Where is Farragut State Park
Located in the northern panhandle of Idaho, Farragut State Park resides in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille. The state park is located 20 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, 25 miles south of Sandpoint, 50 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, and 92 miles south of Crescent, British Columbia. Recreational activities found in the park include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming, other water sports, and camping. The park also contains a disc-golf course, an archery range, and a radio-controlled airplane field. The park’s geography includes Lake Pend Oreille, dense northern forests, and open meadows.
How Large is Farragut State Park
Farragut US State Park covers 4,000 acres of the Idaho mountain side. The most notable peak around the state park is Bernard Peak, which sits at an elevation of just over 5,100 feet. In comparison, most of Farragut State Park sits at an elevation around 2,100 feet. Bernard Peak can be accessed from the park by taking the High Point trail and connecting to the Scout Trail. In total, Farragut State Park contains over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. These trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Lake Pend Oreille, which can be accessed from the park’s Eagle Boat Launch, is the largest lake in Idaho and covers 148 square miles. The lake is over 1,150 feet deep in some areas. Lake Pend Oreille is the fifth deepest lake in the United States.
Farragut State Park Weather
Weather in Farragut State Park can change quickly. The average summer climate of the park features temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter brings temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees to the park. The warmest temperatures appear in the park in July and August; the coldest in December and January. On average, Farragut State Park receives about 90 days of rain per year. These days of rain are spread out between the seasons. However, summer in the park brings less days of rain and more days of sunshine. Yearly snowfall in the park consistently averages around 30 inches. Most of this snowfall occurs in December and January.
When did Farragut Become a State Park
Farragut State Park first became a state park in 1965. However, the park’s history begins back in 1942 when ground was first struck to build the Farragut Naval Training Station. The training station played a major role in training procedures of World War II. David Farragut, the station’s namesake, was the first admiral of the US Navy. Farragut also was a leading naval officer during the civil war. After the base shutdown in 1946, the ground was used as a prisoner of war camp. Over 900 Germans were held on the grounds. The state department of Idaho first received the land in 1949 after a small technical school on the grounds closed due to financial trouble.
Things to do in Farragut State Park
Recreational activities are vast and endless at Farragut State Park. Our National Park Visitors Guide has compiled the following list of the park’s most popular activities and must-see attractions.
Start at the Visitor Center
Located near the park’s west entrance, the Farragut State Park Visitor Center is the perfect place for visitors to start their Idaho state park adventure. The visitor center is home to park maps, trail maps, campground registration and information, several exhibits, and a gift shop. Visitors with a specific question can also ask a ranger who works at the park.
Hike or Bike
With over 40 miles to explore, hikers and bikers will feel right at home at Farragut State Park. The park’s trail system features trails that are perfect for beginners and several that will challenge experienced hikers. The park’s most advanced route works up to Bernard Park. This trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers well equipped with proper equipment and supplies.
Museum at the Brig
The Museum at the Brig is the perfect destination for history buffs visiting Farragut State Park. The museum houses the largest collection of Farragut Naval memorabilia in the United States, and the museum houses two vehicles that were used back when the park was a naval training facility. Visitors can visit the museum from 10 AM to 5 PM on Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A Round of Disc Golf
Farragut does not just contain one disc-golf course, but five separates 18-hole disc-golf courses. The park’s courses range in difficulty. The Little Black Bear course is the perfect course for disc golf beginners while the other four courses over advanced players challenging holes. Visitors looking to play a round of disc-golf can purchase discs and other supplies from the park’s gift shop.
Beaver Bay Beach
Beaver Bay Beach is one of the only places in Farragut State Park where the water gets warm enough to swim in. Individuals looking to spend some time on Beaver Bay Beach will want to observe the park’s beach rules. Glass, pets, kayaks, and canoes are prohibited in the beach area.
Lake Pend Oreille
Visitors looking to put their boat on Lake Pend Oreille or go fishing will want to visit the Eagle Pass Boat Launch. This boat launch is the only access point on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
Camping at Farragut State Park
Farragut State Park contains 265 individual campsites, 6 equestrian sites, 10 camping cabins, and a few group camping areas. The park’s campsites are split between electric and water hookup campsites and primitive campsites. All campgrounds in the park contain a bathhouse equipped with modern restrooms.
When to Visit Farragut State Park
Farragut State Park is open year-round, and visitors will enjoy their stay during any season. Avid hikers, bikers, and anglers will want to visit the park in spring or summer. Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the park will want to arrive in the spring when wildlife is the most active. During the summer months, the Farragut State Park campground fills up occasionally. Reservations can be made through the park’s website.
Must Have Items to Bring to Farragut State Park
With a little packing and planning, you can ensure that your trip to Farragut State Park will be highly enjoyable. The following items are essential and should be brought with you to the park.
Water & Snacks
Water and high energy snacks are essential items List of Parks advises for any trip outdoors, and a trip to Farragut State Park is no exception. Hikers and campers should look to bring additional water and snacks along with them to the park. Beef jerky, trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit are great high energy snack options.
Sturdy Hiking Boots
A sturdy pair of hiking boots will keep your feet protected while you hike on the various trails in Farragut State Park. Avid hikers or individuals looking to hike more in the future should look to invest in a lightweight and waterproof pair for added protection and comfort.
Layers of Clothing
Visitors of Farragut State Park will want to arrive with a variety of layers of clothing. Temperatures in the park can change suddenly and vary depending on elevation. Wearing several lightweight layers will allow visitors to change their temperature at will.
Fishing Equipment & Watercraft
Anglers visiting Farragut State Park will want to bring all of their fishing equipment and tackle with them to the park. The park’s Eagle Pass Boat Launch provides access to the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille.
Camping Equipment
Creating and using a camping checklist when packing for your trip is the best way to ensure you have remembered each piece of equipment you will while camping in Farragut State Park.
Where to Stay in Farragut State Park
Visitors looking to camp within Farragut State Park should first decide which type of site they would like to stay in. The park’s campground contains both sites with electric and water hookups and primitive camping sites. Once a decision has been made, visitors can make a reservation for their site through the park’s website. Individuals who would prefer to stay in a nearby hotel can search for options in Coeur d’alene or Sandpoint. Each of these two cities are within 25 minutes of the park. Other lodging options can be found an hour away in Spokane, Washington.
Food Near Farragut State Park
The closest dining options to Farragut State Park can be found in Coeur d’alene and Sandpoint. Each of these cities offer visitors a variety of restaurants and a few grocery stores. Visitors searching for something specific or looking for more options should check out Spokane, Washington. The Washington city is larger than Coeur d’alene and Sandpoint, and contains several restaurants and bars where visitors can grab a bite to eat. The visitor center at Farragut State Park also has a selection of snacks and drinks available for visitors to purchase.
Airports Near Farragut State Park
The closest international airport to Farragut State Park is located in Spokane, Washington. The city and the Spokane International Airport are located about 50 miles away from the park. The car ride from Farragut State Park to the Spokane International Airport is about an hour and fifteen minutes long. Other international airports that visitors can use to access Farragut State Park include airports in Portland and Seattle, Washington.