Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene
Location	Kootenai / Benewah counties, Idaho, USA
Coordinates	47°32′00.46″N 116°48′32.84″W / 47.5334611°N 116.8091222°W / 47.5334611; -116.8091222Coordinates: 47°32′00.46″N 116°48′32.84″W / 47.5334611°N 116.8091222°W / 47.5334611; -116.8091222
Lake type	glacial, reservoir
Primary inflows	Coeur d'Alene River, Saint Joe River
Primary outflows	Spokane River
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	25 mi (40 km)
Max. width	3 mi (4.8 km)
Surface area	49.8 sq mi (129 km2)
Max. depth	220 ft (67 m)
Water volume	2.8 km3 (0.67 cu mi)
Residence time	0.5 years
Surface elevation	2,125 ft (648 m)

Lake Coeur d'Alene is a lake in the Idaho Panhandle, located in the vicinity of the city of the same name. It spans 25 miles (40 km) long, ranges from 1 to 3 miles (4.8 km) wide and has over 109 miles (175 km) of shoreline for boaters and vacationers to explore and enjoy. The lake is fed primarily by two rivers, Coeur d'Alene River and Saint Joe River. The outflow is via the Spokane River. The elevation of the lake is 2,125 feet (648 m) above sea level.

Although glacially formed, Lake Coeur d'Alene's surface level is raised about seven feet during summer months by a dam on the Spokane River. The lake has been a primary method of transporting lumber in Kootenai County since the industry took root in the region. In fact, prior to a fire in 1917, Harrison was going to be county seat of Kootenai County, as the swiftly growing lumber town was at an opportune junction of the St. Joe and Coeur d' Alene Rivers. After the fire, the mills were largely moved to the city of Coeur d'Alene, which then grew to become the county seat.

There are a number of Ford Model T automobiles sitting on the bottom of the lake, due to people in the early 1900s who would drive across the lake during the winter time in order to save half the distance in getting around the lake. When the ice broke, so did the chances for getting across. Also, there are some steamboats on the bottom that had been burned when they were no longer used to ferry people around on the lake. Divers frequently visit these ruins on the bottom.

Lake Coeur d'Alene is a popular tourist site for many people during the summer, offering great beaches and scenic views. A seasonal hobby of some local residents is viewing the bald eagles as they feed on the kokanee in the lake, mainly from the Wolf Lodge Bay. The North Idaho Centennial Trail, popular among cyclists, walkers, and joggers, follows along the lake's north and northeastern shore. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes also runs along the shore.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe owns the southern third of Lake Coeur d'Alene. In Idaho v. United States,^[1] the United States Supreme Court held an 1873 executive order issued by Ulysses S. Grant transferred ownership to the Tribe. While the court holding has not affected usage and access to Lake Coeur d'Alene, the Environmental Protection Agency has ruled that the Tribe may set its own water-quality standards on its portion of Lake Coeur d'Alene.^[2]

A song by the rock band Alter Bridge from their third album AB III is a tribute to this lake.

See also

• Bunker Hill Mine and Smelting Complex
• Idaho v. Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho (1997)
• Idaho v. United States (2001)

References

1. ^ FindLaw for Legal Professionals - Case Law, Federal and State Resources, Forms, and Code
2. ^ EPA says Coeur d'Alene Tribe can develop water quality standards

External links

• MSR Maps - USGS topographical map and aerial photo