Coeur d'Alene River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coeur d'Alene River |
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The North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River
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Location of the mouth of the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North and South Forks Pinehurst, Shoshone County 2,172 ft (662 m) 47°33′26″N 116°15′22″W / 47.55722°N 116.25611°W |
| River mouth | Coeur d'Alene Lake Harrison, Kootenai County 2,129 ft (649 m) 47°27′43″N 116°47′40″W / 47.46194°N 116.79444°W |
| Length | 37 mi (60 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,453 sq mi (3,760 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Coeur d'Alene River is a river in Idaho, a state in the United States. It flows for about 37 mi (60 km) from an area called the Silver Valley. The river then empties into Lake Coeur d'Alene. From the lake, the water continues its journey as the Spokane River.
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About the Coeur d'Alene River
The Coeur d'Alene River is an important waterway in northern Idaho. It is known for its beautiful scenery and connects to a large lake. Many people enjoy visiting this river and the surrounding areas.
Where the River Flows
The river starts where its North and South Forks meet. This is near a town called Pinehurst. It then travels through Shoshone County. Finally, it reaches Lake Coeur d'Alene in Kootenai County. The river's path covers a large area of land, about 1,453 sq mi (3,760 km2).
Fun on the River
The Coeur d'Alene River and Lake Coeur d'Alene are popular places for outdoor activities. Many locals and visitors come here to have fun.
- People enjoy water-skiing on the calm waters.
- Tubing is another favorite activity, floating down the river.
- Swimming is also popular, especially on warm days.
- The river still has many salmon, making it a good spot for fishing.
The River in Movies
Did you know the Coeur d'Alene River has been in a movie? The film Dante's Peak used the river and its smaller streams as real-life locations. This movie was filmed near Wallace, Idaho, which is also in the Silver Valley.
Keeping the River Healthy
For many years, there were mining and metal-making (smelting) activities upstream in the Silver Valley. These activities caused pollution in the river. Before the 1970s, there was so much lead in the river near Kellogg that people called it "Lead Creek." This was because the water was affected by lead from the mines.
Cleaning Up the River
Because of the pollution, a large area, including the Coeur d'Alene River, Lake Coeur d'Alene, and part of the Spokane River, was named a superfund site in 1983. A Superfund site is a place that needs a big cleanup because of dangerous pollution. This cleanup area is huge, covering about 1,500 square miles (3,884.98 km2). It also includes 166 miles (267 km) of the Coeur d'Alene River.
Staying Safe Near the River
Today, much of the lakebed still has a layer of polluted dirt. Health experts from the Panhandle Health District give advice to people visiting the area. They suggest washing anything that touches the soil or dust in the Coeur d'Alene River basin. This helps keep everyone safe and healthy while enjoying the river. Efforts are ongoing to make the river and lake cleaner for everyone.
