Spirit Lake

Local History

Spirit Lake takes its name from the beautiful mountain lake it surrounds, which local Native American legends once referred to as the “Lake of the Spirits.” Incorporated as a city in 1908, Spirit Lake quickly became a hub during North Idaho’s timber boom, with logging and sawmills driving the economy through the early 20th century. While the lumber industry has shifted, Spirit Lake has retained its small-town character and continues to be a welcoming community centered around the scenic lake and surrounding forests.

Top Hiring Jobs

Spirit Lake offers employment opportunities tied to its small-town economy and proximity to larger regional hubs:

Education & Public Services: Local schools and city services are steady employers.
Retail & Hospitality: Restaurants, shops, and seasonal tourism support a variety of jobs.
Forestry & Trades: Logging and forestry remain part of the local economy, along with construction and skilled trades.
Healthcare & Senior Services: Clinics and care centers provide growing opportunities as the region expands.
Commuting Options: Many residents work in nearby Post Falls, Rathdrum, or Coeur d’Alene, accessing larger job markets while enjoying small-town living.

Local Lifestyle

Life in Spirit Lake reflects a slower, community-centered pace. With fewer than 3,000 residents, it maintains a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Families enjoy the safe neighborhoods, walkable downtown, and access to the outdoors. The lake is the heart of the community, serving as a gathering place for recreation and relaxation. Residents value both the natural environment and the sense of neighborly support that defines small-town living in North Idaho.

Things to Do

Spirit Lake is known for its year-round outdoor activities and small-town charm:

Lake Recreation: Swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing are staples in summer.
Hiking & Biking: Trails around the Selkirk Mountains and Mount Spokane region are easily accessible.
Winter Activities: Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing at nearby resorts are winter favorites.
Community Events: Seasonal festivals, parades, and farmers markets keep the town lively.
Historic Downtown: Visitors enjoy local shops, diners, and the small-town feel along Maine Street.

Yearly Average Temperatures

Spirit Lake’s climate follows the patterns of North Idaho’s four-season environment:

Summer: Warm and sunny, with highs averaging in the mid-70s to low 80s°F.
Fall: Cool and colorful, with highs in the 50s–60s°F and crisp nights.
Winter: Cold and snowy, with lows in the teens and highs in the upper 20s to 30s°F; annual snowfall often exceeds 50 inches.
Spring: Mild and fresh, with highs in the 50s–60s°F as the lake and forests burst back to life.

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The information being provided by Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors. Beutler & Associates is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Beutler & Associates, a broker participant of Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site.
The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to open house information, square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.

The information being provided by Selkirk Association of Realtors is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Selkirk Association of Realtors. Beutler & Associates is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Beutler & Associates, a broker participant of Selkirk Association of Realtors. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site.

The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to open house information, square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Selkirk Association of Realtors and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any unauthorized dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.