FERNAN LAKE PARK WEST
PADDLE DISTANCE: 7 mile loop
ELEVATION: 2133’
LENGTH AND ACREAGE: 2 miles long & 300 acres
MAPS: IPNF, Fernan topo
LAUNCH GPS: 47°40’13” N 116°44’52” W
KOOTENAI COUNTY SHERIFF: 208.446.1300
ELEVATION: 2133’
LENGTH AND ACREAGE: 2 miles long & 300 acres
MAPS: IPNF, Fernan topo
LAUNCH GPS: 47°40’13” N 116°44’52” W
KOOTENAI COUNTY SHERIFF: 208.446.1300
DESCRIPTION:
THERE IS A CAUTION AGAINST GETTING WET AT FERNAN ON JULY 22nd. Algae plums can make you or your pet sick.
The best time to paddle FERNAN is after the ice thaws, and as the temps get colder.
The south (right) side has no houses, but is privately owned. I’ve seen Eagles, Osprey, beavers, and Great Blue Herons. At one time, just as you head East, there are three dead trees about 100’ off the water. They are dead because of the dozens and dozens of heron, roosting in the trees years ago.
Further east along the shore line are 5 bays to explore or get out of the sun. After the second bay, watch for a variety of wildlife all away to the east launch.
From the west launch, paddle along the north (left) shore past several waterfront houses. Soon the houses end, and the E. Fernan Road continues to the East Fernan Lake Launch. Stay for shore as you paddle the north shore. There usually are dozens of fishermen & women.
When you get to the east end, you will be in water lilies.
The best time to paddle FERNAN is after the ice thaws, and as the temps get colder.
The south (right) side has no houses, but is privately owned. I’ve seen Eagles, Osprey, beavers, and Great Blue Herons. At one time, just as you head East, there are three dead trees about 100’ off the water. They are dead because of the dozens and dozens of heron, roosting in the trees years ago.
Further east along the shore line are 5 bays to explore or get out of the sun. After the second bay, watch for a variety of wildlife all away to the east launch.
From the west launch, paddle along the north (left) shore past several waterfront houses. Soon the houses end, and the E. Fernan Road continues to the East Fernan Lake Launch. Stay for shore as you paddle the north shore. There usually are dozens of fishermen & women.
When you get to the east end, you will be in water lilies.
ATTRACTIONS
Wildlife, peaceful paddle, and trying to keep up with the college racing shells rowers. I guarantee you can’t keep up with them.
DIRECTIONS:
From downtown CDA, drive East on Sherman Avenue, passing under the freeway.
To get to the west launch, you will pass the Fernan Ranger Station. The next street, Theis Drive. Turn right (south) and continue to the launch.
To get to the west launch, you will pass the Fernan Ranger Station. The next street, Theis Drive. Turn right (south) and continue to the launch.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
CDA Lake, Hayden Lake, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Fernan Saddle, and the old Spades Lookout.
R & P:
Michael D’s for breakfast, the Moon Time, Franklins Hoagies, Mexican Food Factory, and the Trails End Brewery.