Lake Coeur d’Alene

The Buoy Bar & Grill CDA, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The Buoy started as a burger boat delivering delicious food to boaters. Now, they have a sweet spot in McEuen Park at the top of the public dock serving juicy burgers, fish tacos, and a variety of margaritas, beers, and other drinks. Enjoy live music with lake views in a family-friendly environment.

Rowan’s Island Grill, Harrison, Idaho

This new Hawaiian food truck has quickly become popular with the Harrison locals! Grab a plate of teriyaki chicken, Kalua pig, or spam musubi and eat at the park or public beach. Vegan and gluten free options available.

Latitudes, Carlin Bay, Harrison, Idaho

Voted the Inlander’s 2022 Best Food Truck in North Idaho, Latitudes offers their own twist on fine dining. From flatbreads and burgers to an extensive kids’ menu, coconut shrimp, and famous twice-a-week “Prime Night,” they cover the bases. There is plenty of outdoor seating, live music, and a new pagoda too.

Conkling Marina & Resort, Worley, Idaho

Find a spot to park the boat and enjoy a memorable meal at the Steamboat Grill or an ice-cold drink at the Starboard Lounge. You can even order your Quinoa Salad and Braised Short Rib Tacos online and have a boat lunch on the water.

Hayden Lake

The Boathouse, Hayden Lake, Idaho

Situated on the south side of the Hayden Lake, the Boathouse is a lakeside dining spot that offers both food and a convenience store. The bistro menu features burgers, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s a full bar. New this year: soft serve ice cream!

Priest Lake

Tyee Coffee + Goods, Coolin, Idaho

This cool café offers an appetizing breakfast and lunch menu to enjoy on the expansive deck with views of the lake. And Tyee’s coffee is pretty good too.

Lake Pend Oreille

Dish at Dover Bay, Dover, Idaho

With menu items like edamame tossed with truffle oil and black sesame seeds, Crispy Bourbon Chicken Fritters, and Grilled Hawaiian Escolar with honey-gochujang sauce, this out-of-the-way restaurant has made a name for itself. Dish At Dover Bay also has a full bar, long wine list, beer taps, and waterfront patio.

The Lake House Bar and Grill, Bayview, Idaho

This floating restaurant immerses you in lake views while you sip a craft cocktail. The menu is wide ranging, from Avocado Fries, a Smoked Pastrami Sandwich, Salmon BLT, and Strawberry Float Cake.

Cocolalla Lake

The View Café, 462109 US-95, Cocolalla, Idaho

This modest café with outdoor seating overlooking the lake sources meat locally and serves breakfast all day. The burger and sandwich menu is comprehensive and creative, and there are a few salads choices too.

Hauser Lake

Embers by the Lake, Hauser, Idaho

This fun lakeside restaurant serves wood-fired artisan pizza all day long and is the perfect place to hang out. The deck features a fire pit for roasting s’mores.

Spirit Lake

Sedlmayer’s Resort & Restaurant, Spirit Lake, Idaho

Previously the Boars Nest bar, Sedlmayers reopened in 2021 under new ownership with a new look and menu with Sunday morning breakfast, weekend lunch and dinner, a full bar, and live music.

Diamond Lake

Edgewater Lounge, Newport, Wash.

Edgewater’s chef brings 20 years of culinary experience to this classy lakeside restaurant that uses local meats and other local products when available. Dine in or take out breakfast, lunch, or dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Originally published as “Lakeside Gems Off the Beaten Path: Dining & Imbibing On the Water” in the July-August 2022 issue.

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“If you do catch a frog, be gentle and look at it for a short time. Then release it back to where it was—do not move it to a different body of water or pond,” says Round Lake State Park manager Mary McGraw. “Do not take it home as a pet.”      

Visitors to Round Lake can pick up educational loaner backpacks at the ranger station visitor center that contain information for learning about the local natural resources. “This is a great way to learn how to protect our natural surroundings and why it is important to protect the native plants and animals,” McGraw says.

One species of frog that you can keep are the non-native American bullfrogs. In fact, McGraw says, “If you catch a bullfrog, please remove it from the water and destroy it. One positive side is bullfrogs are commonly eaten.” Yes, frog legs for dinner!

Bullfrogs are North America’s largest frog and legal to hunt in the Northwest. No permit is required in either Washington or Idaho. Consult state regulations to learn how to identify this invasive frog and know the difference between a bullfrog and any protected non-game species, such as the northern leopard frog.

Lake frogs: Hunting for bullfrogs is legal (and highly encouraged!) in Idaho and Washington States. // Photos courtesy Washington State Department of Fish and Game.

Find more stories about wildlife in the OTO archives.

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Idaho Department of Fish & Game requires an invasive species permit for each paddling vessel over 10 feet long, including inflatable ones—this means kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (most are 10+ feet), canoes, and row boats.

An Idaho permit costs $7 per craft; purchase online at idfg.idaho.gov or in-person at state parks or select vendors. Marine law enforcement can issue fines for anyone paddling a non-permitted vessel.

Washington State does not require permits for non-motorized watercraft. Any non-motorized vessels launched in Washington that enter Idaho waters, such as the Spokane River at Stateline, do not need a permit.

To prevent invasive species from being transported between freshwater lakes and rivers, boaters and non-motorized paddle craft are asked to stop at roadside inspection stations off highways, which mainly target out-of-state visitors. Any vessel deemed “high risk” is decontaminated with a hot wash at the station (no fee).            

For complete boating rules and regulations, visit state government websites: Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov and Wdfw.wa.gov.

For more stories about paddling sports, visit the OTO archives.

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Here are five of the best lakeside campgrounds due to their family-friendly beaches and easy access for watersports recreation, including paddling, boating, and fishing — plus lots of reservable campsites.

Sam Owen at Lake Pend Oreille

Large campground, with four loops, located on a peninsula south of Hope, Idaho, along the east side of Lake Pend Oreille.

Amenities: boat launch, dock, day-use area and beach, sand volleyball court, paddle gear rentals, and dog-friendly beach.

One of the best Inland NW lakeside campgrounds: Sam Owen Campground has a big beach for hanging out all day for paddling and swimming. // Photo: Amy McCaffree

National Forest Campgrounds on west Side of Priest Lake

10 U.S. National Forest campgrounds at Priest and Upper Priest lakes, including boat-in island campgrounds.

Amenities: Shoreline trails for hiking and mountain biking; boat launches; and Luby, Osprey, and Outlet campgrounds are within MTB/hiking distance to Hill’s Resort. (See “5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shores” for more recreation ideas.)

Paddling and camping at Priest Lake, Idaho: Views from Outlet Campground, both from the campsite and on the water. // Photos: Amy McCaffree

Heyburn State Park

Heyburn State Park, near Plummer, Idaho, includes three campgrounds on Chatcolet and Benewah Lakes, south of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Amenities: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Rocky Point beach and boat launch, rental cabins, Plummer Point day-use area and dog-friendly beach, MTB and hiking trails, ranger station and visitor center near Hawley’s Landing.

Heyburn State Park includes Hawley’s Landing Campground (left) and Rocky Point marina and day-use beach (right). / Photos: Amy McCaffree

Round Lake State Park

Round Lake State Park is a paddling and fishing paradise in Sagle, Idaho. The lake is annually stocked with trout by Idaho Fish & Game, and no combustion-motor boats are allowed.

Amenities: two docks, large swimming area, ranger station and visitor center, paddle gear rentals, and MTB/hiking trail around lake.

Round Lake State Park: Small, quiet lake with docks, boat launch, and swimming beach. // Photos courtesy of Robin Lewis.

Fort Spokane at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Fort Spokane Campground is one of many National Park Service campgrounds within Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area at the 130-mile-long lake—a power-boating and fishing mecca. Fort Spokane is the campground closest to Spokane, located at confluence with the Spokane River.

Amenities: boat launch and trailer parking, fish cleaning station, sandy boat-in beaches along lake and river, and Fort Spokane Visitor Center and Museum.

Boat launch at Fort Spokane where the Spokane River flows into Lake Roosevelt (left); Powerboat and tubing fun on Lake Roosevelt. // Photos: Amy McCaffree

Find more stories about lake recreation and adventure destinations in the Lake Guide archives.

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Captain Dan even comes ashore at Sandpoint City Beach. “He pulls up on the sand and takes out a treasure chest—plays pirate with children with rubber swords, and he has eye patches and bandanas for kids when they come aboard,” says his wife, Pam Mimmack, when we talked by phone while Dan was on the lake. “He’s on the beach pretty much every day all summer.”

All children are welcome, and he especially enjoys helping children with physical or sensory special needs who need a calm boating experience. Captain Dan’s voyages take kids for a ride up Sand Creek and back, with on-board water-blasters to spray passing boats, like pirates are wont to do.

“He’s a generous, loving guy—one of the kids, even though he’s 65 years old,” says Pam Mimmack. “He’s always carrying around rubber duckies to hand out to children wherever he sees them, walking down the street.”

There is no set boat ride schedule, or even ride time limit, and the reservation process is fairly informal. A parent or guardian can stop by the Mimmack’s family business Northwest Handmade Furniture & Gallery (308 North 1st Ave) any time during regular business hours, which is located a short distance from City Beach. The Mimmack’s daughter now owns the store, and Pam still works there and oversees boat reservations, she says.

You can also call the store to schedule a boat ride (208) 255-1962 or (877) 880-1962. At least one adult must accompany their children on the boat and donations are accepted.

For more stories about Lake Pend Oreille, visit the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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I love heading to Fish Lake southwest of Spokane because of its proximity to where I live, water temperature, and it is a good size to get in a few lengths for a nice workout. I also like how seemingly ridiculous I look walking through the crowd of sunbathers and floatie loungers with my bike shorts like swim wear, goggles, and sometimes flippers.

Wearing goggles makes gazing at underwater lake life possible, including frogs and fish, the underside of lily pads, and just viewing a seldom seen aquatic world.

Open-water swimming has its own unique challenges: swimming in a straight line isn’t all that easy without lane guards, it takes time to get used to colder water, and it helps to be comfortable treading water. But it is sure nice to gaze at the birds and clouds while you’re doing the backstroke.

For more stories about swimming, visit the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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1. Visit Upper Priest Lake.

Paddle the 3.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, accessible at the north end of Priest Lake. For the shortest paddle, start from Beaver Creek Day-Use Area. Or hike to Upper Priest via Navigation Trail. You can camp overnight at a rustic national forest campground.

2. Earn your meal, drinks, or treats.

From Luby Bay Campground, you can paddle the shoreline or bike or hike the Beach Trail south to Hill’s Resort. Or start paddling or biking from Outlet Bay Campground and head north to Hill’s. You can also boat from anywhere along the lake and park at the resort docks for a day-use visit.

Known for their creative, family-friendly foods, dine on their deck to enjoy huckleberry delights. During the morning, you can order huckleberry pancakes—just one of many options from the breakfast menu. For summer 2021, Hill’s also has new casual dining and George’s Dining Room dinner menus. You can also get a milkshake, lemonade, or even margarita made with local wild huckleberries.

3. Golf on the lake.

Hill’s Resort also owns the 18-hole Priest Lake Golf Course, located only minutes away. You arrive by boat to the resort docks and drive a reserved “street legal” golf cart to the course. Rent or bring your own clubs.

4. Explore local history.

The Priest Lake Museum is also nearby. Learn the local cultural and natural history, and view the featured exhibit, “Fool’s Gold: Mining at Priest Lake,” which includes an outdoor exhibit area along a short path to view large artifacts. Free admission; more details at priestlakemuseum.org.

5. Paddle to an Island.

For those with advanced canoeing or kayaking skills, you can depart from the Kalispell Boat Launch (at Kalispel Bay) and paddle to Kalispel Island—the largest among seven islands. Head to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest day-use beach or stay at one of the 52 campsites located around Kalispel Island.

Bartoo Island is also within paddling distance from Priest’s western shore. Located closer to Luby Bay, it has a day-use area and 25 camp sites.

Find more information at fs.usda.gov. Reserve a campsite or take your chances with a handful of first-come sites on each island.

For more stories about Priest Lake, visit the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan has been Washington state’s favorite family getaway resort since 1901 and is a great launchpad to enjoy all that the region has to offer.

The historic downtown waterfront had private beaches and many acres to roam. From here, the following lakeside activities are nearby and abundant.

1. Take an E-bike tour of Lake Chelan.

Chelan Electric Bikes offers several tours of the scenic landscapes where local grapes are grown. The electric bicycles let riders be a part of the landscape and also offer an easy assist on the hills. There are several tour options, the most classic one being the four-hour, wine-focused casual and scenic pedal. Visit three enchanting wineries, sip fabulous wine, and ride about 18 miles. There’s also a family tour option that skips the wineries and focuses on swimming holes and wildlife sightings.

2. Paddleboard tour around Lake Chelan.

There is no better way to enjoy the lake than launching into the water. Rent a paddle board from Lake Rider Sports in downtown Chelan (509-885-4767).

Choose from traditional paddleboards or get funky with the Supsquatch, a one-of-a-kind standup paddleboard that can hold up to 14 people. The Supsquatch makes for a casual, fun day on the water.

Those more interested in a workout can rent a board and cruise as far as the eye can see.

3. Hike or bike for views.

Fourteen major trailheads provide starting points for 250 miles of maintained summer trails near the town of Chelan.

One great option is the Echo Ridge trail system, which contains almost 25 miles of trails intertwined with roads. Originally designed for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, the trails are perfect for mountain biking and hiking.

There are wide, easy trails suitable for all ages, and technical singletrack for the more adventurous. Expect to see great views of Lake Chelan, the Stewart Range, Okanogan Highlands, and Columbia Plateau.

For those who want to stick close to town, the Riverwalk Park Loop Trail is a 1-mile pathway that loops between the two bridges that span the Chelan River, in historic downtown Chelan. There are shaded benches all along the trail.

4. Fly above it all.

Paraglide Chelan offers first-time flyers the freedom and the thrill of flight. Flyers are securely attached to their instructors, which makes it possible to relax and enjoy the ride. A tandem paraglide flight is a unique and immersive way to see the area.

They employ US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association instructors, who make every flight safe, fun, and unforgettable. Pilots from all over the world also travel to Chelan every year for national and world competitions.

5. Take a wine-tasting tour.

Taking a tasting tour around the Chelan area is a great way to explore the area and enjoy some amazing wine and food.

Vin Du Lac, French for wine of the lake, offers a beautiful view, an array of award-winning wines, a farm-to-table bistro menu, and a setting ideal for relaxation, enjoyment, and events. All wine grapes at Vin Du Lac are hand harvested and fermented in small batches, and the live music scene is hard to beat.

Tunnel Hill Winery offers a stone cottage tasting room, built from the rubble of the old Knapps Hill Tunnel just up the hill. Thus their tasting room, like their wine, is sturdy, solid, and very much from the earth.

Karma Vineyard boasts 14 acres of selected varietals including Gewürztraminer, syrah, pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay, and pinot meunier. Known for its sparkling wine, Karma Vineyards was the first vineyard in Chelan to cane prune pinot noir grapes.

Each year Chelan’s One Wines offers a simpler approach to wine. Instead of creating multiple reds and whites, they make three great wines per year—one red, one white, and one rose.

Wapato Point Cellars offers a delightful evening at the winemaker’s grill with an exquisite selection of delicious menu items on their ever-changing fresh sheet. Dine in the restaurant or al fresco on the outdoor patio.

Radiance Winery Tasting Room is a family-owned winery and tasting room that specializes in balanced, radiant wines true to varietal and vineyard source.

Alta Cellars owner and winemaker Jay Pederson has been a commercial fisherman for most of his life. Today he runs Alta Cellars, which features very limited release quantities of premium red wines with special attention to Bordeaux-inspired varietals.

Obviously not a winery, but Lake Chelan Brewery is worth a stop to sample some of the five flagship beers and 11 seasonal beers. An onsite pub serves burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Find more stories about Lake Chelan in the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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“If you’re looking to explore water sports in a safe way and get a really good physical workout without really realizing you’re getting one, SUP yoga is a great way to do that,” says SUP yoga instructor Roxanne Best. In this sport, you’re being physically challenged but “you’re not sweating, exhausted, hating every minute.”

Best is a 200 hour instructor with the Yoga Alliance; she is certified to teach SUP yoga through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association. Her original career was as a scuba diver, and she’s SUPped for many years, in addition to practicing and teaching yoga. A member of the Colville Tribe—“we’re water people,” she says—she was looking for a new way to enjoy the water when she took a SUP yoga class and fell in love.

In the SUP yoga classes Best instructs, participants of all levels learn to paddle their boards and engage in a series of yoga flow positions; both the SUP components and the yoga positions are taught in a way that makes them approachable for any skill level.

A common challenge of SUP yoga is getting past the fear of falling into the water. Though most participants don’t fall in, the possibility seems to be on the back of everyone’s mind—which can be kind of freeing. You go from “being conditioned that falling was bad, to the mindset of…it’s actually okay to fall, and it’s kind of fun!” Best says.

“For me it’s just a really grounding experience, and centering, which is weird, because you’re out on the water,” she says. “It’s really just an opportunity to tune into your environment. Tune out some of the human noises and tune into some of the nature noises.”

Read more yoga stories in the OTO archives.

Learn about lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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