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◦ Pend Oreille County · WA

Diamond Lake

Real Estate · Waterfront Homes · Buyer Guide

A natural, well-developed glacial lake just outside Newport — accessible from Spokane and CDA, served by a merged South Pend Oreille fire district, with a mixed year-round and seasonal market.

Diamond Lake, WADiamond Lake · WA

Diamond Lake is a 754-acre spring-fed glacial lake in Pend Oreille County, Washington — with 7 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 58 feet, and an elevation of 2,343 feet. Dock permits are issued under the Pend Oreille County Shoreline Master Program under RCW 90.58. Waterfront homes typically trade between $400K and $1.2M, with premium properties observed up to $2.75M.

The market here is a small, accessible alternative to the larger destination lakes. Average listing sat at $505K in March 2026, premium properties have reached $2.75M, and 8–15 waterfront sales per year keep things moving. Pend Oreille County effective tax rates (~0.8%–1.1%) sit between the Stevens County floor and the Spokane County standard.

South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue — formed through district mergers in 2009 and 2019 — runs a combination career/volunteer model with Diamond Lake Station 31 right on Highway 2, better coverage than most rural lakes this far north. Septic universally, no central sewer, with Newport Hospital & Health Services as the nearest full medical facility. The year-round/seasonal mix splits roughly 50/50.

Editorial cartographic illustration of Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake — stylized depth illustration
◦ Common buyer questions

What buyers ask about Diamond Lake.

Permits, rules & permissions

  • What is the maximum dock length on Diamond Lake, and who issues the permit?
    Diamond Lake docks are permitted under Pend Oreille County's Shoreline Master Program under RCW 90.58. Private dock standards generally allow approximately 60–80 ft max length depending on environment designation.
  • Can I add sand to make a beach on Diamond Lake?
    A Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) from WDFW is required, along with a Pend Oreille County shoreline permit.
  • Can I dredge or remove weeds at my private shoreline?
    An HPA from WDFW is required for mechanical work. Chemical treatment falls under Ecology's APAM permit.
  • What herbicide or algaecide treatments are allowed?
    Only approved aquatic products under Washington Ecology's Aquatic Plant and Algae Management (APAM) General Permit.
  • Are gas-powered boats allowed? Is there a horsepower limit?
    Yes, gas boats are allowed and there is no horsepower cap.
  • What is the no-wake zone?
    Standard Washington wake-speed (≤5 mph) within 100 feet of any shoreline, dock, swimmer, or anchored vessel.
  • Does the lake have a seasonal drawdown?
    No. Diamond is a natural lake.
  • What is the shoreline setback for new construction?
    Pend Oreille County SMP buffer from OHWM, typically 50–100 feet depending on environment designation.
  • Is septic permitted on waterfront, or is sewer required?
    Septic only. The Northeast Tri-County Health District permits drainfields with the applicable setbacks.
  • Are short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) allowed?
    Yes. Washington's STR framework is set by RCW 64.37; Pend Oreille County requires registration.

The water itself

  • How deep is Diamond Lake?
    Maximum depth is approximately 58 feet; average depth is around 26 feet.
  • How big is the lake?
    Approximately 754 surface acres with about 7 miles of shoreline.
  • What is the elevation?
    About 2,343 feet.
  • Is the lake spring-fed, river-fed, or glacial?
    Natural lake of glacial origin, fed by springs and groundwater, with a small outflow to the Little Spokane River drainage.
  • How clear is the water?
    Moderate. Secchi-disk visibility typically runs 6–12 feet. Diamond is a productive lake.
  • What is the shoreline character?
    Mixed walk-out with sandy and reedy areas, set against a well-developed residential shoreline.
  • Does Diamond Lake freeze?
    Yes, reliably December through February.
  • Where are the public boat launches?
    WDFW boat launch on the south end. Diamond Lake Resort offers private lake access.

Living on the lake

  • What's the typical waterfront price range?
    Single-family waterfront generally trades between $400K and $1.2M, with premium properties observed up to $2.75M. Average listing was approximately $505K in March 2026.
  • How many waterfront homes sell each year?
    Approximately 8–15 waterfront transactions per year. Inventory is limited.
  • What's nearby for groceries, schools, and medical?
    Newport (pop. ~2,200) is about 8 miles northeast with full services including Newport Hospital & Health Services. Schools are Newport School District 56-415.
  • What is the property tax rate?
    Washington's Initiative 747 cap applies. Pend Oreille County effective rates run approximately 0.8%–1.1%.
  • How is fire protection structured around the lake?
    South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue — formed by 2009 mergers of the Diamond Lake, Camden, and Fertile Valley districts plus a 2019 merger with FPD 6. Combination career/volunteer with Diamond Lake Station 31 on Hwy 2.
  • Is broadband available lakefront?
    Ziply Fiber in parts. Starlink is common. Rural broadband is still developing.
  • Year-round community or seasonal?
    Mixed — substantial seasonal and recreational character. Roughly 50/50 year-round to seasonal.
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