Recently, we returned to Libby, Montana to explore more of Lake Koocanusa on our kayak, The Big Mango. During our earlier trip, we had kayaked two different areas of the lake, but the wind prevented us from completing a long-distance paddle. This trip, however, we got really lucky!
We parked the truck at Rexford Beach & Picnic Area inside Kootenai National Forest and launched from the boat ramp. We paddled east into a large bay, making our way back to the mouth of the Tabacco River. Turning about, we traversed along the northern shore of the bay, paddling our way back to Lake Koocanusa.
Just before heading fully back onto Lake Koocanusa, we paddled around a large sand hill/dune. We then meandered north for about two miles and paddled south along the eastern shore, about a half mile past the Abayance Bay Marina. With the thoughts of hunger settling in, we made our way back to the boat launch. It was a fabulous kayaking day! We paddled a total of: 15.29 miles.
FINAL THOUGHTS: To date, we have kayaked in three different areas around Lake Koocanusa: Libby Dam, Koocanusa Resort & Marina, and Rexford. Next summer, we look forward to exploring more of this beautiful lake, and maybe the side north of the border. One last thought, how did Lake Koocanusa get its name… When the dam was under construction, the Corps of Engineers conducted a contest to name the lake. A woman from Eureka, Montana, won the contest by taking the first three letters from the words Kootenai and Canada and adding USA to create the Name Koocanusa.
WHERE IS PADDLE & TRAILS HEADED NEXT?
- September 12-14: Priest Lake, Idaho
- October 10-13: Port Angeles, Washington
- December 24-28: Island Park, Idaho