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Rainy Lake is technically in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, just beyond the border of North Cascades.

After a steep climb over Maple Pass, it’s down a set of switchbacks, but on to more breathtaking views, including Rainy Lake on your right.

“We’re having one of best years ever,” says Bill Dougherty, co-owner of Rainy Lake Houseboats in International Falls, Minn. His family has run tourism ventures on the lake for 102 years and currently rents 27 houseboats.

On Rainy Lake, a glacially carved lake formed more than 10,000 years ago, houseboaters can motor during the day, though most choose to tie up at any of the first-come, first-served moorings on the U.S. side of the lake — Americans can’t currently cross into Canadian waters — and spend their days exploring trails, playing on sandy beaches, and fishing, floating, swimming and birdwatching.

At Rainy Lake, cozy two-person “honeymooner” models rent for $1,380 a week in peak summer while deluxe 54-foot, 12-person boats with hot tubs rent for $5,795 in the same period.