Swede Bay

Located on the western shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho, Swede Bay is a small beige sand beach.  The beach is positioned near the coastline of the narrow inlet connecting Lake Coeur d’Alene and Harrison Slough and is surrounded by dense forests of pine and fir trees and several houses and lodges, offering Instagram-worthy views.

Swede Bay does not have lifeguards but offers several other amenities, including hiking trails, boat launches, and nearby vacation homes.

Swede Bay, Coeur d'Alene, offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and photography.  If you plan to go into the water, it is a naturally sheltered bay, making it a safe swimming area.  The water near the beach is shallow, which is ideal for kayaks, canoes, and small boats.  If you enjoy fishing, you may catch a wide variety of fish, including bass, kokanee salmon, northern pike, and trout.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  Visitors may spot bald eagles, ospreys, deer, and raccoons near the bay during the winter months.  The beach is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d'Alene, clear waters, lush forests, and mountainous terrain, which make it a famous spot for taking the best Swede Bay photos.  Swede Bay offers several opportunities for snow sports activities, including snowshoeing and ice fishing in the winter.  The bay is less crowded than other parts of Lake Coeur d'Alene, offering a peaceful escape.  The Coeur d'Alene area, including Swede Bay, hosts several events, including fishing tournaments, boat races, and summer festivals.  Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Swede Bay offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Swede Bay is easy - the beach has many street spots located at 1526 West Chickadee Lane, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814, United States, which provide easy access to the beach.

Swede Bay is rumored to be named after a Swedish settler who lived in the area.

There are many attractions near Swede Bay.  Fernan Park is a small park surrounded by lush green forest along the serene Fernan Lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the calm waters of the lake.  In addition, there are several picnic tables and shelters, a boat launch, and walking trails, providing a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy the outdoors in a more relaxed setting.   Cougar Bay Nature Preserve is spread over an 88-acre preserve located near Coeur d'Alene Lake that features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows.  Its diverse ecosystem supports an array of wildlife, where you may spot eagles, ospreys, herons, and a variety of other bird species, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.  The Museum of North Idaho aims to preserve and showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of northern Idaho through intriguing exhibits, artifacts, photographs, documents, guided tours, and educational programs.  It offers interesting insight into the history of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the impact of the railroads, the significance of steamboats on Lake Coeur d'Alene, and the development of the local timber industry.  Tubbs Hill is a 120-acre lakefront park, providing a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, rocky outcrops, and beautiful vistas.  The main loop trail around Tubbs Hill is about 2 miles long and offers hikers Instagram-worthy views, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and access to several secluded coves along the lake.  It also features interpretive signs along the trails, providing information about the local flora, fauna, and geological history.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch is a family-owned ranch that offers an opportunity to interact with a herd of alpacas and learn about these fascinating animals.  Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into the habits and care of the alpacas and the process of turning alpaca fleece into luxurious fiber products.  The ranch also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of alpaca wool items, such as clothing, accessories, and handmade crafts.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Swede Bay.  Wolf Lodge Inn Restaurant is another upscale restaurant that serves amazing salads, steaks, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill serves amazing salads, sushi, sashimi, nigiri, seafood, meat, poultry, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.  Beverly's is an upscale lakefront restaurant that serves chef-special, pre-designed meals.  Midtown Bluebird serves amazing salads, steaks, pork, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  The Mexican Food Factory serves incredible burritos, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, seafood, and meat dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, China Inn Restaurant serves incredible noodles, fried rice, rolls, wontons, soups, pork, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for hotels in Swede Bay, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Blackwell Hotel is 16 minutes away by car and offers a few amenities, including hot tubs, a gazebo, a pool table, a game and movie room, a bar, and a dining room.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star The Coeur d'Alene Resort, which has many amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, hot tubs, a golf course, bars, and many restaurants.  Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star The Roosevelt Inn, which has many amenities, including a hot tub, a sauna, sunloungers, a garden, and a dining room.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star SpringHill Suites Coeur d'Alene, which offers several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, and complimentary breakfast.   If you are looking for another affordable hotel, the 3-Star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d'Alene offers a few amenities, including a hot tub, an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a dining area.