Blackwell Island boat launch to open Thursday

COEUR d’ALENE — The Bureau of Land Management’s popular Blackwell Island boat launch and recreation area is set to open for the summer season on Thursday.

With four ADA-accessible launch lanes and 134 trailer parking spaces, Blackwell Island offers convenient access to the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene. The recreation site is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and also offers picnicking, a native plant garden and wildlife viewing along the boardwalk nature trail.

Visitors to Blackwell Island can purchase a day use pass for $6 or a season pass voucher for $40 at one of the credit card machines located near the parking areas.

Season pass vouchers can be redeemed on-site for a vehicle hang tag beginning opening day throughout the Memorial Day weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vouchers can also be redeemed on-site through late June on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Proceeds from fees support maintenance and other improvements at the Blackwell site. In the past, improvements include replacing the nature trail planking, installing fencing, interpretive signs, and re-sealing and striping the parking lot.