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Day Three we continue north and soon join the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. The Byway travels the eastern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, home to bald eagles and the largest population of nesting osprey in the Western states. The lakes, mountains, and beautiful summer weather in this area have made it one of the most famous summer playgrounds and resort areas in the Pacific Northwest. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, deer and bear.
The greater Coeur d'Alene area is home to a number of glacial lakes, but none more spectacular than Lake Coeur d'Alene itself. Named by National Geographic as one of the 5 most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Coeur d'Alene is over 25 miles long, with nearly 135 miles of shoreline. Surrounded by breath-taking views of pine-covered hills and rocky bluffs, the lake has long been a destination for travelers seeking the tranquil soliace of quiet surroundings.
A bit of trivia, Lake Coeur d'Alene is home to the first pair of water skis, test driven back in 1920.
The lake is fed by the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe and St. Maries rivers which provide boaters the opportunity to explore and anglers the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the fishing. The elevation of the lake is 2,125 feet above sea level.
Although glacially formed, Lake Coeur d'Alene's depth has been enhanced by the construction of the 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.
There are a number of model T's 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.
Leaving Coeur d’Alene Lake, we ride east through Kellogg, home to the Silver Mountain Ski Resort which includes Kellogg Peak (6300 ft/1920 m) and Wardner Peak (6200 ft/1890 m) and is accessed by taking the worlds longest single cabin gondola 3.1 miles from the town of Kellogg to the lodge at Kellogg Mountain.
From Kellogg, we enter the Coeur d’Alene National Forest and proceed east along a narrow, twisty, two lane road, passing through several remote towns and eventually crossing into Montana and arriving at Thompson Falls.
Thompson Falls lies nestled in a quiet valley along the beautiful Clark Fork River. The town was established in 1885 during the gold and silver mining era. With a population of about 1350, Thompson Falls is situated in northwest Montana and is surrounded by National Forests. A quiet little community where popular pastimes include parking in the Town Pump parking lot, driving up and down Main Street, and sitting on benches watching cars drive by.
We continue our ride south and soon arrive in Missoula, Montana. This will be our layover for the evening.
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