Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Idaho
12

Idaho State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Idaho
Northern Region
Farragut State Park
start slideshow
Farragut State Park © Linda Lantzy - Idaho Scenic Images
Farragut State Park © Linda Lantzy - Idaho Scenic Images
Farragut State Park © Linda Lantzy - Idaho Scenic Images
Farragut State Park © Linda Lantzy - Idaho Scenic Images
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
FARRAGUT STATE PARK
FARRAGUT STATE PARK
13550 ID-54
Athol, Idaho   83801-8212
(lat:47.9515 lon:-116.6028) map location

Phone: (208) 683-2425
Reservations: 208-683-2425
Email: park email button icon
Farragut State Park is located 30 miles north of Coeur d?Alene on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho?s largest lake. Once the world?s second largest naval training station, today the 4,000-acre park provides a multitude of recreation opportunities. To the traditional activities of picnicking, swimming, boating, hiking and camping; visitors can add playing disc golf, visiting the Farragut Naval Training Center Museum, taking advantage of the orienteering course, model airplane flyer?s field, taking the kids to the playground, and using the horseshoe pits and sand volleyball courts.
Nature of the Area
A diverse biological community exists in this scenic forest setting of lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, white pine, Douglas fir, poplar, western larch and grand fir. The forests are home to whitetail deer, squirrels, black bears, coyotes and bobcats. Common birds include owls, hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, ducks and Idaho?s state bird, the mountain bluebird. The world-record kamloops (37 pounds) was caught in Lake Pend Oreille. The lake is home to rainbow trout, lake trout, perch, crappie, bass, kokanee, and whitefish.
History of the Area
The park encompasses land that was deposited during the last glacial period 10,000 years ago. Large glacial dams that existed to the east held back Glacial Lake Missoula over much of what is now Montana. These dams broke at various times during the ice age, and the outflow and impact of this water on its way to the ocean can still be seen on the escarpment of Bernard Peak. The escarpment is 500 feet higher than the current surface of Lake Pend Oreille; these waters rushed westward, leaving behind a large ?glacial gravel bar? between Cape Horn and Bernard Peak forming the peninsula that is now the park.

The creation of Farragut State Park is an unintended result of a compact between Adolf Hitler and the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. The intent to invade the United States and divide its land between them led to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The U.S. response to this attack included the building of the Farragut Naval Training Station inland, so that it would be protected from coastal invasion. Though that coastal attack never came, the world's second largest naval training station was built along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.

Named after the first Admiral of the Navy, David Glasgow Farragut, the station operated from 1942 to 1946 and had 293,381 men from across the nation train here. Carved from the remote forests of North Idaho, it became the largest city in Idaho with a population over 50,000. At the end of World War II, the station continued to provide services to sailors through its extensive hospital complex and as Farragut Junior College. By the end of the 1940?s, most of the 776 buildings had been sold off or removed and the U.S. government initiated putting the land up for sale. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game bought parcels along the shoreline, and these acquisitions led to a larger agreement wherein the majority of the remaining land was given to the State of Idaho as the Farragut Wildlife Management Area. A 20- acre parcel was retained for an acoustic research detachment, which is still in operation today for the U.S. Navy.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Swimming
1. Farragut State Park offers two designated swimming areas: Beaver Bay Beach and Buttonhook Bay.
2. Both beaches have lifeguards on duty during summer months for safety.
3. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset in these areas, with no night-time swimming permitted.
4. The park does not provide any swim gear; visitors must bring their own equipment like goggles or floats.
5. There are also several smaller lakes within the park where you can take a dip but without life guards present.
6. The water temperature varies throughout the year so it's advisable to check before planning your visit.
7. Picnic facilities near both beach locations make them ideal spots for family outings after a refreshing swim.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two boat launch ramps available, one at Beaver Bay and the other at Buttonhook Bay. Both motorized and non-motorized boats can be used on Lake Pend Oreille which is located within the park boundaries. However, there's no marina or fuel services provided in this area so it's important to plan accordingly before setting out onto the water.
Fishing
Located in Idaho, the park offers diverse fishing options. Anglers can catch species like cutthroat trout and largemouth bass. The 4,000-acre lake also houses rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Fishing from a boat or shoreline is allowed here.


Location
Farragut State Park is located near Coeur d Alene, Hayden and Rathdrum

Picnicking
1. Farragut State Park offers numerous picnic areas with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Beaver Bay Beach area.
3. Picnic shelters are available for large gatherings or events.
4. The park's scenic views make picnicking an enjoyable experience.
5. Many hiking trails lead to perfect, secluded spots for picnics.

Bicycling
Within this natural reserve, biking enthusiasts can explore over 40 miles of trails. Be aware some paths are challenging.

Mountain bikers should be cautious on the single-track routes due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.

The park offers a variety of trail options for all skill levels but always remember safety first when riding.

Biking is permitted only during daylight hours; night-time riders risk fines or expulsion from the area's management team.

Ensure you have proper equipment as certain areas may require advanced gear like helmets and knee pads.

Be mindful that multi-use trails exist here, so expect encounters with hikers or horseback riders along your route.

Remember to respect wildlife by keeping distance - it's their home too! Always stay alert while enjoying these beautiful surroundings.

Check local weather forecasts before setting out since conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions causing potential hazards.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's home to birds like ospreys, bald eagles, and various waterfowl. Birdwatchers can explore numerous trails or visit the lake for sightings. The best time for bird watching is during spring migration season.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 24 Great place to stay/camp while visiting by The Clarks
park review stars; one to five All that nice green forest. Water activities too.
April 22 Still Going Strong by Slider
park review stars; one to five My mother, who is 92 years old, was stationed at Farragut Navel Training Station, and lives today in Post Falls, Idaho.
July 5 Our wonderful Family vacation by schwaba
park review stars; one to five We have come back this year 2nd year in a row. We love it here! This year was even better than last year. The dogs were all QUIET when they are not your favorite thing to listen to. It was a beautiful setting and very serene. This year our numbers went up to 27. What a great time we had and cannot wait for next year!!!!!
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Idaho
12

Idaho State Parks

X