Spirit Lake, Idaho, is a small gem in the northern part of the panhandle, nestled in the embrace of pine-covered hills and pristine natural beauty. Legend has it that Spirit Lake earned its name from a Native American tale about star-crossed lovers who met their fate in the lake’s depths. Known as “Lake of the Spirits” by some, the water is said to hold mystical qualities. The lake stretches over 1500 acres, with crystal-clear water that invites kayakers to paddle the shoreline, which we did on a not-to-recent fall day. Looking west across the lake, Mount Spokane can be seen dusted lightly in fall colors.