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.
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.
2007 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.
Tour Inland Northwest - Good site to check out Idaho towns and cities
North Idaho Tour Services -
Full Spectrum Tours for Kayaking
Lake Pend Oreille Cruises
Brooks Sea Plane Service
208-664-2842 or 772-5649/772-9059
Sightseeing & charter seaplane flights at Independence Point, CdA Big Country Helicopter Tours
208-765-0620
Jim Van Sky ... Owner - Operator 128 Locust Ave, Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Jay Air
509-926-3497
Flight seeing ... It only takes once and then your hooked!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Lake Pend 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 Oreille Winery.