combo parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide gravel/dirty/sand area to beach/launch area. Primitive single-track trails allow hiking and Mt biking through the forest but are not wheelchair/wheeled mobility device accessible. Many wider rough trails used by ATV's and Dirt Bikes; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No accessible docks/platforms. Single lane primitive /sand/gravel/dirt/mud combo launch at about 4% grade. Launch from bank/beach also; 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/Accessible Tent and RV campsites, with/no hookups. However some camp sites are fairly level that would work for wheelchairs with tires that work on dirt and gravel surfaces; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand/mud/marine vegetation; Terrain: Level to 4% grades over lawn/sand/gravel/dirt surface, and steeper on non-wheelchair accessible trails; H2O/Water: Water clear or murky depending on the time of year. Water temperature in the summer can be around 40 to 60 degrees. No Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Kellogg or Osburn, ID.

PAST ARTICLES ABOUT ELSIE LAKE...

MOOSE ATTACKS :)

I recently went to this lake again to camp on September 21. The plan was to stay for 3 days but due to bad weather we left the following day. Nothing has changed sense my last visit in August of 2016 when I did some accessibility work with a friend (see articles below).

However, the one new bit of information I learned is the moose are quite active around this lake (my camping trip in 2010 I saw no moose). If you leave your food out at night the moose will for sure come and eat your food. Another camper indicated that the moose arrives between 1 and 3 am to find food. On the night we camped the moose were yelled at in several campsites to get them to leave. One camper had the moose come to his campsite twice. A moose came to our campsite for a few minutes. All are food was inside our truck. Obviously, the advice to store one’s food properly always applies as best practice.

From Coeur d'Alene Idaho it’s only about a 2-hour drive to the lake, so it is easy to make a day trip to this lake from that distance.

CAMPING AND SAILING

On Aug 8th, 2010, I traveled with friends and family to Elsie Lake, Idaho from Coeur d’Alene Idaho (about 50 miles from Coeur d’Alene). From Coeur d’Alene you take HWY 90 east past Kellogg Idaho and exit the HWY at Exit 54 (Big Creek Exit). Then one travels at first southwest after exiting the HWY on Big Creek Road to the lake. This road is paved a short distance before it turns to a smooth gravel road for a few miles and then into to a very rough road suited only for 4x4’s with good ground clearance (you will pass over big ruts in the road as well as pass through a slide area). Once you come to a wooded saddle near the top of the mountain you will descend down a 9% grade to the lake. The road is not well marked but staying on the main road will get you to the lake. See updated road condition information above in the main article... Road was improved in 2016.

Elsie Lake is in a beautiful setting of heavily wooded area with steep mountains. Fishing, swimming, and hiking are popular activities here. Even in the summer months the water is still quite chilly. This lake is stocked with Rainbow and Brook Trout. Only small electric motors are allowed on this lake (no gas), otherwise it’s all paddle and wind power. There are camp sites all around the lake except on the east shoreline and most of the south shoreline where there are steep mountains and cliffs. There is one restroom at this lake with no running water. The lake is about 80 deep at its deepest and visibility in the water is about 20 feet or more. The lake is a round shape of about 200 acres in size.

I took my small 16 foot sailboat to the lake and had some great mid-day winds to sail with. While I sailed, I consistently saw fish jumping. The lake’s beauty is absolutely stunning. We spent the night around the campfire listening to the sounds of wildlife and gazing at the abundant stars.

I ran out of time to hike the area as my family, and I spent all our time on the water. While there, we were told of a hiking trail that takes you along a ridge that allows you to see for miles in any direction and to look down on the lake. We will do this next time we go there. Since it’s only 50 miles from Coeur d’Alene it’s an easy enough trip to do in a day.

ELSIE LAKE ACCESS WORK, SERIES OF POSTS ABOUT THIS, 2015-2016

As some of you who visit this site regularly know about great man (previous articles), Tom McTevia and his female passenger passed away in a tragic ATV accident in spring of 2015. I have known Tom for some time, but it was during the winter of 2015 that we became friends. On a trip with his ATV at the end of last winter Tom wanted to show me the inaccessible accessible restroom at Elsie Lake, unfortunately we discovered there was still too much snow at that time to get to the lake. Boulders were placed around the restroom to protect it but also block someone in a wheelchair to get to the accessible designed restroom.

BOULDERS BLOCK ACCESS TO RESTROOM

On June 13th, 2016, I drove up to view this restroom and the to check the accessibility of the camping area around Elsie Lake as Tom had wanted. The restroom itself is actually accessible due to the fact it meets the ADA guidelines but unfortunately due to the Forest Service effort to protect it from vandalism they placed rocks around it, which makes it in-accessible to those who use wheelchairs. They installed boulders placed in front and around the restroom are not any further apart then 2 feet, which is well under the required 36” for a wheelchair to fit through. That is the typical width of a wheelchair, so its needs to be a bit wider. One path through the boulders needs to be at least 42 inches. So of course, the logical fix is to move one of the rocks over to create the space needed for a wheelchair to get through. With vandalism being a concern, one can place another boulder sixty inches back to create a curved path. This allows a wheelchair to get through but makes it difficult for anything larger to get through.

Another issue we hope that can be resolved is access to the southeast beach area. Again, rocks have been placed in front of the path to this beach. The good news is there is another beach that is not blocked off that also works as a primitive launch into the lake (is the main designated launch). Still, it would be good if people using wheelchairs could get to both beaches.

There are 11 campsites around the lake, 4 of which one could consider accessible when the area is not wet and muddy. The road going to this lake has been greatly improved via road upgrades and a new bridge that allows regular passenger cars to drive up to this lake (passenger cars not recommended). However, I would not drive a car up to this lake until the dry season when snow has been gone for a while, and the slide area which the road goes through is clear. And a note of caution to those driving a car up to the lake… it is likely the underside of your car will hit the ground when going over some of the bumps on this road.

We will be contacting the Forest Service about these two issues and since this organization has always been accommodating of persons with disAbilities we are sure these issues will be resolved shortly… we will post a follow up once these issues have been fixed.

Elsie Lake is an amazing place to camp, fish, and boat on, and it is our hope that our efforts will make this site accessible as Tom had wanted.

TOM MCTEVIA WOULD BE PROUD

It is official on June 30th 2016 the Elsie Lake restroom in Shoshone County was made fully accessible.  As some of you know previously large boulders were placed around the restroom to protect it from vandalism that were unfortunately placed too close together to allow wheelchairs to pass through to restroom. Now there is one spot on the south side where there is a gap of 42 inches to allow wheelchair access.

Tom McTevia who passed away last year wanted this issue fixed as Tom's loved this lake and the area around it. I know Tom would be pleased with this.

Great appreciation goes to Josh Jurgensen of the local Forest Service for working with us on this project. Josh personally made this happen. As always, it’s a pleasure to work with the Forest Service as they like us want all people to be able to access the outdoors.

All articles written by Miles Moore of FunToSAIL.com

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Herman Lake, Boundary County, Idaho

Private, No Access
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...

Friday, May 16, 2025

May 2025 Priest Lake Update

May 13, 2025


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.

Mountain Meadows Lake, Pend Oreille County, Washington

Mountain Meadows Lake
This lake is located about 12 miles from Newport, in Pend Oreille County, WA. Fishing on this lake is done from the bank off of the county owned Deeter Road (see white arrow in map below). We want to make it clear this lake is totally privately owned shoreline other that the one spot indicated in the map below. DO NOT access private land and obey all county/state and private landowner signs. Deeter Road which is a dead-end road that is on the east side of the lake, along the shore is county owned and allows public access unless otherwise posted by the county. This road connects to Baker Rd, which is a private road and does not allow access and is typically gated (if gate is open, do not enter). Making the effort to accessing this lake makes no sense when there are so many beautiful public lakes in the area.

This lake's shoreline is heavily lined with lily pads and other aquatic plant life making fishing from the bank from the one spot along the county road difficult. Waterfowl make this lake their home. No hunting allowed. There are some reports that this lake is 20-30 deep, but there is no verification of this, all info we have found at its deepest in early spring is about 10 ft deep. Due to its shallow depth with warm water in the summer Alge build up is a given, plus its marsh conditions makes this lake home to a lot of mosquitos. Fishing: Limited info, Crappie and Bass. Not stocked by state fisheries. Directions/Maps: Visit google.com/maps type in Mountain Meadows Lake or GPS coordinates 48.196151, -117.225960

Attention... Obey ALL private and county/state signs!

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel, Dirt combo parking along road (park totally off paved road); PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade via trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off very small bank through grass and then lily pads (see white arrow on map below); DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Deep grass, Lily pads; Terrain: Level to about 4% along lake; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. 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 in towns of Newport and Diamond Lake, WA.

Green line indicates private land. Yellow line is public county owned road. White arrow indicates only location where can fish at. One must obey all private, county, and state signs.

Red arrow indicates only location where one can fish at. One must obey all private, county, and state signs.


Please make comments below

Monday, April 28, 2025

WA360 team FunToSAIL.com


Skipper Miles Moore of FunToSAIL.com will be racing in the 2027 WA360 that take place June 26th. A race around the Puget Sound from Port Townsend WA, past Seattle, to the Canadian border, through or by the San Juan Islands, across the Strait of Juan De Fuca and back to Port Townsend. Approximately a 360-mile round trip adventure that does not allow gas or electric motors, only sail and/or muscle power.

We are posting about this race well in advance in the hopes of securing sponsors/donors, to help with the race and to acquire funding for our accessibility work and suicide prevention.


With this race will be the start of the FunToSAIL.com video and article series about small boat adventure sailing, types of safety and general gear used, Float Plans, etc.

Miles is dedicating this race to suicide prevention. As one who has delt with depression all his life, this effort to expand awareness of resources to help prevent suicide is particularly important to him. Click here for resources.

It's also his goal to stream some parts of this event so those with disAbilities and others following the race can ask him questions live and some of the racing directly from his boat. Miles has a special part of his heart reserved for those with disAbilities due to his own challenges and seeing others struggle but prevail in life. He has been doing accessible and therapeutic sailing for 30+ years. In addition, has been developing an Inland NW marine access guide so those with disAbilities can find access to the water. Click here!

Miles has taught sailing for 40+ years via his sailing school here at FunToSAIL. He is a Recreational Therapist and previously worked for the state of Idaho as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Before going to college, he worked in the fishing industry in Westport WA.

Click the donation button above if you would like to support FunToSAIL's efforts.


Make comments below

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Bells Lake, Benewah County, Idaho USA

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.


Posted originally on 1/25/2019

Make a comment here...

Monday, February 24, 2025

Official Malbec18 manufacturer

 

It is with great excitement we announce that FunToSAIL.com is now the official producer of the Malbec18 sportboat. Learn more about the Malbec18 specifically by visiting its official page Click Here

We have made some changes to the boat to improve its user experience, such as…

1. New wireless navigation lights system.

2. New standard furling jib with no extrusion common with CDI furlers that make trailering and luff shape difficult. Has leach UV protection when furled.

3. New Mainsheet system.

4. New cabin seat hatches.

5. New Bimini option specifically designed for the Malabec18

6. And some improvements to the building process to improve build time and features.

7. No more blue or other colored hull boats. We have one blue hulled boat left to sell, going forward all boats will be white.

Centerboard work

Stay tuned on this site for updates about this boat and other topics.


Watch us race our Malbec18 in the upcoming distance race/regatta, the WA360, a race about the Puget Sound to the Canadian Border and back. Learn more by Clicking Here.

 

Makes some comments if you like below…

Search

ARCHIVE