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Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, USA

Also known as:  Albeni Falls Dam

Set in a valley carved by glaciers from Canada, Lake Pend Oreille (pond-a-RAY) is surrounded by mountains with altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet. Its 85,960 surface acres – 148 square miles – plunge to depths reaching 1,152 feet, making it one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States. Lake Pend Oreille is at the center of the Northern Idaho region characterized by open…
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    • All About Lake Pend Oreille, ID

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Idaho - Northern Idaho -

    Set in a valley carved by glaciers from Canada, Lake Pend Oreille (pond-a-RAY) is surrounded by mountains with altitudes exceeding 6,000 feet. Its 85,960 surface acres – 148 square miles – plunge to depths reaching 1,152 feet, making it one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States. Lake Pend Oreille is at the center of the Northern Idaho region characterized by open and expansive scenery.

    Idaho’s largest lake and its mountainous environment provide a mix of adventures and sublime experiences in the wild. The wide, rolling lands of two national forests nestle at the borders of the lake. The Kaniksu and Couer d’Alene National Forests attract thousands of visitors who come to play in nature’s lap. Lake lovers revel also in hunting, hiking, mountain biking, horseriding, snowmobiling, fishing and much more among the pine, fir and birch woods, winding rivers, large lakes and steep mountain slopes. Coyotes, bobcats, whitetail deer, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, osprey, owls, wolves, and moose inhabit the diverse surroundings of Lake Pend Oreille.

    The Kallispel Native Americans (aka the Pend d’Oreilles) inhabited the region long before whites settled there in the 1800s. The present name of the lake was given by a French fur trader. “Pend Oreille” is French for ear hanging or pendant, and the lake is shaped like a human ear.

    Lake Pend Oreille was significant to the navy during the World War II era; the south end of Lake Pend Oreille was once the second largest naval training station in the United States. The Farragut Naval Training Station is now the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park. The Navy’s Acoustic Research Detachment still utilizes the lake’s great depths to test large-scale submarines.

    After the war, in 1955, the US Army Corps of Engineers dammed the lake at a natural falls site, Albeni Falls, on the Pend Oreille River. The lake was enlarged as a result, and the dam helped maintain water levels, much to relief of lake-surrounding residents. The project helps to control flooding, and to generate hydroelectric power. The 111 miles of mountainous shoreline are dotted by residential communities that draw vacationers and retirees looking for vacation rentals or real estate.

    Lake Pend Oreille’s native fish are pygmy whitefish, mountain whitefish, cutthroat trout, and bull trout. Non-native species abound: Kokanee salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, catfish, muskie, pike, perch, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed and more. Canadian Gerrard Rainbow Trout were imported
    in 1941 and in 1947; a 37-pounder caught there once held the world record.

    Idaho’s Northern region has much to offer. Visit the underground Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, or the Wallace District Mining Museum, for a taste of the gold rush past. Bike down the Hiawatha Trail, 15 miles of railroad track converted to walking and biking paths, through truly stunning scenery. Acquire a Priest Lake Ranger District map and go berry picking in the forests, or drive the entire 33-mile length of the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway.

    Lake Pend Oreille is a sprawling beauty. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, power boating, scuba diving and sailing are some of the activities visitors and residents enjoy there. Four recreation sites on the Pend Oreille River offer sandy beaches and camping. You can charter a fishing guide or enjoy scenic lake cruise. And despite the powerful winds that can sometimes make the water choppy and excite sailors, there are numerous coves where the water is calmer. Relax on your sailboat, and take in the breathtaking scenery and the miles of water lying wide and open before you like an ocean.

    Things to Do at Lake Pend Oreille

    These are some activities in the Lake Pend Oreille, ID area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Kayaking
    • Scuba Diving
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • National Forest
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Pend Oreille?

    Lake Pend Oreille has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Brook Trout
    • Bull Trout
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Cutthroat Trout
    • Kokanee Salmon
    • Lake Trout
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Muskellunge
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Pumpkinseed
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Salmon
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • Whitefish
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Pend Oreille

    If you’re considering a Lake Pend Oreille lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Pend Oreille Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Pend Oreille lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Pend Oreille Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: US Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 85,960 acres

    Shoreline Length: 111 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 2,058 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 2,050 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 2,063 feet

    Average Depth: 538 feet

    Maximum Depth: 1,152 feet

    Water Volume: 43,939,940 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1955

    Drainage Area: 24,200 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligo-mesotrophic

    Lake Pend Oreille Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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