Lake Pend Oreille

Lake Pend Oreille
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Name	Lake Pend Oreille
Caption	Aerial view of the lake
Location	Bonner County, Idaho
Coords	48, 10, N, 116...
Type	Glacial lake
Inflow	Clark Fork, Pack River
Outflow	Pend Oreille River
Basin countries	United States
Length	65 mi
Width	6 mi
Area	148 sqmi
Depth	164 m
Max-depth	351 m
Volume	43 mi3
Elevation	2062 ft
Frozen	Partial, in severe winters
Islands	Hope Island, Pearl Island, Kalispell Island
Cities	Sandpoint, Hope

Lake Pend Oreille is a large, deep glacial lake located in the northern Idaho panhandle, primarily within Bonner County. It is the largest lake in Idaho and the fifth-deepest in the United States, renowned for its dramatic scenery and significant volume. The lake is a major hydrological feature of the Pacific Northwest, formed by the Clark Fork River and drained by the Pend Oreille River into the Columbia River system. Its shores are home to communities such as Sandpoint and Hope, and it is a central hub for regional recreation, industry, and ecological study.

Geography and hydrology

The lake occupies a deep trough carved by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet during the Pleistocene epoch, with its primary inflow from the Clark Fork River at its eastern end. It drains westward via the Pend Oreille River near the city of Sandpoint, ultimately flowing into the Columbia River. Notable geographical features include the prominent Green Monarchs mountain range to the east and several islands, such as Hope Island and Pearl Island. The United States Geological Survey maintains gauging stations to monitor its substantial water volume, which is regulated for hydroelectric power generation by Albeni Falls Dam on the outflowing river. The lake's immense depth was strategically valuable for the United States Navy, which operated the Naval Station Newport acoustic research detachment on its southern shore.

History

The region was historically inhabited by the Kalispel people, from whom the lake's name, meaning "ear pendant" in French, is derived. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed to the south in 1805, and the area saw increased activity during the fur trade era led by the North West Company. Significant settlement followed the discovery of gold in the Coeur d'Alene district and the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1880s. During World War II, the lake was the site of the Farragut Naval Training Station, one of the largest training facilities in the world. The Cold War era saw the establishment of a United States Navy submarine sonar testing facility, leveraging the lake's exceptional depth for acoustic research.

Ecology and environment

The lake's ecosystem is a mix of native and introduced species, supporting populations of Kokanee salmon, bull trout, and the endemic Pend Oreille whitefish. The introduction of Mysis shrimp in the 1960s dramatically altered the food web, impacting native fish stocks. Conservation efforts are managed by agencies including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Kalispel Tribe, focusing on watershed health and the recovery of species like the Grizzly bear. The surrounding forests, part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, provide habitat for wildlife including bald eagles and osprey. Water quality is monitored due to influences from historical mining activities in the Clark Fork basin and ongoing residential development.

Recreation and tourism

The lake is a premier destination for boating, fishing, and sailing, with major marinas and resorts located in Sandpoint and Bayview. It hosts prestigious sailing regattas like the Lake Pend Oreille Yacht Club's annual race series and is renowned for trophy-sized Kamloops rainbow trout. Winter activities include ice fishing and access to the Schweitzer Mountain Resort ski area. The scenic Route 200 and the Route 95 corridors offer views, while events such as the Festival at Sandpoint draw visitors to its shores. The Farragut State Park, on the site of the former naval station, provides extensive camping, hiking, and a museum.

In popular culture

The lake's striking landscape has served as a filming location for several major motion pictures, including the 2017 drama *The Last Word* and scenes from the 1994 film The River Wild. Its name and setting have been referenced in literature by authors from the Pacific Northwest, and it features prominently in regional tourism marketing. The lake is a frequent subject for photographers and artists, inspired by the dramatic interplay of the Selkirk Mountains and its deep blue waters. It holds a place in local folklore and history tied to the Kalispel people and the era of steamboat transportation in the inland Pacific Northwest.

Category:Lakes of Idaho Category:Bonner County, Idaho Category:Glacial lakes of the United States