Lake Koocanusa is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Canada. Lake Koocanusa creates a border between the United States & Canada. This lake was formed in 1972. This lake was created when the Libby Dam was constructed on the Kootenai River.
This lake has become a popular visiting spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby spots, including the Kootenai forest with hiking trails, have made this lake a well-preferred destination for outdoor adventurers. Here are some essential points to know before visiting Lake Koocanusa.
1. About Lake Koocanusa
Lake Koocanusa, also known as the Koocanusa Reservoir, is a man-made lake. It separates British Columbia in Canada from Montana in the USA. Kootenay, Canada, & the USA are the three regions that together make up Lake Koocanusa. The reservoir has a surface area of 145 km (approximately 90 miles) & is almost 94 km (about 57 miles) long. Interestingly, the lake derived its name through a naming contest. It was named by Alice Beers. The name was derived from the names of Kootenay(koo), Canada (can), and USA (usa).
.This reservoir lake plays an important role by providing water & hydroelectric power to the surrounding communities. Therefore, some Canadian & US agencies, such as the Canadian Hydropower Authority & the US Army Corps of Engineers, take responsibility for managing the lake’s surrounding area.
2. The Ecosystem of Lake Koocanusa
The lake is home to many species of aquatic plants & animals, each playing an important role in the lake’s ecosystem.
2.1 Aquatic Plants:
The Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is the most commonly found plant in this lake. These rapidly-growing plants can form dense mats on the surface of the water. These plants are a growing concern as they are invasive and crowd out native species.
Other native aquatic plants found in this lake include pondweed, coontail, & waterweed. These plants provide a food source to the marine species inhabiting this lake & maintain the lake’s ecosystem.
2.2 Aquatic Animals:
The aquatic species, particularly the piscine ones, make this lake a favourite among angler spots in the British Coumbia. Several fish species, like rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, walleye, white fish, northern pike, & smallmouth bass can be found here. These fish are the natural inhabitants of this lake. They provide a valuable source of food for both humans & animals.
Oncorhynchus mykiss is the scientific name of rainbow trout. The fish is commonly found in native North American areas. Rainbow trout is also a popular freshwater fish in the Canadian region. These fish are commonly found in the river, lakes & streams in both the United States & Canada. Rainbow trout are known to have a fighting spirit and struggle vigorously when caught.
These fishes are known to exhibit many colours, such as a bluish-green back, silver sides, & a distinctive pink or red stripe along their lateral line. These fish require high levels of liquefied oxygen to survive. They can also adapt to a wide range of water temperatures and conditions. These fishes feed on various prey, including insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish.
These fishes are also a commonly eaten food in the area. This trout is known for its mild, delicate flavour.
Aquatic mammal species in this lake include beavers, muskrats, & river otters. These animals help to control the populations of other species.
3. Things to Do in Lake Koocanusa
Lake Koocanusa offers a variety of energetic water activities for visitors, such as fishing, boating, swimming, & water sports. The forest surrounding the area is also used for hiking & camping.
3.1 Fishing in Lake Koocanusa
The lake is a popular fishing spot because a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, & bull trout, are found here.
3.2 Boating
The lake’s clear & calm water makes this a popular destination for boating. Visitors can enjoy the long water surface area by boating & water skiing.
3.3 Camping
The area surrounding the lake & shoreline is dotted with several campgrounds. These places are ideal locations for a family vacation. Some popular campgrounds include the Kikomun Creek Provincial Park in British Columbia & the Rexford Bench Campground in Montana. These campgrounds also serve as popular weekend getaways. These camping spots offer visitors numerous amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, & RV hookups.
3.4 Hiking
The Rocky Mountains surrounding the area offer visitors great opportunities to witness wildlife & take hikes along the hiking trails. Through these hiking trails, visitors can also enjoy the stunning view of the lake. The nearby Kikomun Creek Provincial Park also offers some hiking trails, including the 5 km long (almost 3-mile) Kikomun Creek Trail. Hikers can go through a forested area along the lake’s shoreline, enjoying both a hike and a view of the lake.
Lake Koocanusa is a popular destination for enthusiastic visitors who want to try water-based activities. The amazing natural landscape of this place also attracts visitors. Travelers can enjoy their weekend with their family or friends by this lake & also explore the surrounding area. Whether you’re an angler, a hiker, or looking for a peaceful vacation, Lake Koocanusa is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
4. Nearby Attractions
Lake Koocanusa has evolved into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can see the stunning beauty of this region & enjoy their weekend trips. While the lake itself is a natural beauty, there are also several nearby famous places to explore.
4.1 Kootenai National Forest:
The Kootenai National Forest is a forest located to the east of Lake Koocanusa. Hiking & biking are popular activities in this forest, & many hiking & biking trails are available in this place. The Kootenai and Clark Fork rivers flowing through this forest give visitors a great opportunity for fishing, hunting, & camping. Bears, elk, and wolves are the most commonly found wildlife in this area. This forest is famous for its stunning mountainous landscape.
4.2 Ross Creek Cedars:
Ross Creek Cedars is located towards the northwest of Lake Koocanusa. It takes an hour’s drive from Lake Koocanusa to reach this place. Ross Creek Cedars is one of the oldest forests on the Canadian border. Visitors can find some of the largest trees in this forest in Montana. A short walk through this forest, will take the visitors through a canopy of gigantic trees. The height of these trees is almost 170 feet & the trunks can be up to 8 feet wide.
4.3 Libby Dam on Lake Koocanusa:
This dam lies upstream of Lake Koocanusa and is located in northwestern Montana. This dam generates hydroelectric power & provides renewable energy to the region. Visitors can see the dam through a small tour conducted in the summer. They can also enjoy a view of the surrounding landscape. Lake Koocanusa was created because of the construction of the Libby Dam.
4.4 Cabinet Mountains Wilderness:
Towards the north of Lake Koocanusa lies the Cabinet Mountains. The mountainous wilderness of this place provides some of the most stunning landscape scenes in Montana. Some trails are also available for visitors, which offer a stunning view of the surrounding mountains & forests. Ross Creek Mountains trail is a famous hiking trail in this area.
4.5 Kootenai Falls:
Visitors can see this waterfall after a mere 30-minute journey south of Lake Koocanusa. Kootenai Falls is a dramatic waterfall on the Kootenai River. This place is also famous for hiking, swimming, fishing,& picnicking. From a series of hiking trails from the surrounding forest, visitors can see a scenic overlook of these falls.
In conclusion,
Lake Koocanusa is an ideal spot to spend your vacation days. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or simply want to spend a weekend away, Lake Koocanusa & its surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. In the spring, the mountains look especially beautiful, teeming with wildflowers.
Concerning accommodation, you must know that many water service companies also provide full-service marinas around the lakes. There are also some towns where visitors can book their rooms. Swimming & fishing are considered the most popular activities in this lake. Visitors can also use boats to explore the lake.
