Boat Launches In Idaho: Open Or Closed?

Idaho is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its picturesque lakes, rivers, and waterways that offer a plethora of boating opportunities. The state boasts an extensive network of boat launches that provide access to these aquatic playgrounds. From public launches at popular destinations like Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d'Alene to the more intimate Bonner County launches on Pend Oreille Lake and the Coeur d'Alene River, there's a ramp for every type of boater. Idaho's boat launches cater to a range of watercraft, from fishing boats to recreational vessels, and even non-motorized options like canoes and kayaks. With such easy access to the water, it's no wonder that Idaho is a sought-after destination for those seeking adventure on the waves.

Kootenai County boat ramp

Kootenai County in Idaho has a number of boat ramps and launches, some of which require an annual pass or daily fee to use, while others are free of charge.

Fee-based boat launches in Kootenai County:

• Bayview Public Launch on Lake Pend Oreille
• Carlin Bay Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Fernan Park Public Launch on Fernan Lake
• Greensferry Public Launch on the Spokane River
• Harrison Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Hauser Lake Public Launch
• Mica Bay Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Spokane Point Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Sunup Bay Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Upper Twin Lakes Public Launches

Free boat launches in Kootenai County:

• Bronze Bay Public Launch on Spirit Lake
• Fernan East Public Launch on Fernan Lake
• Fuller's Landing Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Gould's Landing Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Harlow Point Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Kidd Island Bay Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Lower Twin Lakes Public Launches
• Maiden Rock Public Launch on Spirit Lake
• Neachen Bay (Squaw Bay) Public Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene

In addition to the above, there are several non-county launch locations in Kootenai County that do not accept the Kootenai County Annual Boat Launch Pass. These include:

• Blackwell Island Recreation Area on the Spokane River
• Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille
• Hayden Lake Sportsman's Access
• Higgen's Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Honeysuckle Boat Launch on Hayden Lake
• Mineral Ridge Launch on Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Q'emiln Park Launch on the Spokane River in the City of Post Falls
• Spirit Lake Sportsman's Access
• Third Street Launch in the City of Coeur d'Alene

Bonner County boat launches

Bonner County maintains six boat launches: Garfield Bay, Hope Basin, Laclede, Bonner Park West, Slee Street in Priest Lake, and Coolin Launch in Priest Lake. All Bonner County launches are day-use sites only, with no camping or overnight parking allowed.

The two Bonner County launches that are accessible to launch at low pool are Garfield Bay and Hope Boat Launch. Small craft can also be launched from Laclede and Bonner Park West at low pool, although this is not recommended. Pringle Park is another option for launching a boat, but it does not have a dock at low pool.

If you are looking to camp, the Garfield Bay Campground is open during the summer months and can be reserved through reserveamerica.com. There are also other campgrounds in the area, which can be found at recreation.gov or sandpointonline.com.

Bonner County also has numerous primitive launches and accesses to the water. Here is a list of some of the public launches and ramps in the county:

• City Beach Boat Launch
• Cocolalla Sportsman Access
• Driftyard Boat Launch
• Denton Slough Sportsman Access
• Farragut - Eagle Boat Launch
• Hawkins Point Boat Launch
• Hoodoo Creek Boat Launch
• Johnson Creek Boat Launch
• Lakeview Park Boat Launch
• Morton Slough Boat Launch
• Park River Flats Sportsman Access
• Pringle Park Boat Launch
• Sam Owens State Park Boat Launch
• Sheppard Lake Launch
• Springy Point Boat Launch
• Sunnyside Boat Launch
• Trestle Creek Boat Launch
• Whiskey Rock Boat Launch

Bonner County Boating Regulations & Safety

It is important to follow the boating regulations and safety guidelines in Bonner County. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• No Wake Zones: A designated area where the operation of watercraft must not exceed 5 miles per hour or create a wake greater than 6 inches. The limit on Bonner County Waterways is 200 feet from the shoreline or structure.
• Regulatory Buoys: Information on types of buoys, their locations, and how to apply for a new regulatory buoy.
• Speed Limits: On Lake Pend Oreille, the Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake, and Upper Priest Lake, the speed limit is 50 mph, while on the Clark Fork River and Come Back Bay, it is 35 mph.
• Boating Accidents: In the event of an accident, stop the vessel immediately and assist anyone who may be injured or in danger. Provide your name, address, and vessel identification to the owner of any damaged property.
• Age Restriction: It is unlawful to operate a motor-driven watercraft by anyone under the age of 10 without direct adult supervision.
• Boat Registration: If you will be boating mostly in Bonner County, it is encouraged to register your boat in the county. The funds raised help maintain the waterways.
• Invasive Species: Be responsible and wash all boats and trailers before launching to prevent the spread of invasive species. Stop at inspection stations if required by state law.

Idaho boat regulations

Idaho has a county-based boating programme, and regulations may vary from county to county. It is important to check with the county parks and recreation manager, or the county waterways chairperson, for specific information.

Registration and Invasive Species Stickers

Motorized vessels used in Idaho waters must be registered with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Out-of-state boaters can use their boat registration from their home state for up to 60 consecutive days in Idaho. However, they are required to purchase an invasive species sticker before launching ($30 for motorized boats and $7 for non-motorized boats).

Life Jackets

Children aged 14 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on boats 19 feet or less in length. This includes power boats, non-motorized paddle craft, jet skis, and paddleboards. It is recommended that adults also wear life jackets at all times, as accidents can happen suddenly. Life jackets must be properly sized and easily accessible.

Fire Extinguishers

Boats in Idaho are required to carry a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher, rated for marine use, and be either Type B or Type ABC.

Sound-Producing Devices

Boats must carry a horn or whistle to signal when passing another boat or to inform other boaters of their presence or dangerous conditions.

Navigation Lights

Boaters travelling at night or between sundown and sunrise must have navigation lights for visibility and safety. These include masthead lights, sidelights (red for the port side, green for starboard), and stern lights. Boats shorter than 39.5 feet may use an all-around light, while longer boats require separate masthead and stern lights.

Skier-Down Flag

A skier-down flag, which is an orange or red flag at least one square foot in size, is required to indicate that a person is being towed in the water.

Observer

When a boat is towing a person in the water, there must be a competent observer on board in addition to the driver.

Backfire Flame Arrestor and Blower

Boats with an inboard motor must have a backfire flame arrestor and blower.

Alcohol and Boating

Open containers of alcohol are allowed on boats, but the same rules for drinking and driving apply to boating. Boat operators with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and may face fines and jail time.

Speed Limits and No-Wake Zones

Idaho has designated a 100-foot "no-wake zone" from all docks, structures, and persons in the water on public waters statewide. Some counties have additional speed restrictions, so it is recommended to check with the local marine deputy before boating.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

PWCs, often referred to as "jet skis," are subject to the same regulations as motorboats, including equipment and responsible handling. Life jackets must be worn at all times by the operator and passengers, and the PWC must have three-person seating for the operator, observer, and skier.

Bow Riding

County sheriff departments may issue citations for negligent operation if passengers are allowed to ride on the bow of a boat. Passengers should only be seated in areas specifically designed for seating by the manufacturer.

Fly-Fishing Float Tubes

Fly-fishing float tubes are considered vessels in Idaho and must have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a sound-producing device on board. They are exempt from registration.

Permits for Floating Rivers

Non-commercial permits are required to float on four rivers in Idaho: the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Snake River – Hells Canyon. These permits can be purchased from the U.S. Forest Service at Recreation.gov.

Coeur d'Alene River

The Coeur d'Alene River flows between Harrison and Cataldo in Idaho, and there are several public boat launches along it. The river is part of the Coeur d'Alene River Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which is open to the public and can be accessed by vehicle, boat, bike, and even on foot. The WMA is a mix of wetland habitats and small lakes, developed to protect waterfowl habitat and increase waterfowl production. It also offers high-quality habitats for upland birds and wildlife.

There are several public boat launches along the Coeur d'Alene River, including at Anderson Lake, Thompson Lake, Rose Lake, and the Coeur d'Alene River boat launch. The Coeur d'Alene River Road in Shoshone County also has a boat launch. The river is a popular spot for hunting, fishing, and bird watching.

In addition to the public boat launches within the WMA, there are also several fee-based and free boat launches in Kootenai County, which is located along the Coeur d'Alene River. The county-owned launches that do not require a fee include:

• Bronze Bay public launch - Spirit Lake
• Fernan East public launch - Fernan Lake
• Fuller’s Landing public launch - Lake Coeur d’Alene
• Gould’s Landing public launch - Lake Coeur d’Alene
• Harlow Point public launch - Lake Coeur d’Alene
• Kidd Island Bay public launch - Lake Coeur d’Alene
• Lower Twin Lakes public launches
• Maiden Rock public launch - Spirit Lake
• Neachen Bay (Squaw Bay) public launch - Lake Coeur d’Alene

Idaho boating hotspots

Idaho offers a wide range of boating hotspots for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. From serene lakes to scenic rivers, there are numerous locations to launch your boat and explore the natural beauty of the state. Here are some of the top boating destinations in Idaho:

Kootenai County

The Kootenai County boat ramp, located on the Coeur d'Alene River, provides a convenient and safe access point for boaters and fishermen. The concrete ramp is approximately 20 feet wide, accommodating various watercraft, from small fishing boats to larger recreational vessels. The Coeur d'Alene River is known for its clear waters and abundant fish populations, including trout, bass, and salmon. Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are permitted, following Idaho state regulations.

Bonner County

Bonner County maintains six boat launches, offering diverse options for boaters. These include Garfield Bay, Hope Basin, Laclede (recommended for small craft only), Bonner Park West, Slee Street in Priest Lake, and Coolin Launch in Priest Lake. The county's launches are day-use sites, and camping is not permitted. However, the nearby Garfield Bay Campground is open during the summer months for those seeking a longer stay.

Lake Pend Oreille

This picturesque lake is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The Bayview Public Launch provides access to the lake, and the city beach park in Sandpoint offers a delightful setting for a day on the water.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene presents multiple boating opportunities. The Carlin Bay Public Launch, Harrison Public Launch, Mica Bay Public Launch, and Spokane Point Public Launch are all excellent options for getting out on the lake. Additionally, the lake features several other public launch sites, such as Fuller's Landing, Gould's Landing, and Harlow Point.

Snake River

The Snake River, particularly at Milner, offers boating opportunities and is known for its nearby natural attractions. The Milner Bicentennial Cultural Site and the Thousand Springs Visitor Center are popular destinations for those exploring the area.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an angler, or simply seeking a relaxing day on the water, Idaho's boating hotspots provide a diverse range of experiences to suit your interests. Remember to adhere to local regulations and respect the natural environment as you enjoy your time on Idaho's waterways.

Frequently asked questions