Chapter Twelve - Kayaking Stops In Idaho

Route 90 in Idaho

 

I-90 was completed along Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho in 1992. It runs through old mining country, along the famed "Silver Valley" of Idaho. Active and abandoned mines dot the landscape. The speed limit goes up to 75 MPH in Idaho. I-90 near Lake Coeur d’Alene (pronounced cör-da-lane) goes through an area where the lakes, mountains, and beautiful summer weather have made it one of the most famous summer resort destinations in the Pacific Northwest. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, bear and several bird species, still found in the pristine forests of northern Idaho.

 

Map of Route in Idaho

 

Stop 1: Fernan Lake, ID

Directions: Exit 15 (Sherman Avenue) off Route 90, just before Idaho 95 N, it is a quarter mile to Fernan Lake. Boat ramp is very close to Route 90 and Lake Coeur d'Alene is directly across.

 

Fernan Lake is a great lake for paddling and fishing It is located just east of Interstate 90 off the Sherman Street exit. There are two public boat launches, at the east and west ends of the lake. Shoreline access can be found in these areas around the docks and along the roadside on the northwest side of the lake.

 

Fernan Lake, Idaho

 

Stop 2: Lake Coeur d'Alene, ID

Directions: Exit 15 off Route 90

Also Scenic Byway at Exit 22, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - 21-mile drive around the lake

 

Website: http://www.coeurdalene.org/

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene is 30 miles long and ranges from 1 to 3 miles wide. There are over 109 miles of shoreline to explore. The lake is fed by the Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe and St. Maries rivers. The lake is at an elevation of 2,125 feet above sea level.

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene

 

Apparently there are a number of model T's sitting on the bottom of the lake, due to people in the early 1900s driving across the lake during the wintertime in order to save half the distance in getting around the lake.

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene is a popular tourist site for many people during the summer, offering great beaches and scenic views. There is excellent bald eagle viewing near the Wolf Lodge Bay.

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Stop 3: Rose Lake, ID

Directions: Exit 34 off Route 90, South on Route 3 to Rose Lake

Rose Lake and White Pine Scenic Byway

 

Map of Rose Lake, Idaho