Spirit Lake An Oasis In Property Tax Storm Few Properties On Quiet Lake Reach Open Market

Spirit Lake basks in benign neglect.

“It’s kind of a diamond in the rough that a lot of people haven’t discovered,” said Gerry Peterson, a cabin owner from the Spokane area.

Property turns over infrequently, and when it does, it usually stays in the family or goes to friends. Not much winds up on the open market.

“This year, we had five sales,” said Darlene Freeland, a longtime lake resident and real estate agent. “I actually have only one listing on the water right now.”

Spirit Lake has some of the most affordable waterfront in Kootenai County. But unlike Hayden and Coeur d’Alene lakes, it hasn’t attracted hordes of new homes.

Spirit Lake still is a secluded, quiet lake, tucked into mountain folds draped with pine and tamarack.

“It hasn’t changed much,” said Rod Erickson, owner of the Fireside Lodge.

Mobile homes and weathered cabins are at home along with newer, more pricey digs. Secondary lots still are pretty much just that - empty lots.

Most property owners either live at the lake year-round or make the 40-mile drive from Spokane.

Even in the summer, the 1,300-acre lake is quiet, residents say. There’s only one restaurant, the Fireside, and only one campground, Silver Beach.

“It doesn’t have a resort. They hardly sell a beer on this lake,” Freeland said. “It’s a family lake.”

Maybe it’s the winding, twisting road along the north side of the lake or maybe it’s the steep hillsides that discourage crowds.

Buyers also might be dissuaded by a leak near the lake’s outlet that drops the lake level each summer.

But Spirit Lake fans are devoted.

“People from Spokane like Spirit Lake mainly because it’s such a close commute, but it’s so secluded,” Peterson said. “Once you get there, you’re a little world away from the hustle and bustle.”

, DataTimes