IdahoNatural lakeBonner County

Lake Pend Oreille

Lake Pend Oreille is a lake of some 94,641 acres on the Pend Oreille River, in Idaho. Its shoreline falls inside Bonner County. It is managed by USACE Seattle District / Idaho Parks. The gauge last read 62.24 ft.

Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

CountiesBonner County

Coordinates48.1667, -116.3333

Surface area94,641 acres

Max depth1,152 ft

RiverPend Oreille River

Managed byUSACE Seattle District / Idaho Parks

Swimming beaches on Lake Pend Oreille

4 named swimming spots and shoreline access points, from USGS GNIS, Recreation.gov and the Forest Service. None is staffed by a lifeguard unless the operating agency posts one.

Lake Pend Oreille

Pend Oreille Lake Area

8.7 mi from the lake center.

Recreation.gov (RIDB)Swimming

Lake Pend Oreille

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

19.9 mi from the lake center.

Recreation.gov (RIDB)

Lake Pend Oreille

Clark Fork River Area

20.1 mi from the lake center.

Recreation.gov (RIDB)Swimming

Lake Pend Oreille

Bull Lake Area

24.1 mi from the lake center.

Recreation.gov (RIDB)Swimming

Lake Pend Oreille on the map

Lake center, swimming spots and access points.

Get directions

Weather and water temperature

Air temperature and wind from Open-Meteo. Water temperature only when the lake has a public sensor.

Weather data by Open-Meteo

Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho

Its coordinates are 48.1667, -116.3333. Surface elevation is about 2,067 feet. It reaches roughly 1,152 feet at its deepest.

The level comes from gauge 12392500, LAKE PEND OREILLE NR HOPE, ID, and carries the time it was taken. The last value stored here, 62.24 ft, is from 2026-09-01. Water level decides what is usable on the shoreline, from beach width to ramp access.

Nearby water includes Noxon Reservoir (Montana, 28 mi), Spirit Lake (Washington, 30 mi) and Priest Lake (Idaho, 37 mi). In all, 26 lakes in Idaho are covered here.

Around Lake Pend Oreille this guide maps 4 named swimming spots and 6 public recreation areas. These come from Recreation.gov (RIDB). Recreation areas nearby include Clark Fork Driftyard, Johnson Creek and Trestle Creek. Among them are Pend Oreille Lake Area, Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Clark Fork River Area. Assume no lifeguard is on duty and keep children within reach.

Most Idaho day-use areas open for the summer season and close outside it. Water temperature is not measured at this lake by any public agency we read. Algae blooms are seasonal and local: look for posted signs at the ramp or park entrance.

Recreation areas on Lake Pend Oreille

6 public recreation areas mapped around the lake by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Facilities vary by area; check the managing office for opening dates and fees.

Clark Fork Driftyard Johnson Creek Trestle Creek Springy Point Morton Slough Riley Creek

Source: USACE Recreation Areas

Questions about Lake Pend Oreille

What is the current water level at Lake Pend Oreille?

The latest reading is 62.24 ft, from USGS gauge 12392500.

Can you swim in Lake Pend Oreille?

Yes. This guide maps 4 named swimming spots around the lake, including Pend Oreille Lake Area and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. None is staffed by a lifeguard unless the operating agency posts one.

How big is Lake Pend Oreille?

About 94,641 acres. Maximum depth is around 1,152 feet.

What other lakes are near Lake Pend Oreille?

The closest in this guide is Noxon Reservoir, about 28 miles away in Montana.