Idaho is an often forgotten state, dotted with natural beauty where mountains kiss the sky and forests whisper ancient tales. The state is landlocked and doesn’t have beautiful beaches like Florida or California, but Idaho has lakes. Many of them actually and in this article, we’ll cover some of the deepest lakes in Idaho and dive into their stories, where you’ll find more than just water. And while one might initially think of Idaho for its world-renowned spuds, let’s plunge deeper (pun intended!) and discover the Gem State’s natural grandeur.
Brief Overview Of Idaho’s Natural Landscapes
Idaho isn’t just your run-of-the-mill state with a quirky name that people mix up with Ohio or Iowa. Its natural landscapes are like a treasure trove of nature’s wonders, with the deepest lakes in Idaho taking the limelight. Now, the main stereotype is that Idaho is all about potatoes, vast farmlands, and a whole lot of nothing. And while we do love our spuds, this statement is the same as visiting India and only noticing the crowded streets.
You see, to truly get the essence of Idaho, you need the right lens—preferably one that peers beneath the surface. And just as the traveler who adjusted to the Indian perspective covered in one of our previous articles, one needs a dash of curiosity and an open heart to see Idaho beyond its tubers. So, next time you’re pondering American landscapes, don’t just skim Idaho’s surface; dive into its depths.
Helpful Resources For Visiting Idaho
First things first- you need to get to Idaho and you can use this KLM special discount offer to get up to 15% off on all of your flights to the US.
For huge savings on car rentals in Idaho, check out this offer by AutoEurope and get up to 30% off on all car rentals in the area. For more info, check out our honest AutoEurope review.
Looking for great places to stay in Idaho? You can use this Booking.com discount voucher and save up to 15% on all properties in the state of Idaho.
Finally, let’s not forget about travel insurance. Personally, I always use SafetyWing. Their plans cover travelers in almost all circumstances that they can get themselves while on the road, including cancelled flights, lost luggage, etc. For more info, check out our honest SafetyWing review.
Deepest Lakes In Idaho
Now that we have covered some basics, let’s get to the most important part of this article; the deepest lakes in Idaho.
Lake Pend Oreille
Now, if Idaho were having a party, Lake Pend Oreille would be the star guest, gracing every selfie and turning heads with its sheer depth and grandeur. The lake lies in the northern part of Idaho and is famous for its azure and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the deepest lakes in Idaho, plunging to an impressive 1,150 feet. Now that’s deep, deep enough to hide all your secrets and then some.
And that’s not all, if you visit here, you’ll also have the rare chance to visit the iconic, majestic bald eagles soaring above, to the intriguing Kamloops rainbow (spotting them is very rare and they only appear in off-the-beaten-track places like this lake). So, if you’re the type who thinks bird-watching is just for retirees in Hawaiian shirts, wait till an osprey snatches a fish right in front of your eyes. It’s like National Geographic, but without the commercials.
Sounds interesting, and you wonder how to get there? Reaching Lake Pend Oreille is actually not that hard. If you’re traveling by car, just take the US-95. The nearest airport is Spokane International in Washington, and from there, it’s the same approach, just get to the US-95 and follow the road signs.
Now, about staying near this deep beauty: Sandpoint, the charming town on the lake’s northern shore, has many different accommodation options. If you fancy something upscale, the Lodge at Sandpoint is a great choice. If you’re leaning towards a cozy, budget-friendly stay, the Best Western Edgewater Resort won’t disappoint you. And for those of you who like to mix a bit of camping with comfort, check out the Beyond Hope Resort.
Payette Lake
Nestled snugly in McCall, Idaho, Payette Lake stretches over 5,000 acres and is completely surrounded by miles of towering pine trees. Sure, it might not claim the “deepest” title, but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in sheer beauty (and charism).
As with most amazing lakes in Idaho, wildlife at Payette isn’t shy about making an entrance. Deer saunter by its shores, and foxes are known to visit from the woods occasionally. Bird enthusiasts will be happy to hear that they can see the red-tailed hawk, as it scouts the area for its next meal. And let’s not forget about its next meal, the fish.
Planning a visit? Simply take the scenic ID-55 route and enjoy the scenic road, but don’t forget to keep an eye on the road signs. If you’re traveling by flight, the nearest airport is the one in Boise. From there, a couple of hours’ drive will lead you straight to the lake.
For accommodations, the options aren’t so diverse as the previous lake but there are a few. Shore Lodge offers the best views on the lake and is the most famous hotel in the area. On the other hand, Brundage Bungalows is a bit more affordable and gives that home-away-from-home vibe. And for the adventurers among you, Ponderosa State Park has campgrounds that are both affordable and scenic.
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Redfish Lake
This list of the deepest lakes in Idaho couldn’t be complete without Redfish Lake. Situated in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Redfish Lake has a name that’s not just for show. Legend has it that once, the lake was teeming with sockeye salmon, so much so that they turned the lake a brilliant shade of red during spawning. Whether this is true or not, we don’t know but what we do know is that the area is teeming with wildlife; from sly foxes to regal elk, there’s always a creature feature waiting around the bend.
If you’re hitting the road, follow Highway 75 around the scenic Sawtooth Mountains that keep playing peek-a-boo with you around every corner. If you’re traveling via flight, the Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey is the nearest one to the lake.
As for bedding down, Redfish Lake Lodge is the place to be if you want to wake up with views of the lake and the scenic mountains in the background. If you prefer to be closer to the stars, the campgrounds surrounding the lake, like Glacier View Campground, promise an immersive nature experience. For those looking for a middle ground, Redfish Riverside Inn offers affordable but comfortable lodges.
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Priest Lake
While Priest Lake is astonishingly deep and incredibly pristine, it’s not the deepest lake in Idaho (that title goes to Lake Pend Oreille). But, Priest Lake’s charm isn’t just about depth. Hidden in Idaho’s Panhandle, the state’s most salient and northernmost part, this blue gem is around 19 miles long. And here’s a fun tidbit: Priest Lake isn’t just one lake. It’s a two-for-one deal, with Upper Priest Lake connected to Priest Lake via a 2.5-mile thoroughfare.
The wildlife here is stuff of campfire stories. Grizzlies occasionally mosey by, while moose prefer a lakeside frolic and can be seen much more often. And if you ever wanted to have a staring contest with a bald eagle, here’s your chance. But, spoiler alert: they always win.
Want to make a trip? Hop onto Highway 57 and follow it to the lake’s edge. If you’re coming from outside the state, the Spokane International Airport in Washington is the nearest.
For those looking to rest their weary heads, the Elkins Resort on Priest Lake is one of my favorite resorts in Idaho. But if you’re into a more ‘au naturel’ experience, Lionhead Campground is the perfect place for nights under the stars and days by the water. And for a mid-tier experience, Hill’s Resort offers you a bit of both.
Coeur d’Alene Lake
Situated in Idaho’s northern region, this 25-mile-long jewel comes with a slice of history. Its name, given by French explorers, translates to “Heart of an Awl,” referencing the sharp trading practices of the local Native American tribe who lived in the area surrounding the lake. But today, it’s less about sharp deals and more about sharp turns on water skis.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be happy to see ospreys dive bomb for their fishy feasts, or deer making a graceful ocassional appearance from the woodlands. Below the water’s surface, you’ll find a large population of cutthroat trout.
Reaching Coeur d’Alene Lake is not hard even though it’s off-the-beaten-track. If driving, Interstate 90 is your main artery, leading you to the town of Coeur d’Alene, the lake’s namesake and guardian. If you are arriving via flight, the nearest airport is Spokane International Airport in neighboring Washington.
The options for lodging by the lake feature Coeur d’Alene Resort, a beacon of luxury with breathtaking lakeside views, or for camping, either Camp Coeur d’Alene or Blackwell Island RV Park. And another graet affordable option that’s not camping includes the Bennett Bay Inn (that also has beautiful views of the lake).
Alturas Lake
Last but not least, we wrap up this list of the deepest lakes in Idaho with Alturas Lake. Encompassing about 640 acres, Alturas Lake’s glacial origins date back thousands of years and its shimmering blue waters, reflecting the surrounding mountains are one of Idaho’s highlights.
And if the lake’s natural beauty is not a reason enough to visit on its own, you’ll be happy to hear you will get chances for wildlife watching around here. From migratory birds painting patterns in the sky to playful minks darting around the banks, or fishing in the lake’s water, there are many things to see around here.
Reaching this sanctuary requires driving about 21 miles south of Stanley (the nearest town), via the State Highway 75 followed by a turn onto Forest Road 205 that guides visitors straight to the lake’s banks. Those flying in can consider Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey as their landing point.
In terms of accommodations, The Alturas Inlet Campground gives you a firsthand experience of the great outdoors and for those who prefer a roof overhead, Smiley Creek Lodge, a short drive away, is the perfect choice. And if you don’t like either of these two, the town of Stanley provides a broader range of lodging options.
Deep-Water Habitats And Species
As you could see, the deepest lakes in Idaho provide not only cool, dark refuges but also unique ecological experiences. The kokanee salmon, for instance, that can be found in most of these lakes is a tale of adaptability. This landlocked version of the sockeye salmon calls many of Idaho’s deep lakes home, navigating the blue void with finesse and playing a pivotal role in the aquatic food chain. Then, there’s the burbot, a rather unusual-looking fish that might not win beauty contests but wins hearts with its ecological significance and being one of only a few freshwater species to spawn under the ice in the heart of winter.
Recreational Opportunities On The Deepest Lakes In Idaho
Lastly, we are completing this guide to the deepest lakes in Idaho with a few recreational opportunities that you can try at the lakes mentioned on our list.
Boating & Water Sports
The lakes of Idaho wouldn’t be what they are if they didn’t offer a dash of adventure for your trip. You can go jet skiing and leave a trail of frothy waves in your wake. Or if you want something slower and safer, you can opt in for a kayak or a canoe ride, navigate the lake’s inlets, and discover some hidden coves along the shore. Paddling is another option, and you can also do SUP (stand-up-paddleboarding). Last but not least, windsurfers and sailors, fear not! Idaho’s lakes often serve up the perfect breezy conditions for you to harness the wind and set sail.
Scuba Diving In Deep Lakes
Idaho might not spring to mind when you think of scuba diving destinations, given its landlocked status. But, surprise, surprise! Its glacially-carved deep lakes, are just deep enough and have enough inhabitants (they actually have very unique ecosystems) not to make scuba diving here boring.
How did you like this guide to the deepest lakes in Idaho? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
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