Hot fun at area beaches

Sun Safety

Nothing can ruin a vacation more quickly than a nasty sunburn — except maybe failing miserably while “showing off” rusty water-skiing “skills” at the lake. Ouch.

Some simple steps can help prevent you from getting cooked at the family cookout.

• Babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun altogether. If you do have to expose infants to the sun’s rays, loose-fitting clothing that covers most of the skin is preferred. Also dress the little one in a hat to protect the noggin. For areas of skin that might be kissed by the sun, little feet and toes for example, use a light application of sunscreen.

• Young children need sunscreen about 30 minutes before they go outside — even on cloudy days. Make certain the SPF is 15 or higher.

• Older children and adults need protection from the sun, too. If you can’t cover the skin with breathable, loose-fitting clothing, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply every couple of hours, more often if you sweat a lot. Hats and sunglasses also help protect you from brutal rays.

• Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing.

• Stay hydrated. Children and adults need water to help keep bodies cool. For each 20 minutes of activity in the sun drink at least 5-12 ounces of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

— By Chad Hutson

When the sun starts shining and temps begin to soar in the Inland Northwest this summer, finding respite from the heat can be a challenge. Of course there are always water parks and local pools, but for a family or large group of friends, these may not always be the most economical or appropriate solutions.

This summer consider one of the many public-access beaches located in Spokane and Kootenai counties. Sure, some may be a little more off the beaten path, but once you arrive, you will appreciate the open space, access to the area’s unique natural surroundings and the feel of warm sand between your toes.

Before setting out on your day’s adventure, check the weather forecast, slather on a good sunscreen, pack a tasty lunch with plenty of fluids and review beach rules. (No Spokane County parks permit pets on designated swimming beaches.)

Following is a list of beach destinations operated by Spokane and Kootenai counties. We’ve also thrown in a few other favorites for your sunbathing pleasure.

Spokane County Beaches*

1. Bear Lake Park

N. 29601 Hwy 2

• $2 entry per person

• Volleyball courts

• Shelters

• Picnic, BBQ facilities

• Toilets/running water

• Playground

• Lifeguards on duty

Directions: 15 miles north of Francis on Newport Hwy; 1 mile north of Chattaroy on Hwy 2.

2. Fish Lake

S. 14314 Myers Rd.

• $2 entry per person

Directions: I-90 West from Spokane to Exit 195. South to Cheney-Spokane Road. After about 7 miles, turn left at Myers Road and follow directions to park.

3. Liberty Lake Day-use park, campground

S. 2707 Zephyr Rd.

One-night camping starts at $18 for four.

Directions: I-90 East to Liberty Lake Exit. Go east on Appleway to Molter, then south on Molter to Valley Way. Continue to Zephyr.

4. High Bridge Park

• At confluence of Latah Creek and Spokane River.

• Swimming beach

• Picnic facilities

Kootenai County Beaches*

5. Coeur d’Alene City Park

• Boom-protected swimming beach

• Municipal parking

• Picnic facilities

• Lifeguards Memorial Day through Labor Day

6. North Idaho College

• Swimming beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene

• Swim dock

• Grassy picnic area

• No lifeguard

7. Saunders Beach

• A favorite east of Coeur d’Alene City Park

• Swimming beach

• Municipal parking

8. Harrison Docks

• Swimming beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene

• Boat Launch

• Toilets/running water

• No lifeguard

9. Boothe’s Park & Landing

• Swimming beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene

• Boat launch

• Picnic facilities

10. Mica Bay Boater’s Park

• Swimming beach on Lake Coeur d’Alene

• Boat dock

• Picnic facilities

• Toilets, running water

• Playground

• Game fields and court

• Camping, BBQ facilities

• No car access…walk-in or boat access only

11. Honeysuckle Beach

• On Hayden Lake

• Boomed-in swimming beach

• Swimming docks

• Easy parking

Directions: Take I-90 East to Idaho Exit 12 (Moscow/Sandpoint). Turn left on Hwy 95. Follow 95 until Honeysuckle Ave. in Hayden Lake and turn right. Continue to end of road and park.

12. Farragut State Park

• On Lake Pend Oreille’s Buttonhook Bay

• Swimming beach

• Lifeguards on duty

Directions: Take Hwy 95 North from Coeur d’Alene. Turn right in Athol (Junction of 95 and State Hwy 54). Go 4 miles east on 54 toward Bayview and follow directions to park.

13. Priest Lake

• Swimming beaches located at numerous resorts and campgrounds. Upper Priest Lake also houses quiet, clean beaches accessible only by walking or watercraft.

Directions: Take Newport Hwy north through Newport to Priest River. Turn left at light onto Hwy 57. At light follow directions to park.

14. Hauser Lake Park

A swimming beach

• Boat launch/dock

• Picnic facilities/toilets/running water

•Playground/BBQ facilities

Directions: Take Hwy 290 east from Spokane. Turn north on Starr Road and right on Hauser Road. Follow Hauser Road to Hauser Lake Road and follow directions to beach.

Out-of-town Beaches*

15. Silver Beach Resort

• At Spirit Lake

• $2 per person per day

• $3 parking

• 1,000 feet of water frontage

Directions: From I-90 – North on Idaho Hwy 41 (Exit 7) 7 miles to Rathdrum. Left at first light. Right at second light. Follow road 11 miles to Spirit Lake. Left at blinking light on Maine Street and continue 2-1/2 miles to Silver Beach Resort.

16. Q’emiln Riverside Park in Post Falls

• Boomed-in swimming area

• Lifeguards on duty

Directions: From I-90 – Idaho Exit 5 south to Post Falls. Follow Spokane Street south across Spokane River. Turn right on Parkway and follow to park at end of the road. Trailhead signs will be evident in parking lot.

17. Medical Lake Waterfront Park

• Swimming beach

• Covered picnic area

• BBQ facilities

Directions: Approximately 25 minutes from Spokane. Take I-90 West to Exit 272. Turn right on Hwy 902. Continue 6 miles to city limits. Left on Lefebvre. Entrance on right.

*Unless otherwise noted lifeguard information was unavailable at press time.

Beach Music for Summer Fun

•Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow

•Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince

•Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

•Dancing in the Streets – Martha and the Vandellas

•Centerfield – John Fogerty

•Surfin’ USA – The Beach Boys

•Love Shack – B-52’s

•School’s Out – Alice Cooper

•California Girls – David Lee Roth

•Summertime – John Coltrane

•Today – Smashing Pumpkins

•Steal My Sunshine – Len

•Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyes Peas

•Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous – Good Charlotte

•Summer Lovin’ – John Travolta and Olivia Newton John

•Crash – Dave Matthews Band

•Hey Ya – Outkast