View from Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway
A stop at an Idaho tourist information rest area near Post Falls, Idaho, changed the course of our day. We thought we’d go into Coeur d’Alene, walk around the lake, eat at the resort, and take in the beauty of this city of blue waters. But the lady at the tourist information center brought out a map and showed us Idaho 97, a route called the Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. She promised it would not only take us south toward Moscow, our destination, but would afford us spectacular views. How right she was!
Located in Idaho’s panhandle, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a glacier-formed lake spanning 25 miles with 135 miles of shoreline. Clear waters, access to beaches, and wildlife such as bald eagles and birds of prey make it a destination for many. The curvy drive begged us to slow down and enjoy the springtime scenery — wide expanses of water, stately homes with beckoning docks, tall evergreens, full-blooming lilacs on bushes reaching roofline heights, and an occasional store like Hutton’s General Store offering travelers and locals a good sandwich and bottle of pop. Photo ops presented themselves at every turn, so we’re sharing with you what we stopped for along the way. It’s a drive to put on your must-see list!
For more information, go to Visit Idaho at http://www.visitidaho.org/attraction/lakes-rivers/lake-coeur-dalene/
Thom Hickey
Thanks. Really enjoyed reading this. I’ll revisit your blog. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (plugged in now).
catbirdinamerica
Wow! Thanks for the trip down memory lane! I lived in Coeur d’Alene from 1980-1984, and went on this scenic route a number of times. My daughter, now 30, was born in Kootenai Memorial Hospital, which probably has a different name now! I haven’t seen Coeur d’Alene in all that time, so thank you for taking me back. 🙂
Rusha Sams
You are so welcome. What fun it was for us to discover this route and then take a long, scenic drive on what must be one of America’s prettiest curvy roads! I’d go back in a minute — especially in the fall. Would love to see those leaves turning!
catbirdinamerica
It’s beautiful in the fall, Rusha. You should go back for sure. 🙂
LuAnn
We have only ever traveled through this city and have always said we need to explore Idaho. You have made us move this state up on our list. Thanks Rusha! 🙂
Rusha Sams
I never thought of Idaho as a bucket list destination, but after working there and getting to know the highways, byways, and stunning beauty of the mountains and streams, I can definitely recommend it. What a pretty state! With lovely people within! Thanks for the reply.
gallivance.net
Hi Rusha,
We just love this post and wanted to let you know that we featured a link to it today as part of our “Slice of Americana Series” that we’re running this July. You can check it out at the link below. Thanks for writing so beautifully! All the best, Terri & James
http://gallivance.net/2014/07/12/into-the-west-10-links-youll-love/
Rusha Sams
You are so kind to include me with the others bloggers writing about the West. What a great idea for a blog, and I’m glad you liked this Coeur d’Alene Byway post enough to link to it. Oh, to have more times for long scenic drives across America, right? Thanks again!
Pingback: Into the West: 10 Links You’ll Love | GALLIVANCE
gallivance.net
What a glorious drive, Rusha! Coeur d’Alene is such a gorgeous place, and your photos are beautiful. We had the same experience as you – drive the Scenic Byway – it’s a joy. 🙂 ~Terri
Rusha Sams
I love seeing new parts of the country, and this was one of the best. In fact, we are getting to the point of not liking the interstates unless we need an expedient route. Thanks for commenting. We need more time to travel slowly, right?
whichwaynow101
I never thought of Idaho as having a panhandle. But of course!
Rusha Sams
I agree. We think of Florida’s panhandle, but Idaho has a big one — and the forests, streams, fields are lovely there. Thanks for taking a look.
Sartenada
How beautiful! I love mountains, blue sky and reflections in water.
Rusha Sams
Me, too. Never get tired of nature’s best. Thanks for reading.
suzjones
So very, very pretty. Loved the photos Rusha.
Rusha Sams
Thanks so much. This lake is one of the largest and prettiest we’ve ever seen! Appreciate your taking a look!
susanissima
Gorgeous. Looks very much like parts of Alaska…the water, the green, the lovely cloud-filled sky. We’ll have to put this one on our travel to list. Thank you, Rusha.
Rusha Sams
Someday we’re going to take that trip we’ve talked about to Alaska! I’ve heard it is stunningly beautiful. Thanks for reminding me to put it on the list.
cindy knoke
love these!
Rusha Sams
Thanks so much for joining us on the winding road. The scenery was worth every twist and turn.
Amy
It such a peaceful place. Love these photos, Rusha!
Rusha Sams
It was a quiet morning — a Tuesday, so I guess the weekenders weren’t there yet. Or maybe it’s always peaceful near a lake, and I’m just not used to the quiet. It was a great place!
Danny James
Stopped by there a few years ago on the way to Montana. Great place, great pictures!
DJ
Rusha Sams
We really love Idaho. It’s a state with so much to do and so much to see — beauty everywhere! Thanks for commenting!
FreeRangeCow
Oh boy! I think there is a house, along there, that put a plexiglass floor in their kitchen, that overlooks a stream…You and your hubby’s adventurous spirit makes my soul fly!
Rusha Sams
I’d love to see that house! And wouldn’t it be fun to watch fish swim under your kitchen floor!!! Thanks for your sweet comments — we change plans frequently, and it’s always worked out pretty well. We love to get off the beaten paths.
Cee Neuner
Beautiful.
Rusha Sams
Thanks so much for commenting. I’m really enjoying all the iris pictures you’re posting, too!