Summary
Idaho is renowned for its unspoiled beauty, predominantly characterized by pristine mountainous landscapes. This state is home to a substantial portion of the Rocky Mountains, the Snake River Plain, and the Great Basin, with 38 percent of its area preserved by the United States Forest Service, more than any other state in the nation. This statistic emphasizes yet again the breathtaking and picturesque nature of Idaho.
The diverse landscapes attract numerous visitors eager to experience Idaho’s rich natural heritage. Notable features include the country’s deepest gorge and its tallest waterfall, Shoshone Falls. With its multiple mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes, Idaho is an exceptional destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. For those visiting the ‘Gem State’ who appreciate aquatic activities, here are the 15 most captivating lakes in Idaho.
1. Lake Pend Oreille; Bonner & Kootenai counties
As Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille is enveloped by national forests, contributing to its stunning aesthetics. Covering 38,000 hectares, it ranks as the fifth-deepest lake in the United States, boasting pristine waters and incredible views.
The lake was formed during the ice age and resembles the shape of an ear, a feature that can be appreciated from the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway and State Highway 200. Nearly the entire 178-kilometer shoreline is bordered by mountains.
This lake serves as a favored location not only for those who appreciate natural vistas, but also for water sports enthusiasts. Its offerings include various paddling routes, as well as excellent sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, and fishing opportunities.
2. Bear Lake; Bear Lake County
This natural freshwater lake straddles the Idaho-Utah border and is nearly evenly divided between the two states. The magnificent Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Idaho side, supports a variety of wildlife including sandhill cranes, white-faced ibis, swans, geese, moose, mule deer, and muskrats.
Bear Lake is celebrated for its captivating turquoise hue, which has earned it the title of the ‘Caribbean of the Rockies.’ Additionally, it is known for the local legend of the Bear Lake Monster, last sighted in 2002.
Regularly frequented by visitors not only for its aesthetic appeal, this lake also harbors endemic fish species. It features a charming three-kilometer beach, excellent hiking trails, and numerous recreational pursuits such as sailing, fishing, and scuba diving.
3. Lake Coeur d’Alene; Kootenai & Benewah counties
The northern extent of this natural lake is located in the city of Coeur d’Alene, named after the Coeur d’Alene people. This 40-kilometer lake spans two counties in northern Idaho and features a shoreline measuring 175 kilometers.
Formed by the Missoula Floods over 12,000 years ago, the lake is nourished by the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers. It rests at an elevation of 648 meters above sea level and is encircled by mountains and forests.
During the summer, Lake Coeur d’Alene attracts numerous tourists seeking to enjoy its scenic beaches and breathtaking views. Trails run alongside its shoreline, and it boasts two golf courses: the Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club and the Coeur D’Alene Resort Golf Course.
4. Redfish Lake; Custer County
Situated at an elevation of 1,996 meters, Redfish Lake is considered one of Idaho’s most picturesque lakes, framed by towering mountain peaks. It is located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
The name Redfish Lake derives from the vibrant sockeye salmon once abundant in its waters; some can still be seen today, albeit in diminished quantities, and must remain within the lake.
The lake features an 18-kilometer shoreline encircled by a scenic trail. Moreover, it is a favored location for canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
5. Priest Lake; Bonner County
This stunning lake resides in the northernmost segment of the Idaho Panhandle, extending for 31 kilometers. Covering 11,000 hectares, it consists of two main areas: Lower Priest and Upper Priest, with the former being the principal portion of the lake.
Priest Lake dates back to the last ice age nearly 10,000 years ago and has played a significant role in the logging industry while also being a popular tourist destination.
Surrounding the lake are pristine wildlife habitats, hosting moose, bears, and deer, enhancing its appeal to visitors, along with a wide range of recreational activities and accommodation options throughout the year.
6. Lake Cascade; Valley County
Dubbed ‘The Mile High Playground,’ Lake Cascade serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, particularly anglers, as it is well-stocked with smallmouth bass, trout, kokanee salmon, and coho salmon.
The 12,200-hectare lake is home to the Lake Cascade State Park, which provides over 2,000 campsites for visitors. Additionally, the area offers a variety of activities including hiking, bird watching, snowmobiling, and skiing, complete with a boat ramp for easy accessibility.
For those seeking more comfort, the Tamarack Resort, located on the lake’s western shoreline, is available year-round along with Lake Cascade and the adjoining state park.
7. Stanley Lake; Custer County
This enchanting alpine lake is situated at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, just northwest of Redfish Lake. It is located within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area at an elevation of 1,985 meters above sea level.
Three separate camping areas surround the lake, all featuring day-use amenities, hiking trails, and boat launches. Additionally, they include swimming areas and picnic spaces, offering opportunities for canoeing and boating.
Stanley Lake is an excellent destination for fishing and wildlife observation, frequented by artists and photographers drawn by its breathtaking landscapes.
8. Henrys Lake; Fremont County
This picturesque mountain lake is located at an elevation of 1,973 meters above sea level on the southwest side of the Henrys Lake Mountains, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Although it spans only 2,100 hectares, Henrys Lake is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and vibrant hues. The shoreline is home to both Henrys Lake State Park and Frome Park, with the Continental Divide Trail skirting its northern extremity.
Fishing is a popular pastime at Henrys Lake, favored for its abundant populations of Yellowstone cutthroat and rainbow-cutthroat hybrids. It is also an ideal location for birdwatchers, boasting species such as white pelicans, Canada geese, widgeon, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, and numerous other birds.
9. Alice Lake; Blaine County
Alice Lake is the largest lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness, a federally protected area within the Sawtooth Mountains. This alpine lake rests at an elevation of 2,622 meters above sea level.
The stunning natural backdrop surrounding Alice Lake renders it exceptionally beautiful and tranquil, drawing photographers from around the world. This idyllic location compensates for the limited water-based activities available, as it often remains frozen well into the summer months.
Hiking is the predominant attraction for visitors, accessible via the trailhead at Pettit Lake or by car via Sawtooth National Forest Road 208.
10. Sawtooth Lake; Custer County
Sawtooth Lake is situated within the Sawtooth Mountains at an elevation of 2,571 meters. The lake can be accessed via the Iron Creek trailhead and campground, which necessitates an eight-kilometer hike.
This alpine lake often remains frozen until July due to its high altitude, limiting recreational options primarily to hiking and camping.
The surrounding scenery at Sawtooth Lake is extraordinary, with Mount Regan at its southern end and Alpine Peak at its eastern edge, providing excellent opportunities for photography.
11. C.J. Strike Reservoir; Owyhee & Elmore counties
C.J. Strike Reservoir is located along the Snake River in southwestern Idaho. Covering 3,000 hectares, this reservoir is highly accessible and family-friendly, making it an ideal summer destination.
Fishing is a primary attraction at the lake, which is teeming with both typical game and larger fish species. Notable species include black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and pumpkinseed.
Camping facilities are available along the shoreline, with four campgrounds providing picnic areas and boat launches.
12. Alturas Lake; Blaine County
Alturas Lake serves as the second largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, positioned at an elevation of 2,138 meters. Its road accessibility facilitates ample recreational opportunities.
Visitors can engage in activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, water skiing, and fishing. Those who prefer land-based pursuits may enjoy hiking and mountain biking.
There are several campgrounds alongside the lake, offering a serene atmosphere emphasizing the stunning Sawtooth Mountain Range. Additionally, a picnic area is available at the lake’s northern tip for day visitors.
13. Warm Lake; Valley County
With an area of 260 hectares, Warm Lake is the largest lake within the Boise National Forest, located at an elevation of 1,615 meters above sea level and surrounded by captivating scenery.
This lake attracts nature enthusiasts eager to view wildlife, including moose, black bears, elk, and mule deer. Additionally, it hosts large birds such as osprey and bald eagles.
Visitors come to Warm Lake to enjoy its excellent camping and fishing opportunities. Furthermore, a designated swimming beach is accessible at the lake’s northern end, alongside two lodges for those preferring lodgings over tents.
14. Lucky Peak Reservoir; Ada, Boise & Elmore counties
Although Lucky Peak Reservoir encompasses only 1,140 hectares, it spans across three counties. The reservoir lies along the Boise River, just southeast of Boise city.
The Lucky Peak Reservoir State Park is situated at the north end of the lake, featuring a sandy beach suitable for swimming, while the Lucky Peak Dam Recreation Area on the opposite end also includes a pleasant beach, a boat ramp, and picnic tables.
One of the most effective ways to appreciate the lake is from a viewpoint located along State Highway 21, which also leads to the Arrowrock View Point for spectacular views.
15. Deadwood Reservoir; Valley County
Located within the Boise National Forest at an elevation of 1,626 meters above sea level, Deadwood Reservoir was created by damming the Deadwood River in 1931.
This reservoir is a sought-after recreational area, ideal for canoeing, swimming, water skiing, and boating. It also attracts anglers looking to catch kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon.
The breathtaking surroundings of Deadwood Reservoir create an excellent environment for hiking and camping. Three campgrounds are located along the shoreline, each equipped with a boat ramp for easy lake access.
