Stand up paddle boarding — or SUP — has become on the most popular summer pastimes. It’s easy to see why: paddle boarding is a fun, relaxing way to play on the water, and it can be a great way to get a full-body workout.
Stand up paddle board rentals are now available in downtown Coeur d’Alene, just steps from Lake Coeur d’Alene, one of the must-see sights in the Pacific Northwest. The 25 mile lake offers lots of places to explore. While we encourage paddle boarders to strike out and see what they can find, here are our top five places to paddle board on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Tour the beaches
Are you looking for a place to park the board and jump in? Or do you just want to do a little people watching while you paddle? Touring the city’s beaches is the best way to have a nice relaxing ride while enjoying the sights of downtown Coeur d’Alene. When you leave the Coeur d’Alene Resort, turn right to coast along Independence Point and the Coeur d’Alene City Beach, where many tourists and locals alike will be throwing out their beach towels. Travel a little further, and you’ll get to the North Idaho College beach, where you can watch sailing classes take place.
Work it out
Hoping to burn some calories while paddle boarding? Travel up the Spokane River a short ways, and when you turn back, paddle against the current to really work your arms. This is a great way to see some of the most interesting houses along the shoreline, but be very aware how far you travel — keep in mind that you have to go back the way you came, against the current. Go past the city beaches to get to the mouth of the river.
Land on Tubbs
One of Coeur d’Alene’s gems is Tubbs Hill, the public hiking trail system east of the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Those accessing Tubbs from the water can often find secluded beaches that are too difficult to get to from land. When you leave the Coeur d’Alene Resort, turn left. It’s hard to miss this small mountain in downtown Coeur d’Alene. All beaches along Tubbs are public, so pull up and take a dip.
Take in the links
Coeur d’Alene is famous for the Floating Green, the 14th hold of the Resort Golf Course, which floats offshore. Golfers tee off on the mainland, and then boat out to the floating green to finish the hole. Paddle around Tubbs and further east along the shoreline for this unique sight.
The full-day excursion
If you’ve signed up for the half- or full-day tours, then you have some time. Take your paddle board along eastern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Once you pass Tubbs Hill and the Floating Green, you’ll paddle along Lakeshore Drive, which leads out of Coeur d’Alene and to Higgins Point. The beaches at Higgins Point are public, so take a dip, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.
If you’re ready to hit the water, reserve your rental paddle board today.