Things to Do in Farragut State Park
SIGHTSEEING
Farragut State Park is a large state-owned park in Idaho. This park has so many beautiful spots you can explore, but you have to start somewhere, right? Well, Tripboba recommend you to start at the Beaver Bay. In fact, it is the main attraction of Farragut State Park itself. It is a stunning bay located within the area of Farragut State Park, and you can swim in it.
It’s quite easy to reach Beaver bay. You can follow the Gilmore Campground road or by walking along the Beaver Bay Shoreline Trail. If you continue the path to the west side of Beaver Bay, you will arrive at Buttonhook Bay, which is another beautiful spot to swim and enjoy sunset.
Beaver Bay Beach and Swimming Area
ONE DAY TRIP IDEA
There are so many things you can do at this park, and one day probably won’t be enough to cover it all! You can do picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, disc gold, archery, horseback riding, and more.
If you want to spend the day hiking at the park, you have 3 option of trails which are all family friendly. the first one is Squirrel Cache Trail, which is 1.2-mile loop with meadows and forest habitats. The second one is Shoreline Trail, which is 1.5-miles one way along Buttonhook Bay. You can see Monarch Mountains surrounding the bay as well.
The third one is Highpoint Trail, which is more difficult trail compared to others. It’s a 3-miles hike with Bernard Peak as the destination. The trail for the first two miles is quite easy, but the last mile is rocky and steep.
In winter, the fun doesn’t end since Farragut State Park turns into a cross country ski place. You can ski, sled, snowshoe here in winter.
CAMPING
Gain the full experience of exploring Farragut State Park by camping! There are 223 individual sites, 7 group camps, and 10 camping cabins that you can book at this park. With the ground elevation of 2,054, this camping area is open all year-round.
You will have access to basic amenities such as flush toilets, showers, dump station, and electricity. However, internet connection is not provided by the park!
HEALTH ADVISORY
If you’re planning to visit Farragut State Park, be sure to follow the rules! Aside from performing social distancing rules during pandemic, there are more rules you have to keep in mind. For example, you’re only allowed to set campfires only in designated areas. All pets must be kept on a leash as well and don’t left it unattended.
You must follow quiet hours, which starts from 10 PM to 7 AM. Also, fireworks are prohibited in all areas of the park at all times. If you have a medical condition, be sure to bring your own medicine to the park!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Farragut State Park is in Fall season, even though winter and summer are peak tourism season in Idaho. In fall, you’ll be able to enjoy blue skies, refreshing cool temperatures in the upper 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the changing color of the leaves makes Farragut State Park and Idaho especially prettier.
BEST HOTELS AND RESORTS
Need a place to stay overnight near Farragut State Park? you can book a room in MacDonald’s Resort! It’s only 4.7 miles away from the park, or about 9 minutes away by driving. This resort is a family owned business, so you will feel the homey atmosphere in the hotel. It’s also perfectly positioned halfway between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille.
Another hotel you can book is Log Spirit Bed and Breakfast, which is 9 minutes away by driving from the park as well. This hotel is located in Athol, Idaho. Once you’re arrived at the hotel, you will be welcomed by wooden-themed buildings, which is refreshing for the eyes. It’s also a hotel where you can enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunset.
MacDonald's Resort
Log Spirit Bed & Breakfast
BEST RESTAURANTS
Feeling hungry? Why don’t you go to Lake House Bar and Grill! This restaurant is situated near the park, which is 7 minutes away by driving. Having meals at this restaurant means that you can enjoy the beautiful and serene bay view while enjoying your food. This restaurant serves American foods such as burgers, sandwiches, fish, salads, bowls, and many more.
You may also want to try Candle in the Woods, which is only 6 minutes away from Farragut State Park. This restaurant is offering “family style” comfort foods, which also means that they aren’t fast food! So, you can expect that the foods are made carefully and guaranteed for the taste. They also have a wide selection of wines!
Lake House Bar & Grill
Candle in the Woods
BEST SOUVENIR SHOPS
Need a memento to remind yourself of the good time you spent in Farragut State Park? You can go to their Visitor Center Store! You will find a wide selection of books you can bring home, not to mention the disk golf. It’s a nice little gift shop with great staffs that are ready to help you, whether you want to ask about souvenirs or the park itself.
