Definition
Cocolalla is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) in Bonner County, in the north‑central region of the U.S. state of Idaho.
Overview
Cocolalla lies along U.S. Route 95, approximately 6 mi (10 km) north of Sandpoint and 6 mi (10 km) south of Priest River. The CDP is situated near the southern shore of Cocolalla Lake, a natural lake that supports recreation and wildlife. According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of the Cocolalla CDP was 847 residents. The area is part of the Sandpoint Micropolitan Statistical Area. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, small‑business services, and tourism associated with the lake and surrounding forested lands. Educational needs are served by the Cocolalla School District, which operates Cocolalla Elementary School and Cocolalla Junior/Senior High School.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Cocolalla” is believed to derive from a word in the language of the Coeur d’Alene (Schitsu’umsh) or Salish peoples who historically inhabited the region. The precise meaning is not definitively established, but linguistic analysis suggests it may refer to a water‑related feature, such as “deep water” or “place of many waters.” Accurate information about the exact origin and meaning of the term is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geography: The CDP covers an area of approximately 4.6 sq mi (12 km²), of which a small portion is water. Elevation is about 2,200 ft (670 m) above sea level. The surrounding landscape includes mixed coniferous forest, rolling hills, and the lake’s shoreline.
- Climate: Cocolalla experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), with cold, snowy winters and warm, moderately dry summers. Average January temperatures hover around 20 °F (‑7 °C), while July averages are near 70 °F (21 °C).
- Demographics: The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Native American, Hispanic, and other racial groups. Household composition reflects a mix of families and non‑family households, and the median age is in the early 40s.
- Infrastructure: Transportation access is provided mainly by U.S. Route 95. The community has basic services, including a post office (ZIP code 83813), a volunteer fire department, and limited retail establishments. Healthcare and larger commercial services are accessed in nearby Sandpoint.
- Recreation: Cocolalla Lake supports fishing (rainbow trout, cutthroat trout), boating, and seasonal ice activities. The surrounding forest offers hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Related Topics
- Bonner County, Idaho
- Cocolalla Lake
- Sandpoint, Idaho
- Coeur d’Alene (Schitsu’umsh) people
- Idaho State Highway 95
- Census‑designated places in Idaho
All information presented reflects the most reliable publicly available data as of 2023.