Sandpoint, ID

On a recent trip to scout out locations for my friend’s September wedding we stopped by Jewel Lake. Jewel Lake is located off of Dufort road in Sagle, near Vay and the Hoo Doo Valley. I know it sounds like a lot, but it was actually easy to get to.

Once we arrived at the lake and began to look around I found that the lake had a day only campground. There was plenty of parking and a primitive boat launch, however the lake is pretty small so I would not recommend taking a large boat on this lake. There was also a sign that said electric motored boats are only allowed on the lake. There were several people fishing off the wooden dock and one small aluminum fishing boat out in the lake. The lake seemed like a great place to take your family fishing, and does fall under the family fishing waters. Family fishing waters are areas set aside by the Idaho Fish and Game for families who want to enjoy the fishing experience but are looking for a friendly environment to bring younger children. Family fishing is year round and has limits on the amount of fish you can catch, 6 trout and 6 bass per day. The reason is to allow everyone fishing a good chance to catch a fish. Jewel Lake is also a stocked lake by the fish and game with trout fish.

Looking around the lake the scenery was beautiful. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills covered in lush green trees. Lily pads were near the shore and there was a large barn structure at the other end of the lake. The barn was where we had heard you could hold your wedding or reception at. After we left the lake it was definitely in the running for the wedding site. A downfall is that there is no running water. There is a porta potty near the boat launch, but really would not be sufficient for a large group of people as there was only one.

A helpful hint if you are in the area of Jewel Lake and need anything from a good wholesome breakfast to picking up some snacks, Kelly’s Vay Mart and Hoo Doo Creek Cafe is a fantastic stop. We have gone there several times for breakfast and always leave delighted. The mart and cafe are found on Vay road, about 0.8 of a mile from the turn off for Jewel Lake Road off of Dufort. Turn left and follow Vay road for about a mile. The market and cafe will be located on the right.

To get to Jewel Lake from Sandpoint take highway 95 south for about 8.5 miles, turning left on Dufort Road. Follow Dufort Road for 9 miles and take a left onto Jewel Lake Road. The sign is small, so keep an eye out for it. The lake is found about 2.5 miles down the gravel road. There are no parking or boat launch fees.