How cold are the lakes and rivers around Spokane in Summer? (Pacific: beach, food)

[canondreams]

Ok, Ok... I know any lake in the Pacific Northwest is probably chilly in the summer. But does it ever get warm enough to tube and waterski on the lake without a wetsuit? I've only boated in the southeastern states-- so I know I'm spoiled as far as water temps go!

[WendyK]

You will have no trouble skiing or tubing in the summer in a regular bathing suit. When the air temp's in the 80's and up it feels great jumping into a nice cool lake!

[vette-dude]

Wendy's got that correct...

You'll be fine with everyone else out in the water having a 'blast' with their swim suits......I remember last summer at Long Lake it great, loads of ppl, boats, food and fun... Can't wait:

[canondreams]

Thanks for the good news! We want to escape the heat and humidity of south Florida-- but I don't know what we'd do if we couldn't have a little summer fun on the water anymore.

[Deena160]

Doesn't it matter what kind of lake it is and how it is fed? I know the rivers can be especially cold because not long ago the water was coming off the snow up in the mountains. It has to be really warm before they don't feel really cold. :~) D

[skinem]

Originally Posted by Deena160

Doesn't it matter what kind of lake it is and how it is fed? I know the rivers can be especially cold because not long ago the water was coming off the snow up in the mountains. It has to be really warm before they don't feel really cold. :~) D

Yes it does matter...and not all lakes around Spokane are really comfortable for swimming, but most are...for a while!

I've found most of the lakes south and east of Spokane warm up first---maybe due to no trees around them!

[kfeuer]

Originally Posted by vette-dude

Wendy's got that correct...

You'll be fine with everyone else out in the water having a 'blast' with their swim suits......I remember last summer at Long Lake it great, loads of ppl, boats, food and fun... Can't wait:

Is there a beach at Long Lake? We saw the boat launch area but didn't go back in there. I'd like to take my kids swimming in a lake this summer, but I'm not sure where to take them!

[vette-dude]

Originally Posted by kfeuer

Is there a beach at Long Lake? We saw the boat launch area but didn't go back in there. I'd like to take my kids swimming in a lake this summer, but I'm not sure where to take them!

Long Lake, and also referred to Lake Spokane is a great lake in an area with lots of outdoors fun all around in the Nine Mile Falls area in Stevens County. It is actually part of the Spokane River with dams, and people can't get enough of Long Lake. Recommend you check out Chamokane Falls, and at Long Lake Dam in close proximity to Long Lake , these are some out of the ordinary things to see.

Summertime highs at Long Lake mostly tend to be in the 80's. Throughout the moonlight hours it's generally in the 50's.

It's a beautiful area , if you go, have a very nice time and be safe..

[canondreams]

Originally Posted by vette-dude

Long Lake, and also referred to Lake Spokane is a great lake in an area with lots of outdoors fun all around in the Nine Mile Falls area in Stevens County. It is actually part of the Spokane River with dams, and people can't get enough of Long Lake. Recommend you check out Chamokane Falls, and at Long Lake Dam in close proximity to Long Lake , these are some out of the ordinary things to see.

Summertime highs at Long Lake mostly tend to be in the 80's. Throughout the moonlight hours it's generally in the 50's.

It's a beautiful area , if you go, have a very nice time and be safe..

What are the actual water temperatures like? Is the shoreline forested? How about the boat ramps-- are they usually packed? Is there a separate PWC launch? Sorry for so many questions-- I've never been to that area of the country before!

[grayproduct]

Liberty lake, Lake Coeur d'Alene, Newman Lake, Loon Lake, Waitts lake, Deer lake, and many others have designated swim areas with groomed beaches and more. In the months of July and August, these lakes (Lake CDA as an exception) vary in the 70-75 range, depending on recent conditions.

The above lakes have forrested shorelines as they are north and/or east of Spokane proper, but all within a 45 minute-hour drive of the city. Anecdotally, boat ramp activity can be heavy on nice days, but not to the point of congestion. Take a peak at these lakes on google maps/earth.