Hayden Lake ID: Colorfully Diverse

Hayden Lake is kid sister to north Idaho’s three main attractions: Coeur d’Alene, Pend Oreille, and Priest (”Core duh lane”, “Pond or ray”, “Pree-st.”)

Yesterday’s discussion of Portland’s Red and Black Café prompted a ride out to Hayden Lake to see if it still has its unique Idaho verve.

In many ways other than reputation, its just as nice as the big three.

Unlike the other three, Hayden can be circumnavigated on pavement in less time than 18 holes of golf.

At 4000 surface acres compared to Priest Lake’s 24,000 surface acres, Hayden is more compact than Priest. Hayden has considerably fewer public beaches and access points than Priest, but twice as many golf courses and many many many many more multi-million dollar year-round homes. A few “traditional cabins” still line the lakeside, but Hayden Lake is now “full” of river-rocked, timber trussed, cantilevered masterpieces with heated driveways, occupied 25 days a year.

Sun Valley, McCall/Payette Lakes and Hayden Lake remain Idaho’s exclusive enclaves. Coeur d’Alene and Driggs have their style, but seem more accessible, more modern and “normal.” Tamarack Resort, with all its hopes to be the “next” secret super spud destination, fizzled like a lake-water mimosa. Idaho is fickle.