Farragut State Park
Farragut State Park has one of the most unique histories of any state park in America. During World War II, this site was the Farragut Naval Training Station—the second-largest Navy training facility in the world, and briefly Idaho’s largest city. Today, this 4,000-acre paradise on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho’s largest lake!) offers epic disc golf, extensive camping, 40+ miles of trails, and fascinating WWII history.
Whether you’re playing world-class disc golf, swimming at Beaver Bay Beach, exploring the Museum at the Brig, or hiking to Bernard Peak, Farragut delivers an extraordinary Idaho experience.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Athol, Idaho (20mi N of Coeur d’Alene) |
| 🏞️ Size | 4,000 acres |
| 🌊 Lake | Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho’s largest!) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 40+ miles |
| ⛺ Campsites | 265+ |
| 📞 Phone | (208) 683-2425 |
WWII Farragut Naval Training Station
From 1942-1945, this was the second-largest Navy training station in the world!
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Opened | March 1942 |
| ⚓ Sailors Trained | 293,381 in 30 months! |
| 🏙️ Peak Population | Briefly Idaho’s largest city |
| 🎓 Last Class | March 1945 |
| ⛓️ POW Camp | ~900 German + Italian prisoners |
Museum at the Brig
- 🏛️ Located in the former confinement facility
- 📜 WWII naval memorabilia
- 📸 Historic photos and artifacts
- ⚓ Learn about the 293,381 sailors trained here
Disc Golf Paradise
Farragut is a world-class disc golf destination with five 18-hole courses!
| Course | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| 🥏 Wreckreator | Championship level |
| 🥏 Northstar | Advanced |
| 🥏 A.W.O.L. | Intermediate |
| 🥏 Cutthroat | Intermediate |
| 🥏 Little Black Bear | Beginner-friendly |
Lake Pend Oreille
Idaho’s largest lake—crystal clear and deep!
- 🏖️ Beaver Bay Beach — Swimming
- ⛵ Eagle Boat Launch — Boating access
- 🎣 Fishing — Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, more
- 🛶 Kayaking/Canoeing
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🐿️ Squirrel Cache Trail | 1.2 mi | Easy, family-friendly |
| 🌊 Shoreline Trail | 1.5 mi | Buttonhook Bay views |
| ⛰️ Highpoint Trail | Strenuous | Bernard Peak panoramas! |
| 📏 Total | 40+ mi | Hiking, biking, skiing |
Camping & Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Individual Sites | 265 sites (hookups available) |
| 🐴 Equestrian Sites | 6 sites |
| 🏠 Camping Cabins | 10 cabins |
| 👥 Group Camps | Multiple options |
| 🚿 Amenities | Restrooms, showers, dump station |
More Activities
- 🚴 Mountain biking
- 🐴 Horseback riding (equestrian facilities)
- ✈️ Radio-controlled airplane field
- 🎿 Cross-country skiing (winter)
- 🥾 Naturalist trail hikes (summer)
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Farragut Naval Training Station?
During WWII (1942-1945), this was the second-largest Navy training station in the world! It trained 293,381 sailors in just 30 months and was briefly Idaho’s largest city. The site also served as a POW camp for ~900 German and Italian prisoners.
How many disc golf courses are there?
Farragut has five 18-hole disc golf courses! Ranging from beginner-friendly (Little Black Bear) to championship-level (Wreckreator), it’s one of the premier disc golf destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Can I swim at Farragut?
Yes! Beaver Bay Beach offers swimming access to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and one of its most beautiful lakes. The water is crystal clear and refreshing.
What is the Museum at the Brig?
The Museum at the Brig is housed in the former Navy confinement facility. It displays WWII memorabilia, historic photos, and artifacts from the Farragut Naval Training Station era, telling the story of the 293,381 sailors who trained here.
What is Lake Pend Oreille?
Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s largest lake—a stunning, crystal-clear body of water with depths over 1,100 feet! It’s popular for swimming, boating, fishing (kokanee salmon, rainbow trout), and kayaking.
How far is Farragut from Coeur d’Alene?
Farragut State Park is located approximately 20 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, near the town of Athol. It’s an easy day trip or weekend camping destination from the greater Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area.
⚓ From Navy Base to Paradise
Explore WWII history at the Museum, play five 18-hole disc golf courses, swim in Idaho’s largest lake, and camp at 265+ sites in this extraordinary state park!
