10 Things to Do in the Idaho Panhandle
Eagles soaring overhead, densely packed forest-covered mountains, lakes full of salmon, bike paths that span miles through mountains, across wetlands, over old railroads, and along rivers. Crags you can climb, forest roads open to ATVs, single-track bike routes and delicious food. Northern Idaho just might be the greatest place in America to find adventure and, best of all, avoid crowds. That’s what inspired me to create a list of the 10 best things to do in the Idaho panhandle!
A lot of adventure vacations are planned around one kind of activity, but in the Northern Idaho panhandle, you will never have to choose because you can find just about everything here. I spent two weeks exploring the Idaho panhandle, visiting eight different towns for biking, hiking, paddling, fishing, off-roading, and golfing. This was my first time experiencing the forests, rivers, and lakes in Idaho, which reminded me a lot of where I grew up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. If you’re anything like me and want to explore nature without fighting crowds, you will love this area of Northern Idaho.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in the Idaho panhandle—adventures I would recommend for anyone wanting to visit this region of the Inland Northwest.
I also have a bunch of other resources on exploring Idaho. Take a look at the posts below or see all my Idaho travel guides here.
- Post Falls: An Adventure and Food Lovers Paradise
- 4 Best Things to Do In Bonners Ferry
- Riding the Empire Trails in Spirit Lake
- An Idaho Dude Ranch Experience
- Idaho’s Best Beach Town: Sandpoint
- Subscribe to my Idaho playlist on YouTube
If you had no idea that Northern Idaho was an adventure oasis, you’re going to love this guide! As I highlight the best things to do in the Idaho panhandle, I may also share a few affiliate links. These help me earn a small commission at no cost to you when you click and make a purchase.
Why You Should Visit the Idaho Panhandle
Surrounded by stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and untouched wilderness, Northern Idaho, also referred to as the Idaho panhandle, is an adventure lover’s paradise. From hiking to biking, swimming, skiing, boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, and rock climbing, there truly is something to satisfy every thrill seeker here, including you!
The area is celebrated for its friendly atmosphere, delectable cuisine, rich cultural history, and lively communities. So even when your adrenaline dies down, you’ll still have plenty of ways to keep yourself engaged and entertained!
Best Time to Visit the Idaho Panhandle
The Idaho panhandle is a great destination any time of the year; the best time to visit the panhandle really depends on what you’re looking for. The area experiences four different seasons, each of which offers its own appeal. If you’re in search of a lakeside getaway or plan to partake in water activities, then summer will definitely be your best bet. However, if you enjoy hitting the slopes, then winter is the way to go.
Meanwhile, spring and fall are great options for those who’d prefer to explore the outdoors when the weather cools down. The fall is also popular among leaf peepers, as the area is known for its incredible autumn foliage.
How to Get to the Idaho Panhandle
Encompassing about a quarter of the state, the panhandle lies in the northernmost reaches of Idaho. Set in between Washington and Montana, the area stretches all the way up to the Canadian border. The closest major airport to the Idaho panhandle is the Spokane International Airport, which is located in Washington state. From here, it’s about a 30-40 minute drive to Idaho’s border and the bustling lakeside city of Coeur d’Alene.
Sandpoint Idaho
Sandpoint
What to Pack to Visit the Idaho Panhandle
Here are a few tips to help you pack for your adventure-filled Idaho panhandle road trip!
- Bathing Suit: The Northern Idaho panhandle has a ton of lakes and rivers, so you will definitely get in the water at some point if you visit when it’s warm. Keep in mind the water can be very cold in early summer from snow melt.
- Rain Jacket: With so much forest cover, this area of Idaho can get a lot of rain, especially in early summer, and the weather can change quickly. You may also need a rain jacket for biking routes like the Hiawatha or to protect yourself from the elements while out on the water. Here’s my favorite packable rain jacket.
- Quick-Dry Sun Shirt: If you plan to spend any time outside during the summer months, you’ll definitely want to have a quick dry sun shirt on hand. Not only is it great at protecting your skin from the sun, but it’s quick drying material is perfect for boat trips or long, sweaty days out on the trails.
- Hiking Clothes: Proper clothing and footwear are essential for any hiking trip, especially in the wilderness of Idaho. You’ll want to be sure to bring along hiking boots and breathable, weather-appropriate clothing.
- Portable Charger: You will absolutely be snapping pictures and running GPS while out in the wilds of Idaho, so a good solar-powered power bank is a necessity. I really like this one because it’s made from recycled content and can charge not only your phone, but also your computer.
- Camera: Most of our phones have decent cameras, but for the stunning scenery and wildlife in Idaho, you will want a camera with zoom capabilities so you can capture eagles, bears, or moose while out and about. I recommend not only a GoPro for capturing the stunning views and a Sony a6000 as well, which has great zoom and picture quality and is small enough for travel.
10 Best Things to Do in the Idaho Panhandle
After spending some time adventuring around Northern Idaho, I found all the best activities that belong on your itinerary when you visit. Here are the 10 best things to do in the Idaho panhandle!
1. Bike the Hiawatha Route
Located just east of the mining town of Wallace, the Hiawatha Route, aka the Crown Jewel Route, is one of Northern Idaho’s most coveted biking routes. It’s perfectly set up for tourists with no bike or bike rack needed. You can rent everything you need here. Here’s a detailed guide to biking the Hiawatha Route from my last trip!
This trail is a 15-mile bike path that follows the route of an old rail line through the national forest. You will traverse old rail bridges that are hundreds of feet over the ground and pedal through moisture-laden tunnels. The biking itself is easy, and the views are stunning. There’s a bus that brings you back to your car at the end of your ride unless, of course, you want to pedal back.
Quick Tip: Start at Lookout Pass ski area to pick up a rental bike and your ticket for the shuttle at the end of your ride. No bike racks are needed as your bike comes with an installed bike rack for the day as well. Learn more here.
2. Rent an ATV and Camp in the National Forest
St. Maries, Idaho is a small town located on the shores of the St. Joe River and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in the area. It offers easy access to the national forest for ATV adventures, hiking, fishing, and camping. Local adventure shop Northwest Outdoor Rental Company (NORC) will provide you and your group with a Polaris side-by-side for half, full, or multi-day adventures into the wilderness. If you love camping but don’t want to lug all your stuff in a backpack, you will love this experience. The side-by-side comes with fully loaded mapping systems already programmed with routes and directions. Throw your things in the back, put on a helmet, and head off into the mountains.
Quick Tip: Rates start at $315 for a half-day rental and $475 for a full day. Discounts of up to 15% are offered on multi-day rentals.
3. Stay at a Dude Ranch in Harrison at Red Horse Mountain Ranch
Red Horse Mountain Ranch is a true Idaho dude ranch experience set in an all-inclusive resort. Kind of like an adult summer camp, Red Horse Mountain Ranch takes guests on a week-long basis and is open to people of all ages. Popular for retreats and reunions, they also have themed weeks like women-only, singles and solos, and family stays. Check out the video above to see more from the ranch.
4. Go Rock Climbing in Post Falls Community Forest
Rock climbing is one of the best things to do in the Idaho panhandle, and Post Falls just so happens to be one of the top rock climbing destinations in the entire northwest region. Home to more than 100 rock climbing routes, this city is a mecca for novice and pro climbers alike. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can head out on your own to Post Falls Community Forest to hit up the rock walls. There are also plenty of guided trips you can join if you’re new to the sport.
Quick Tip: Outdoor Grip is a local company that offers lessons and guided climbing sessions.
5. Drive the International Selkirk Loop through Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry
The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile scenic drive that travels around the Selkirk Mountains through the Idaho panhandle into Washington and British Columbia. Along the way, the route passes by several small towns, stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and bubbling rivers. Known for its abundant wildlife, the International Selkirk Loop is a particularly great opportunity if you’re in search of wildlife sightings.
Quick Tip: The best starting point to explore this route is the Northern town of Bonners Ferry, home to wildlife refuges, mountains, and wilderness. Here are 4 more things to do in Bonners Ferry.
6. Explore Waterfalls in Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is one of the best places to see waterfalls and experience Idaho panhandle hiking. Situated along the Kootenai River, this city is home to the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses 2,774 acres of protected land. Here you’ll find countless hiking trails that lead to incredible waterfall encounters. Copper Falls and Snow Creek Falls are two that you’ll want to keep an eye out for if you decide to venture here.
Quick Tip: Check out this video before you go to see Copper and Snow Creek Falls in action.
7. Visit the Center of the Universe in Wallace, Idaho
In 2004, Wallace, Idaho was declared the center of the universe by its mayor. Today, a manhole plaque marks the spot where this designation was made. You can travel to Wallace to check this out and visit some of the city’s other attractions. While you’re there, be sure to take a tour of the Sierra Silver Mines and learn about the richest silver district on Earth. You can also hike the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, an incredible historical interpretive path that tells the tale of a major fire that tore through the area in the 1910s.
Quick Tip: If you plan on staying overnight, consider booking a stay at Lux Rooms. This boutique hotel once operated as a bordello all the way up until the 1980s.
8. Take a History Cruise on Idaho’s Deepest Lake
Located in Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille is the deepest lake in Idaho and a great place to take a cruise. There are several cruise options available here, but one of the most popular is the historical cruise offered by Lake Pend Oreille Cruises. On this ten-mile journey aboard the Shawnodese, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the lake and its involvement with submarines, fisheries, and ice age floods.
Quick Tip: Check out this video on Sandpoint for some more ideas on things to do in the area and get a feel for the scenery here.
9. Test Your Biking on the Empire Trail Single Tracks in Spirit Lake
Situated in Spirit Lake, the Empire Trails encompass more than eight miles of mountain biking trails that weave through forested land owned by the Empire Paper Company. These trails vary in skill level, offering a mix of logging roads and single tracks. It costs $3 a day to access the trails, and e-bikes can be purchased or demoed from Fresh Air e-Bikes in town.
Quick Tip: Once you’ve had your fill of biking, make your way over to Sedlmayer’s Restaurant to enjoy a tasty dinner on their waterfront deck!
10. Get a Fishing License and Catch Lake Salmon
Many of Northern Idaho’s lakes and rivers are home to Chinook salmon, which you are allowed to fish for as long as you have the proper license. Salmon season varies from year to year and is location-dependent, so you’ll want to check with Idaho Fish and Game for specific details before heading out.
Quick Tip: Three-day licenses are available to non-residents for $45. Learn more about license costs and rules for non-residents here.
A Never-Ending List of Things to Do in the Idaho Panhandle
The Idaho panhandle is an incredible destination for outdoor and adventure travel, one that really took me by surprise and became one of my top U.S. destinations for outdoor fun. There are just so many opportunities to get outside and experience the great outdoors here! Whether you’re in search of a thrilling getaway in the wild, an action-packed lake vacation, or an exhilarating escape into nature, you’re sure to find it here and so much more.
This video series and blog were sponsored in part by a grant from Idaho Tourism.
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