Summer

Summer in North Idaho is a great time to be outdoors.  Our days are mild with the mean temperature of 63.5 degrees with low humidity averaging 46 %.  Our summer rainfall averages 1.2 inches with June being the rainiest.  Summer nights are delightfully warm with the daylight extending tell almost 10:00 PM.

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Summer Activities to Enjoy:

Park it

Farragut State Park was the second largest naval training station in the world during World War II. The site was chosen by President Franklin Roosevelt as a secure inland naval training site, suitable for submarine testing because Lake Pend Oreille is 1,225 feet deep.  In addition to natural wonders, the park features a natural amphitheater with room for 60,000 people, a model airplane flying field and a museum.  The park is four miles east of U.S. Highway 95 at Athol. For information, call (208) 683-2425.

Heyburn State Park became the first state park in the Pacific Northwest in 1908.  More than 5,500 acres and land and 2,300 acres of water are home to wildlife of all types.  Heron and Osprey are especially common.  The park is on State Highway 5 between Plummer and St. Maries. For information, call (208) 686-1308.

Round Lake State Park 10 miles south of Sandpoint on Hwy 95, is easy access, two miles from highway, with fishing, swimming and hiking. For information call (208) 263-3489.

Priest Lake State Park with crystal clear mountain waters is near the Selkirk Mountain range.  155 campsites from full service to primitive tent with some open all year. For information, call (208) 443-2200.

Cruise or Live Aboard

Experience the true beauty of the lakes and rivers of the North Idaho.  A number of cruise companies offer a summer of fun with daily Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, St. Joe River cruises.  Dinner, brunch and charter cruises are available.  Daily cruises depart from Independence Point on the downtown Coeur d’Alene waterfront several times each day during the summer season, May through October.  Or, float on the lake – for a day or a week.  Ten person pontoon boat rentals for a full day are available at the Boardwalk Marina.  They also have 18′ cruise boats for rent by the hour or by the day.  Call (208) 765-4000 to make a reservation.  For family memories that will last a lifetime contact Pend Oreille Houseboat rentals for 3 to 7 day vacations on Lake Pend Oreille.  Boats sleep from 6 to 10 people and come fully equipped.  Check on value season or summer season rates at (208) 263-2675.

Get Above it All

Get a bird’s-eye view of North Idaho on a high-flying tour.  Brooks Seaplane Service on Lake Coeur d’Alene has scenic routes that cover North Idaho.  Helicopter excursions and private charters are available.  Explore lakes, mountain goats and other scenery from a new point of view.  Or, parasail and soar 500 feet above the crowds for a spectacular view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the downtown beaches.  It’s safe and you won’t even get wet, taking off and landing right on the boat.  Call Coeur d’Alene Parasail (208) 765-5367 for information.

Amuse Yourself

Silverwood Theme Park in a town unto itself – housing theatre shows, live entertainment, a country carnival and midway arcade and thrill-seeking amusement rides.  When you get there (15 miles north of Coeur d’Alene on U.S. Highway 95) be sure to ride the narrow gauge steam train and two of the largest wooden roller coasters in the west.  Tempt fate on the hair raising, 55 mph Timber Terror.  Then, if you dare, climb aboard Silverwood’s faster coaster, Tremors.  You will plummet 103 feet into the first of four underground tunnels, then burst through the floor and roof of the gift shop. For information, call (208) 683-3400.

World Class Golf

Greens that look like velvet, fairways that are shaded by ponderosa pine and tees that overlook mountains and lakes are what’s in store if you tee up any of our challenging and relaxing golf courses.  The crown jewel of Northwest golf nuzzles the southeast corner of Coeur d’Alene.  The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course has played host to PGA touring pros and has been selected by Golf Digest as America’s most beautiful golf course.  It is famous for the world’s only floating green and is open to the public.

Cars Cars Cars

Don’t miss the annual Car d’ Lane Auto show in Downtown Coeur d’Alene June of each year.  Over 250 autos line Sherman Avenue for a two day event with food prizes and more.  For registration or info call (208) 667-4040.

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For a calendar of Summer events, visit www.fyinorthidaho.com