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National Scenic Byways
Canfield Mountain Trail System
Forested, rolling terrain with a total of 32 miles of dirt road and
paths. Panoramic views of Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
(208)
682-3814
Idaho Parks
Web Site
A
beautiful and primarily isolated 72-mile rails-to-trails conversion bike
path that follows the Union Pacific Railroad's right-of-way.
Cougar Bay Natural Reserve
(208) 676-8176
Hundreds of acres along this marshy bay are protected by the Nature
Conservancy of Idaho.
Farragut
State Park
(208) 683-2425
A
well-developed system of hard paths for hiking, biking and equestrian
over 4,000 forested acres.
Heyburn State Park
(208) 686-1308
Traditional encampment of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Heyburn is the oldest
state park in the Pacific Northwest.
Route of the Hiawatha
(208) 744-1301
A
world-class, panoramic 15-mile trail on an abandoned rail-bed. The trail
takes hikers and bikers downhill through nine tunnels and over seven
high trestles.
International Selkirk Loop
The
International Selkirk Loop is a unique 280-mile scenic roadway that
wanders through two countries, two states, three Indian Reservations,
and a number of towns and villages.
Mineral Ridge Trails
(208) 769-3000
This self-guided interpretive trail loops through the forest to a ridge
top where spectacular lake views abound.
North
Idaho
Centennial Trail
A
lengthy and scenic paved trail winding along the Spokane River through
Post Falls to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The paved trail is
ideal for wheeled travel of all non-motorized types and features mile
markers, historical signage, and phenomenal views.
Silver Mountain Gondola & Trail
System
Several rides from mild to wild, the world's longest gondola will take
you to the top. Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs by the gondola base.
Tubbs Hill Trail
(208) 769-2252
A short walking loop trail accessible from downtown Coeur d'Alene that
winds through a 120-acre natural park.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry attractions
include the
Moyie River which in the Spring is a white water
rafters' dream. The Moyie River Overlook and Bridge are 1/2 mile east of
the community of Moyie Springs on Highway 2 West. Additional waterfall
attractions include the Copper Falls, Myrtle Creek Falls, Smith Creek
Falls and Snow Creek Falls. The Kootenai River is suited to recreational
rafting from the Yaak River Campground on Highway 2 in Montana to below
the highway bridge in Bonners Ferry. View wildlife, go fishing and enjoy
the mountain scenery on this stretch of river.
Coeur d’Alene
Rated as one of the five
most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Coeur d’Alene is more than 25
miles long provides over 135 miles of shoreline to quench whatever
pleasure you are seeking. If you like to test the water with a fishing
pole, a number of fish species are awaiting the challenge.
Lake Coeur d’Alene plays host to dozens of water
skiers, jet skiers, and other water enthusiasts who just can’t seem to
keep dry.
Post Falls
At Falls Park, in the heart of downtown, venture
onto a platform overlooking a narrow canyon at the site of Post Falls
dam, and view a dramatic, 40-foot roaring waterfall. Enjoy interpretive
trails, playgrounds, picnic facilities and a stocked fishing pond for
kids with wheelchair access. In the vicinity is Q'emiln (ka-mee-lon)
Park. This beautiful city beach has a public boat launch, lifeguards in
season, and a shady picnic area in the pines.
Priest Lake
Priest Lake has miles of uncrowded shoreline and
trails to explore. The 22-mile lake is joined to the north by a
beautiful slow-moving river called the Thorofare connecting to Upper
Priest Lake, an untouched wilderness experience. Boat, swim, waterski,
sail, or just relax and float on our sparkling lake.
Priest River
Priest River is situated at the junction of the
Pend Oreille and Priest Rivers. For those speed boat enthusiasts and
water skiers, the Pend Oreille is the choice. For those who prefer the
more rugged sport of rafting or tubing down a wild and winding river, it
is the Priest River. Both offer unlimited beauty and plenty of
opportunities for fishing.
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Beautiful scenery, whether you are behind
the wheel, or not... |
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It has been said that the Selkirk International Scenic Byway is one of the most
beautiful drives in the world. But there are many, many more. One only has to
traverse the highway skirting Lake Coeur d'Alene or drive the route on Highway 2
from Sandpoint to Newport to know that this area is truly special behind the
wheel. There are also the trains, worming their way through the mountains,
within throwing distance of streams and creeks, rivers and lakes, pinnacles and
waterfalls.
And there are other kinds of tours. There is the
Artist Studio Tour, tours by seaplane and helicopter, and tours on the water. We
will attempt on this page to detail the various things you do by boat, plane, or
automobile, but consider that there are horseback and hiking tours, snowmobile,
and ATVs. Hopefully, you will find what you are looking for here.
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International Selkirk Loop -
www.selkirkloop.org
The International Selkirk Loop is a unique, 280
mile (450km), scenic roadway that wanders through truly spectacular regions of North Idaho,
Northeastern Washington and Southeastern British Columbia. The loop connects the
Pend Oreille Valley with the Kootenai Valley, forming one of North America's
more remote and scenic highways. We invite you to "Do the Loop" online, in
preparation for your visit in person. We look forward to seeing each of you
along the Loop!
Lake Coeur
d’Alene Scenic Byway -
www.coeurdalene.org
One of the
most beautiful drives in Idaho. Bring binoculars and watch for bald eagles and
the osprey that nest in trees along the lake. Begins at the junction of I-90 and
Highway 97, it follows Highway 97 south and east along Lake Coeur d’Alene to
Highway 3. Length: 36 miles, allow 1.5 hours.
White Pine
Scenic Byway -
http://www.stmarieschamber.org
Discover
the beautiful and tranquil small lakes and marshlands adjacent to the lower
Coeur d’Alene River. Travel through the largest stand of white pine in America
in the St. Joe National Forest. Begins at the junction of Highway 90 and Highway
3 at Cataldo, it continues south on Highway 3 to Highway 6, and then southwest
to U.S. 95 at Potlach. Length: 83 miles. Allow 2 hours.
Panhandle
Historic Rivers Passage
Enjoy
driving along miles of soothing river scenery, be entertained by varying
seasonal wildlife, or absorb the history of Idaho in three different museums.
This passage begins at the Washington State Line and follows U.S. 2 to
Sandpoint. Length: 29 miles. Allow 40 minutes.
Pend
Oreille National Scenic Byway
The Pend
Oreille Scenic Byway offers travelers some of Idaho’s most spectacular water
views. Begins at U.S. Highway 95 north of Sandpoint and follows State Highway
200 to the Montana state line across farmlands, through river deltas, and along
the rocky northern shores of Lake Pend Oreille, all sculpted by the massive
force of glaciers and the floodwaters of Glacial Lake Missoula. Length: 33
miles. Allow 1.5 hours.
Wild Horse
Trail Scenic Byway -
www.selkirkloop.org
Heading north along the eastern
side of the Selkirk Mountains, this trail follows the Kootenai Tribe’s historic
path to fishing grounds at Lake Pend Oreille. Begins on U.S.
Highway 95 in downtown Sandpoint and follows it north through Bonners Ferry to
the junction of U.S. 95 and State Highway 1. The trail then continues on Highway
1 to the Canadian border at Porthill. Length:59 miles. Allow 1.5 hours.
Artists’ Studio Tour of
N. Idaho
(ASTI)
10 am – 5 pm
Daily
This is a
self-guided tour that you take on your own time schedule. There are specific
days that allow you to see all the artists' studios, but you can arrange to
drive on any day to see the art and artists on any given day. Visit the logo
below to find out how you can visit all the artists in the North Idaho area.
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Attractions
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Priest Lake Museum
- The museum building was constructed in
1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is a prime example of
handcrafted oil-treated tamarack (larch) log construction. The museum houses
numerous articles and displays that depict the colorful history of the lake
and the surrounding area.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
- 230 bird species and 45 mammals have
been observed on this 2,774 acre sanctuary. Moose, deer and elk are among
some of the animals found here as well as large colonies of migratory birds
including Tundra swans. Several foot trails provide views of wildlife
habitats and excellent photographic and bird watching opportunities.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
- Experience first-hand underground
mining in one of North Idaho's silver mine, guided by an experienced miner
who takes you through the working aspects and equipment of the mine, along
with a guided ride on a trolley through Historic Wallace.
Coeur d'Alene Resort
- A Resort on the Lake is a world-class
resort on the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. It's waterfront setting
offers a diverse menu of aquatic activities ranging from lake cruises to
sailing to jet skis to parasailing. Away from the lake, guests can play the
world's only floating golf green or challenge the powder blankets on
north-facing slopes at Silver Mountain in nearby Kellogg.
Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
- Established in 1967, The Carrousel
Players is Idaho's oldest performing arts organization. The organization
specializes in the production of full-scale Broadway musicals during a 12
week, 36 performance season during June, July and August at Schuler
Auditorium on the campus of North Idaho College by the shore of lake Coeur
d'Alene.
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Crystal Gold Mine -
Authentic 1880's underground gold mine. A guided underground tour explains
how miners drilled, traced veins and tested for gold. Underground mine
tours, museum and gift shop are open all year with seasonal gold panning.
Sixth Street Melodrama
- Since 1984, this unique year-round
theatre has encouraged audience participation Tuesday through Saturday each
July and August during one-hour melodramas that reflect the area's mining
background. Summer plays are followed by KELLYS ALLEY REVUE, during which
families enjoy old-fashioned music and humor.
Wallace District Mining Museum
- The Silver Valley is the richest
silver mining region in the world. In just one hundred years, over ONE
BILLION ounces of silver have been taken from mines in this valley. The
museum captures the impact of mining history with artifacts and exhibits
depicting the hardships, toils and home life of the period.
Panida Theater
- The Panida Theatre opened as a
vaudeville and movie house in 1927. Then, as now, its name reflected its
mission: to showcase great performers and performances for audiences of the
PANhandle of IDAho. As the area's only performing arts facility its 566 seat
auditorium provides a comfortable audience size for many productions.
Silverwood Theme Park -
Silverwood is the Northwest's largest theme park. Here you will experience
earth-shaking roller coasters, dazzling entertainment, and Victorian charm.
Rider Ranch
- Family owned and operated Rider
Ranch is a working cattle and horse ranch just 20 minutes east of Coeur
d'Alene. The ranch offers horseback riding and horse drawn hayrides.
Reservations are required for all activities and group sizes are limited to
ensure a quality experience. |
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North Idaho and
Neighboring Washington Wineries
Travel
the awe-inspiring landscape of Northern Idaho and its narrow, far-north
"Panhandle" and you will find a loop of 16 wineries;
four of the wineries are located Idaho's
borders,
the other 12 are in Washington. Political boundaries are insignificant in
this area, since all lie near the two-state border.. in the far northwest of
Idaho, and the far northeast of Washington.
Ignore the border for a fabulous wine-touring opportunity that combines fine
wine tasting with extraordinary travel through the rolling wheat fields of The Palouse, the beautiful and popular lakes areas of Coeur d'Alene Lake and Lake
Pend Oreille just east of Spokane, WA. This may be one of the most
spectacularly beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest!
Scenic highways abound in Idaho's Panhandle, leading visitors to viewpoints,
through river canyons and rolling wheat fields as far as the eye can see.
Other roads run alongside Idaho's largest, deepest and arguably, most beautiful
lake -- Coeur d'Alene. The lake's namesake, the City of Coeur d'Alene, is a
popular visitor's destination and home to Coeur d'Alene Cellars and nearby TimberRock Winery in Post Fallsl. Lake Pend d'Oreille, to the north, is a
visual treat in its own right, featuring the quaint town of Sandpoint at its
northern end... another popular travel destination and the location Idaho's
northernmost winery...
Pend d'Oreille Winery.
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Area
Wineries
Camas Prairie Winery
in
Moscow, ID
Tasting Room & Wine Bar
Tues - Sat: 12 noon - 6:30 pm
Coeur d'Alene Cellars
in
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Tues - Sat: 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Otherwise by appointment. Please call.
208-664-2336
Pend d'Oreille Winery
in
Sandpoint, ID
Mon - Thurs: 10 - 6
Fri & Sat: 10 - 7
Sun: 11 - 5
TimberRock Winery
in
Post Falls, ID
Please call for an appointment.
208-777-9669
Other
Wine Shops, Wine Bars, and Tasting Rooms
Barrel Room No.
6
Coeur d'Alene Cellars Tasting Room, too
503 Sherman Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID
208-664-9632
Enoteca The
Wine Shop Inc.
(10 minutes from Coeur d'Alene & Spokane, WA)
112 E. Seltice Way, Ste. CPost Falls, ID 83854
208-457-9885
Moscow Food
Co-op
221 E. 3rd
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-8537
Old Post
Office Wine Cellar
& Wine Gallery - A Wine
Shop, Deli & Wine Bar
245 SE Paradise
Pullman, WA 99163
(Just east of Post Falls, ID)
509-338-WINE (9463)
Pend Oreille
Pasta & Wine
(Specialty Grocer)
476534 Hwy 95 N
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-263-1352
Wine Company of
Moscow
113 E. Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-6502
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Sandpoint
Wine Bars
Enoteca at Ivano’s Ristorante
Pretty nice wine bar in the restaurant. As their commercials say, have a
taste, buy a glass, bottle, or case.
102 South First Street
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
(208) 263-0211
Coldwater Creek
Really don't like the new digs as much as
the old wine bar at the Cedar Street Bridge. It was homey, warm, and
typically North Idaho with big, overstuffed leather couches and chairs.
Plus, they are a little overpriced, and maybe a bit snobby. The new large
upstairs wine bar is more antisceptic than. They have an ever-changing wine
list, hors d‘oeuvres, a large fireplace and a great atmosphere. They also
have live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
311 First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-1912
Dulce
Dulce is a nice addition to the Sand Creek Grill.
While it can be simply for relaxing before or after your meal, it does just
fine on its own. They pair wines with appetizers or sushi, and have a pretty
nice assortment of desserts and coffee’s. Sit by the fire, relax, and enjoy.
Super nice..
105 South First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 255-5736
Cafe Trinity
(Eclectic Southern & New
Orleans Cuisine)
Okay, so Chef Gabe used to
be the chef at Beyond Hope when we lived on the Hope Peninsula. Then he
became the instructor for the local Culinary program, that I helped start.
So I kinda like him personally. Plus their menu features Southern-inspired
food, such as gumbo, éttoufé and Po'Boy sandwiches, as well as steaks and
fresh
seafood. Well, I am from New Orleans, and they do it well. First year they
were open they were Sandpoint’s best new restaurant. Whether you are having
dinner on their nice deck overlooking Sand Creek, or sitting at the dining
bar and exhibition kitchen, you will enjoy a taste of the South in beautiful
North Idaho. Serving lunch and dinner. Beer and wine available.
116 N. First Ave.
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-255-7558
http://www.cafetrinitysandpoint.com/
Three Glasses
(Incredible Italian food and wine list)
A superlative wine bar in the cellar area behind First Street, this
restaurant is the lovingly portrayed efforts of John and Darcy Peters, my
neighbors from the Hope Peninsula. They brought in a chef from Alba Italy,
Luigi, and the ambiance, decor, and wine selection matches the food
perfectly. In a word: wonderful. The piano streams live music, and while
very well appointed, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. In the works is
an addition to the restaurant upstairs, as well as a gourmet deli. Did we
need this restaurant? Absolutely. With so many new and very good offerings
for eateries in Sandpoint, this is the best. A welcome addition.
202 1/2 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-0230
Stage Right
A nice little excursion right next to the Panida Theatre on First Street
in Sandpoint. Offering primarily Northwest wine, Stage Right replace
Wine Sellers by the Lake. Besides having divans and sofas, offering perhaps
one of the most comfortable places to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, they
also have live music and comedy on certain nights. This is the place to go
before and/or after a show at the Panida, but also one of a great bevy of
new and existing wine bars in Sandpoint.
302 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-8116
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Here are some other Idaho Scenic Drives
There are Idaho roads that wind through country so lovely they
achieve a special status. They pass through breathtaking scenery,
historic places, and intriguing landscapes. And though they offer
incomparable glimpses of wilderness, they are easily and safely
traveled by most vehicles. They are called Scenic Byways and Idaho
has named such routes part of its State Byways system.
Clearwater
Scenic Drives
Drive along the route
used by Indians and explorers, including the historic Lewis and Clark
Expedition. Beautiful scenery, camping and picnicking areas, and wildlife
views make this a truly scenic drive.
Crater of
the Moon Loop Road
Stop at the Visitors
Center for a description of the park's lava phenomena, life, history, and
the Earth processes creating them. The Park is suitable for exploring by car
or foot.
Custer
Motorway
Experience history by
driving through the Yankee Fork Mining District. The original toll road was
built in 1879, and was reconstructed in 1933. It was then designated the
Custer
Motorway.
Lemhi
Mountain Range Loop
To begin the loop
around the beautiful Lemhi Mountain Range, travel 40 miles south (upriver)
on Highway 93 to the town of Ellis. This loop takes you along 300 miles of
the beautiful Lemhi Mountain Range via the Pahsimeroi, Little Lost River,
Birch Creek, and Lemhi River valleys. The trip is made on a paved two-lane
road with the exception of 26 miles of well-maintained gravel roads. The
Lemhi, Lost River and Bitterroot Mountain Ranges offer some of the most
picturesque mountain scenery in Idaho. Visit the area's historical sites,
including the ruins of Fort Lemhi (1835), Sacajawea Historical Area, Lemhi
and Bannock Pass, Lewis and Clark Trail into Horse Prairie, Nez Perce Trail,
Pittsburg and Gilmore Railroad, and Railroad Canyon Winter Wildlife.
Lewis and
Clark Trail
A two-week family
outing following in the footsteps of America's two greatest adventurers.
Mesa Falls
Scenic Byway
Mesa Falls Scenic
Loop, on the Targhee National Forest in eastern Idaho, travels from open
farmland through forested canyon to the lip of the largest volcanic caldera
in the U.S. Winding throughout the Greater Yellowstone Area, it offers
glimpses of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, Mesa Falls on the Henrys Fork of
the Snake River, and a multitude of wildlife such as elk, moose, and deer.
Payette
Scenic Drives
The scenic backroads
of Idaho's Heartland are worth experiencing. These country drives are well
signed and traveled and make for a relaxing drive.
Pioneer
Historic Byway
This southeast Idaho
Byway gives motorists a nostalgic glimpse, through rustic ranches and
roadside communities, of a west long past. Along the way are numerous
attractions - Bear Lake State Park, the Paris Museum, the Cache National
Forest, the Caribou Forest, the carbonated waters and spouting geysers of
Soda Springs and the Blackfoot Reservoir. The Pioneer Historic Byway and
Bear Lake Scenic Byway combine historic sights and scenic splendor for a
truly memorable experience.
Ponderosa
Scenic Byway
This drive takes you
through Boise, the"city of trees." You can also see what the gold rush was
about in Idaho City or feel the hot springs in Lowman. The Sawtooth
Wilderness includes backcountry as few will ever see it.
Salmon
Scenic Byway
This beautiful route
along the Salmon River takes you through historical expeditions, wildlife
viewing, hot springs and ghost towns.
Sawtooth
Scenic Byway
The Sawtooth Byway
provides a wide variety of nature experiences. The Ice Caves in Shoshone are
glaciers in a lava desert. Sun Valley is known for skiing. The Sawtooth
Valley area offers spectacular views, fishing and hiking.
Sawtooth
NRA
Detailed description
of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway as it passes through the National Recreation
Area.
Teton
Scenic Byway
This route's scenery
ranges from valley ranchlands to narrow river gorges to a high mountain
pass. Starting the drive from Swan Valley on State Highway 31 you will drive
through farmland and then enter a deep, narrow gorge which winds through a
canyon emerging into a narrow, flat canyon bottom. The route begins to climb
steeply around Tie Canyon until it reaches Pine Creek Pass at 6,800 feet.
There are several good viewing spots along the way to the pass. The highway
descends from the pass back to farmland, ending at the town of Victor.
Thousand
Springs Scenic Byway
(Between Twin Falls
and Bliss on U.S. 30) Known as 1000 Springs, this area is drenched with
artesian water from the Snake River Plain Aquifier, a 10,000-square-mile
underground reservoir.
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