Summer is right around the corner, meaning it’s time to prepare your boat for boating season! Whether you need new carpet, deck repair, stain removal, fixed-up fiberglass, or more, McDowells is here to help with all your upholstery needs. Tme to power up your engines, gather your friends, pack your fishing poles, and get out on the water!

Cast a Line in Lake Cascade

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Located in the Boise National Forest is Lake Cascade. It is home to many boaters and fishermen in the warmer months. If you are looking for a “good catch,” Lake Cascade has a variety of fish that might just bite your line. Some of the variety that may be swimming beneath your boat are:

  • Sockeye Salmon
  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
  • Bluegill
  • Coho Salmon

With its 27,000 acres, Lake Cascade provides an opportunity for the perfect catch and a lot of room for recreational boaters. If you are interested in this boating destination but do not have a boat, no need to worry! There are boat rentals nearby that also offer a variety of services and water sport rentals..

Staying the Weekend In Cascade

If you are planning an entire weekend in Cascade, the Water’s Edge RV Resort is the place to stay! This resort offers:

  • Easy access to boating
  • kayaks and canoes to rent
  • Full hook-up RV campsites
  • Volleyball courts

Although these are just a few of the many amenities this resort has to offer, they are essential for having a fun-filled weekend!

Dock your Boat at the Deadwood Reservoir

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In 1931, the deadwood reservoir was born. It’s just as popular of a recreation area nowadays as it was back then. Prepare for this trip by packing a lunch before heading down to the Deadwood Reservoir. You won’t want to pass up a picnic surrounded by nature. Aside from boating, this destination offers:

Explore the country by hiking one of the many trails near the Deadwood Reservoir. The level of difficulty ranges from easy, intermediate, and hard. Depending on your skill level and how far you would like to go, will determine what hike to choose.

For a decently long intermediate trail, the Whitehawk Basin trail might be one to try. It is about 6.8 miles so it will take up most of the day. However, for a shorter hike, the Deadwood Hot Springs trail is only 1.2 miles long. Pack a water bottle, sunscreen, and your camera for a hike you will never want to forget!

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Boating in Beautiful Bear Lake

Start making your way over to Utah as this lake sits right on the border of Utah and Idaho. Bear Lake is perfect for a vacation destination year-round due to the resort town that encompasses it.

The beach is filled with swimmers, boaters, and vacationers when the weather is warm. Bring a lunch, snacks, and water to hydrate because you can expect to be out on the water all day long.

Secure Your Stay at Bear Lake

There is a variety of rentals at Bear Lake to choose from for any occasion. However, since lodging typically books up fast, make sure to save the date in advance. In contrast to staying in the comfort of a cabin or hotel, staying at the RV park located at Bear Lake is a fun alternative for the avid camper.
In the summertime, they have boats, wave runners, and additional on-the-water rentals to enjoy! No need to worry about storage when you can rent what you need. For a boating break, some additional activities Bear lake has to offer include:

  • Horseback riding
  • Exploring caves
  • Golfing

Most trails are open to bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. If you are looking for picturesque views, and protected wildlife these canyon trails are for you!

Two caves to explore are the Minnetonka Cave and the Paris Ice Cave.

The Minnetonka Cave has nine rooms made of stalactites, stalagmites, and travertine.

The Paris Ice Cave is open to tour year-round, but be prepared to access it only by a snowmobile in the winter months. However, in the summer, the runoff water from the surrounding hills makes way into the cave which is a fascinating sight to see.

Practice your swing at one of three 9-hole golf courses. Each course has club rentals and lesson options. Make sure to take into account the green fees and course designs before choosing which one is right for you.

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Cruising Through Lake Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d’Alene, located in Northern Idaho, is 40 kilometers in length. Its size allows for many different styles of boating:

  • Sailing
  • Speed boating
  • Fishing

Given that sailboats are powered by wind, you can expect to see sailboats all around if it is blowing strong enough. On a typical summer day, you will also see boats tearing through this Lake as if it is a race to the end. And lastly, fishing boats are not an uncommon sight to see on any given day.

Recreational Boating in Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is the perfect spot to put your phone away and spend quality time with the family. With its scenic display of tall trees, glistening water, and boats all around, this is the perfect site to host a picnic or summer barbecue.

As for boating, this vast lake is the perfect place to take your boat that you’ve been waiting to use all winter long. If you have a day off work, you will not want to miss the tranquil waters of Redfish Lake situated in Stanley, Idaho.

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Be the Best for your Boat

Although the world is filled with places to boat, Idaho has some great options with breathtaking views at each location along with activities for everyone!

Boats are designed to last a long time if properly maintained. Data indicates that every 100 hours, your boat is subject to a maintenance check. If it starts having issues, make sure to get it checked out. McDowells is a trusted brand and is happy to discuss its service menu with you before making an appointment to fix all the repairs your boat may need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What fish species can you catch at Lake Cascade near Boise, Idaho?

Lake Cascade is home to Sockeye Salmon, Coho Salmon, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill. The lake spans 27,000 acres within the Boise National Forest, offering ample space for both fishing and recreational boating.

Can you rent a boat at Lake Cascade if you don't own one?

Yes, boat rentals are available near Lake Cascade along with a variety of water sport rental options. This makes the lake accessible to visitors who want to enjoy boating without owning their own vessel.

Where should you stay for a weekend boating trip at Lake Cascade in Idaho?

The Water's Edge RV Resort in Cascade is a top choice for overnight stays. It provides easy access to boating, kayak and canoe rentals, full hook-up RV campsites, and volleyball courts among other amenities.

What outdoor activities are available at Deadwood Reservoir besides boating?

Deadwood Reservoir offers camping, hunting, hiking, and water sports in addition to boating. Built in 1931, the reservoir remains a popular recreation area with scenic surroundings ideal for picnicking and enjoying nature.

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