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Sun Up Bay to Harrison: Lake Coeur d'Alene, January 25, 2003

By Dennis Andrew

Lake Coeur d'Alene is diverse and close. But sometimes, you just need to paddle a different section. Let me tell you of a nice day paddle on the lake that is also close, has a bit less powerboat traffic and has an extra treat in the middle.

The Harrison city docks are 6 miles from the Idaho State boat launch at Sun Up Bay. From the public launch let your eyes take in the ESE view of the lake. Take notice of how the lake seems to get quite narrow. Harlow Pt. on the north shore, which is 4 miles away and Spokane Pt. on the south shore, which is 5 miles out, create the illusion of a narrow gap. Harrison is hidden behind Harlow Pt. The far shoreline through the center of the gap is 7 1/3 miles out and it is 1 mile SE of Harrison. To head for Harrison, you may follow either shoreline or head straight for Harlow Pt. on a compass heading of 100°. As you paddle past the Harlow Pt. boat ramp, you will be able to see the jetty that protects the Harrison city docks. The white hotel on the hill makes a good aiming spot to guide you into town.

There are several pullout spots along the way. Mowry State Park is on the right shore 3 miles from Sun Up Resort. The Spokane ramp is another 2 miles past the state park. On the left shoreline, Bell Bay campground is about 3 miles from Sun Up Resort and it is approximately another 1 miles along the shore to the Harlow Pt ramp. These sites, except for Harlow Pt, have public restrooms.

The marina will serve meals and cold drinks, but the reason I make the paddle is in town, up on the hill. As you walk through the parking lot, you will see a well shaded city park on a steep hill. Walk through the park, climbing the hill for one block up to the business district. Directly across the street is an ice cream shop. I enjoy paddling the kayak to Harrison and taking the short walk to the ice cream shop. My logic allows me to have a double scoop because of the calories expended getting there.

Getting there from Spokane Valley: Head south on Argonne / Dishman-Mica Rd or on Pines Rd. / St Rt. 27. Head out through Mica, at 1 miles past Freeman, turn left on Elder Rd. At US 95 turn right, south, for 8/10 of a mile. Then turn left on Sun Up Bay Rd. Within one mile follow the signs to the right and down toward Sun Up Bay. I figure the boat launch is 30 minutes from my driveway near 20th & Sullivan. Some weekends, the powerboat folks park their trailers & tow vehicles a half mile up the road from the launch because of the small parking lot. Therefore, try to be at Sun Up Bay and launched before 9:00 AM.

Also, take the extra water bottle. It can get hot out there.

I hope you enjoy your ice cream.