Our Great Outdoors

Cougar Bay, a preserve comprised of The Nature Conservancy and Bureau of Land Management property, is located just minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene. Visitors walking the trails of the 240-acre Cougar Bay Preserve will discover a virtual wildlife nursery on the northwest shore of one of Idaho’s most beautiful mountain lakes. Bordered by towering conifer forests and lush meadows, Cougar Bay attracts migrating and nesting waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, songbirds, moose, beaver, otter and deer.

The rich wetland habitat of Cougar Bay provides an abundance of wildlife watching opportunities. Thirty-four rare animal species are known to utilize the site, including 27 species of birds.

The Nature Conservancy is protecting this sensitive lakefront area from development while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

© 2021 The Nature Conservancy