What Is the Elevation of Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d'Alene Elevation: The Numbers at a Glance

Elevation numbers can vary slightly depending on where exactly you measure in a city. Coeur d'Alene has hills, valleys, and a lakefront. Here are the verified reference points you can trust.

Sources: USGS via TopoZone · Wikipedia – Lake Coeur d'Alene · FAA via Wikipedia

The slight difference between the city centre and the lakefront makes sense. The city climbs northward from the lake. So the lakeshore sits a few dozen feet lower than downtown streets. Nothing alarming — it is just basic topography doing its job.

How Does Coeur d'Alene's Elevation Compare?

Context makes numbers meaningful. Here is how Coeur d'Alene stacks up against other well-known US cities and nearby landmarks.

City elevation data from USGS topographic records and Wikipedia's verified municipal articles.

Elevation Visual: Key Coeur d'Alene Reference Points

Bar widths proportional relative to Cherry Peak as the regional high point.

Where Exactly Is Coeur d'Alene Located?

Coeur d'Alene is the county seat of Kootenai County, northern Idaho. Understanding its geography explains why the elevation matters.

• Coordinates: 47.6777°N, 116.7805°W — verified GPS waypoint from USGS records.
• Ecoregion: Northern Rockies. It sits within the Rocky Mountain belt, hence the meaningful elevation.
• Lakefront position: The city occupies the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, a 25-mile-long glacial lake.
• Nearest major city: Spokane, Washington — just 30 miles (50 km) to the west, and noticeably lower at ~1,843 ft.
• Population (2026 estimate): ~58,555, making it the most populous city in North Idaho.
• Mountain backdrop: The Coeur d'Alene Mountains of the Bitterroot Range rise immediately east of the city.

Source: Wikipedia – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

The Lake and the Land: Elevation in Context

The lake is a big deal — literally and geographically. Its surface elevation shapes everything from flood risk to recreation planning.

Key Lake Coeur d'Alene Facts

Source: Wikipedia – Lake Coeur d'Alene

The lake was formed by the Missoula Floods — massive glacial outbursts that ended around 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. Those floods carved out the valley basins you see today. So in a way, ancient catastrophe gifted Coeur d'Alene one of the most scenic lakefronts in the American West.

The Mountain Elevations Around Coeur d'Alene

If 2,188 ft sounds modest, look east. The surrounding terrain goes dramatically higher. That is part of what makes this region stunning.

• Coeur d'Alene Mountains (range): Part of the Bitterroot Range, covering 2,590 sq mi across northern Idaho and western Montana.
• Cherry Peak — highest point: Reaches 7,352 ft (2,241 m). That is more than three times the city's elevation.
• Patricks Knob: Second-highest at 6,837 ft (2,084 m).
• Mount Coeur d'Alene (summit): 4,373 ft (1,333 m) — the closest named peak to the city itself.
• Coeur d'Alene National Forest: Sits to the east, home to over 300 wildlife species including grizzly bears, wolves, and Canada lynx.

Sources: Wikipedia – Coeur d'Alene Mountains · TopoZone – Mount Coeur d'Alene

How Elevation Affects Life in Coeur d'Alene

Elevation is not just a number on a map. It shapes the climate, the outdoor experience, and even which plants grow in your garden.

Climate Effects

• Plant Hardiness Zones: The city straddles USDA Zones 6B and 7A. The elevation contributes to cooler nights and reliable snowfall.
• Precipitation: Northern Idaho receives more rain and snow than eastern Washington. Being on the windward side of the Rockies increases moisture.
• Microclimates: The Spokane–Coeur d'Alene area has many microclimates due to the diverse topography. Weather can vary significantly within just a few miles.
• Summers: Warm and sunny. Lake surface average temperature (June–August) is about 67.5°F (19.7°C).
• Winters: Cold with snowfall. Elevation brings colder temps compared to the Spokane valley.

Source: Wikipedia – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho · Wikipedia – Lake Coeur d'Alene

Outdoor Recreation at This Elevation

1. Boating and watersports on the lake — the lake elevation of 2,128 ft is perfect. High enough to stay cool in summer, low enough for comfortable outdoor activity.
2. Hiking in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains — trails rise from city elevation to well above 4,000 ft. Expect genuine mountain conditions above treeline.
3. Golf — the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course is one of the most photographed courses in the US. Elevation and clear air make for long drives. Golfers love that.
4. Skiing — Silver Mountain Resort near Kellogg (about 50 miles east) sits at considerably higher elevations, with a base around 4,000 ft and summit near 6,300 ft.
5. The Coeur d'Alene Parkway State Trail — a 5.7-mile paved trail running along the north shore of the lake at an elevation of approximately 2,129 ft.

Source: Wikipedia – Coeur d'Alene Parkway State Park

Aviation Elevation Reference: FAA Data

Pilots and aviation planners use very precise elevation data. Here is the verified FAA reference for Coeur d'Alene.

This FAA figure aligns closely with the lake surface elevation of 2,128 ft, since seaplanes operate off the water. The minor difference is just rounding. Good to know if you are landing a floatplane — or just like precise numbers.

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