Lake Roosevelt Eagle Cruise

Sun., Jan. 3, 1999

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By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508

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Distance: 60 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Cruising time: 2 to 4 hours

Season: Year-round

Maps: Lake Roosevelt North, by Northwest Map and Travel of Spokane, 455-6981.

Info: Coulee Dam National Recreation Area, Kettle Falls District, (509) 738-6266.

POWER-BOATING TRIP NOTES

Access: Gifford launch ramp is off State Highway 25. Kettle Falls ramp is accessible from State Highways 20 or 25.

Attractions: Although this trip can be done year-round, best time is December through February when migrating bald eagles are most likely to be in area. This stretch typically has the highest concentrations of eagles in the 150-mile-long reservoir.

Up to 160 eagles have been counted in this stretch in a single day when temperatures are cold enough to concentrate eagles on this reliable source of open water for fishing.

Bald eagle diets are 60 percent fish. Rest is waterfowl, carrion and, well, garbage. At least five bald eagle nests have been identified in the Ponderosa pine shoreline habitat in this portion of river.

Comments: Small craft must be wary of possible high winds that could make this route dangerous. Route includes seven campgrounds plus additional launch ramps at Bradbury Beach and Daisy Station. Kettle Falls ramps are not usable when lake water level goes below 1,237 feet at Kettle Falls or 1,249 feet at Gifford. Lake level info: (800) 824-4916.

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Lake Roosevelt Eagle Cruise

Jesse Tinsley

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