Nature & Parks
McArthur Lake
The diversity of wildlife and fish species makes McArthur Lake popular with hunters and anglers. The lake provides an enjoyable boating opportunity and some hiking trails located on the north end. It provides breeding and nesting habitat for 17 waterfowl species. During the spring and fall migrations, large numbers of ducks, geese, tundra swans, and shorebirds use McArthur Lake as a stopover and resting location.
Wyman wildlife habitat game refuge
This beautiful plot of land near McArthur Lake at Naples was set aside by Les and Vi Wyman as a refuge area for wildlife in 1993. Hike or ride your horse through a well-managed forest with a high likelihood of observing wildlife. Just a short ride from Lakeview RV Retreat. Hunting is not permitted.
Idaho’s Centennial Trail
The Idaho Centennial Trail passes through some of Idaho’s most spectacular country. The route traverses a variety of terrain including sagebrush desert, flower-filled alpine meadows, dense cedar forests, six major river canyons and numerous crystal clear mountain takes. Many unique geological formations, such as caves and hot springs, can also be seen from the trail. Along the way you will find Idaho as it was 100 years ago. Abandoned homesteads and cabins, old mines, logging camps and a restored, old time ranger station are many of the interesting sites along the route.
Hunting
For hunters, northern Idaho’s vast forests and remote wild lands provide excellent hunting for most of the continent’s major big game species, including white-tailed and mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, moose, mountain goat, black bear, mountain lion and gray wolf. Waterfowl and upland bird hunting is also very popular; major species include quail, grouse, pheasant, goose, duck, coot and snipe. There is small game hunting for rabbit and hare as well.
Fishing
In a region blessed with scores of lakes large and small, several major rivers and uncountable small streams you can imagine the fishing is outstanding. The large lakes all have large trout salmonid fisheries; in Lake Pend Oreille, gerrard-strain rainbow over 20 pounds are not uncommon. Priest Lake has similarly large mackinaw trout and Coeur d’Alene Lake has an impressive chinook salmon fishery. But that barely describes the fishing opportunities; around the region’s lakes and streams there are prolific fisheries of rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike and walleye.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether driving or hiking.
Schweitzer Mountain
Schweitzer Mountain is considered one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest and offers amazing views of the surrounding town (Sandpoint) as well as of Canada and Lake Pend Oreille. Besides its many trails, it also offers 32 kilometers of Nordic trails, which can be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, or mountain biking in the summer. After you’re done playing on the mountain, take advantage of the shopping, dining and available spa experiences available to you.
Sandpoint City Beach
Located in the heart of Sandpoint, the large sandy beaches stretch the length of the 22-acre park. Some beaches have designated swimming areas with floating docks and staffed lifeguard stations. The park also includes tennis and pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, basketball court, a large playground area, swing sets, a walking/bike path, food concessions, boat launch and marina, restrooms, and free parking.
Mirror Lake Golf Course
Mirror Lake Golf Course is a gem of a 9 hole course, located just 1 mile south of Bonners Ferry, and is enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. It is player friendly to the beginner, yet is a challenge for the low handicap golfer as well, with two sets of tees for the front and back nines. It has a diverse array of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s, along with stunning views of the Selkirk Mountains and the Kootenai Valley. The golf course features water hazards on both par threes as well as on 3 of the par fours. The course is in wonderful shape with fast and smooth putting greens.
Activities
Panida Theatre
Featuring local and global film festivals, movies and presentations, local dance recitals and professional dance performances, comedy, live theatre, educational and informative speakers and presentations, local and touring artists for music concerts, and more. The Panida is the cornerstone of cultural activities for the entire Sandpoint community, and its successful restoration has inspired similar projects throughout the region.
Cedar Street Bridge
The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is thriving with its many boutique shops, local artisans, bistro, children’s tree house and toy store, and access to Sand Creek Trail and Sandpoint City Beach. There is something here for the entire family.
Boundary County Historical Society & Museum
The purpose of the Boundary County Historical Society shall be to bring together persons interested in the history of Boundary County; to promote further interest in the heritage of this area; to gather information, objects, and materials relative to its history and development; and to carry on educational programs concerning this region. The Society will manage and operate any real or personal property in the form of a public museum.
Kootenai Casino & Spa
The latest games and best times are at the Kootenai Casino. With three huge Casino rooms, 445 machines, and nightly big winners, this is the place to play. Or get pampered at the Kootenai Day Spa! Full-service luxury day spa and salon located within the Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn, offering everything from massages to facials and even mani-pedis!
Adventure Pony Rides
Experience real hand-led trail rides for non-experienced riders of all ages, through the woods, over and under obstacles and up/down slight gradients with beautiful views on wonderful ponies and horses and an interactive animal experience as well.
North Idaho Recreation
Recreational Equipment Rentals including ATVs, Side by sides, Boats, and Jet-skis! North Idaho Recreation aims to provide our customers with a smooth recreational rental experience. We want to share our passion of the outdoors and create opportunity for life long memories through laughter, new experiences and time away from screens.
Tours
Lake Pend Oreille Cruises
This daily afternoon cruise from Sandpoint is a delightful 10-mile loop trip near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Learn the history of the lake and enjoy the views.
Scenic Flights by Northern Air
Options for customizable scenic flights! Along the western slopes of the Purcell Mountains Northern Air can fly over the Smith, Dawson, and Brush Lakes. Overflying the Kootenai River valley above the lush hop fields and the beautiful oxbows of the River allows for great pictures to be taken of the surrounding scenery. Other landmarks along the Selkirks include: Roman Nose, the Pack River, and Chimney Rock where you’ll see some breathtakingly sharp knife ridges. This area also provides a good view of Priest Lake to the west.
Food
Baxters on Cedar
A warm, exposed brick interior lends a swanky niche vibe to one of Sandpoint’s top-rated eateries, which consistently lands the #1 spot on TripAdvisor’s “Best” list. Diners rave about the service, the cozy atmosphere, and the unique fare that can’t be found anywhere else.
The Burger Dock
Voted best burgers in Boundary County! Partnering with Wood’s Meat Processing, meat is locally sourced and grass-fed. Wood’s Meat Processing is Family owned and operated since the 1950’s.
Under The Sun
A unique gift and shopping store and restaurant coffee shop that serves the best fresh locally grown food in downtown Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Pack River Store
The Pack River Store has been a Sandpoint Tradition since 1976. Offering home cooked comfort food, the store proudly offers house cured, smoked and roasted meats available by the pound, deli salads, pastas, ribs, jams, sauces, baked goods and desserts, take and bake dinners, an eclectic selection of beer and wine, groceries, gas, propane, and showers.
Spuds Waterfront Grill
If Spuds is one thing, it’s fresh. Fresh in the sense that they make everything from scratch, from every dressing, sauce, and chutney, to elaborate soups and outstanding desserts. Spuds is also fresh in the sense that their classic menu is continually re-inspired by worldly flavors, regional style, and seasonal ingredients.
Sandpoint Food Court
The Sandpoint food court is located at 317 Oak street in downtown Sandpoint. We offer a wide variety of food and drinks that are sure to satisfy your appetite. Our food court has the freshest and most delicious food and drinks in all of SP!
