One of the closest lakes to us, Loon Lake should be on your to-do list. While there is a free boat launch and fishing area, the resort at Granite Pointe is where you will find sand beaches and a floating swim-out dock to play on. The only downside is the resort charges a $15/person day-pass fee to access the beach. However, for small groups, it’s close proximity makes it worthwhile in the saved travel time and gas to go to other free beaches further away.
Distance from LSR: 13.7 Miles
Drive Time: 20 Minutes
Pros: Sandy Beaches, Playground, Basketball, Fishing
Cons: Resort Area charges a day-use fee of $15/person
Fishing: kokanee, tiger trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch, green sunfish, brown bullhead and largemouth bass.
Boating: Loon Lake is open to motorboats and jet skiing
Also called Long Lake or Lake Spokane, the Spokane River offers miles of boating, with many state parks along it’s banks. There are miles of walking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as places to swim and camp.
Distance from LSR: 7 Miles to 22 Miles
Drive Time: 10 to 30 Minutes
Pros: Trails, State Parks, Boating, Fishing
Cons: Summertime algae makes it not great for swimming
Fishing: Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Black Crappie.
Boating: The section of the river known as Long Lake is open to motorboats and jet skiing. Other sections of the river have more current and rafting tours are available.
Notable Areas of Riverside State Parks: The Bowl & Pitcher, Nine-Mile Recreation Area, Off-Road Vehicle Park, Deep Creek, Centennial Trail, Spokane House Interpretive Center, The Cove at Fisk Property, and Lake Spokane Campground
The most popular tourist destination in our region for a reason. Beautiful Coeur d’Alene doesn’t disappoint. Spend the day on the beach, or in the shady park. Let the kids run loose on the huge playground. Take a scenic cruise, walk on the worlds longest floating boardwalk, or eat a “gooey” sundae at the resort (just don’t try to eat one by yourself, bring help!)
Distance from LSR: 53 Miles
Drive Time: Just Over 1 Hour
Pros: Sandy Beaches, Playground, Boating, Fishing, Shopping, Restaurants, Trails, Cruises.
Cons: Can be crowded near downtown.
Fishing: It’s noted for its chinook salmon, but fishermen also enjoy fishing for trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike and kokanee salmon. There are a number of charter fishing companies and guide services.
Boating: Boat & jetski rentals are available at the resorts.
Our favorite lake and always worth the drive. There are several resorts on the lake if that’s what you like, but our favorite spot is the free-for-day-use Ledgwood picnic area neer Reeder Bay. Swim in crystal clean water, lay on the beach, and marvel at the view. Most days it isn’t very crowded, and even when it is crowded, there’s still room to spread out.
Distance from LSR: 85 Miles
Drive Time: 1 Hour & 40 Minutes
Pros: Awesomness
Cons: None
Fishing: smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and kokanee salmon.
Boating: There are some boat rentals at the resorts.
Silverwood is the Northwest’s largest theme park, located in the beautiful panhandle of north Idaho just 50 minutes from Spokane.The park features over 200 acres of fun and over 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions. You can experience world-class coasters, hair-raising attractions, kiddie adventures, a 1915 steam engine train, live award-winning entertainment, restaurants and more!
Cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park with two massive wave pools, thrilling water slides (including Riptide Racer a 400 foot-long slide standing nearly 60 feet tall!), children’s water features, and an endless lazy river. Feeling competitive? Try the racing water slide feature with six side-by-side racing lanes for you and your friends to compete against one another. Two parks, one price! Silverwood operates seasonally from May – October.
Distance from LSR: 58 Miles
Drive Time: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes
Prices: Regular Day Pass = $48, Children under 8 and Senior rate = $25
Gardner Cave
Gardner Cave is the 3rd largest limestone cave system in Washington and features the largest limestone column (formed when a stalagtite reaches from floor to ceiling) in the Pacific Northwest.
Cave Tours: Free tours are offered every Thursday through Monday at 10 am, 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm, from May through mid-September. Wear a jacket, as the cave is a constant 41 to 43 degrees.
Distance from LSR: 100 Miles
Drive Time: Around 2 Hours