Lake Pend Oreille

Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho's largest lake, fed by the Clark Fork river and Emptied by the Pend Oreille river is 43 miles long with 111 miles of shoreline and nearly 1200 feet deep. There is a great variety of scenery found around the lake, from flatter land at the northern part of the lake to rugged cliffs (complete with mountain goats) near the southern end. The weather can be quite harsh when storms roll through, so it is a good idea to keep your ears and eyes open and to take cover before a storm hits. The last week we spent on the lake it was truly perfect weather for the entire time we were there. Good wind for sailing, nice sunshine and comfortable temperature. If you like walking the docks looking at sailboats, be sure to check out the Bitter End Marina in Bayview. I'm guessing they have over 300 boats in this "sailboat only" marina, ranging in length from 6 to 45+ feet. The public boat ramp in Farragut State Park is probably the best place for launching and retrieving your boat. There is a pump-out station located here which is nice for the end of your visit. The fee for entering the park and using the ramp is minimal. With all this talking about Lake Pend Oreille, it makes me want to plan another sailing vacation to this favorite spot! (1) Sandpoint (2) Bottle Bay (3) East Hope (4) Garfield Bay (5) Whiskey Rock (6) Bitter End Marina (7) Bayview (8) Buttonhook Bay