A Weekend of Fun in Spirit Lake Idaho
It would be easy to miss the small town of Spirit Lake, not located on a major freeway this small town is tucked away on the border of Washington and while some may consider it out of the way, it is a detour you won’t want to skip over. Not only does Spirit Lake have the opportunity for lakeside fun, swimming, paddling and boating but the surrounding forest has hiking and some of Northern Idaho’s best single track bike riding along the Empire Trails. There’s even a resort style golf community with 18 holes for golf lovers to enjoy.
I had been to Spirit Lake Idaho before, it was actually the town my boyfriend’s parents would launch their boat from when he was a kid. They lived in Spokane Washington, just about 25 miles away, and I heard many stories from his youth of summer lakeside adventures on Spirit Lake. Much like those I had growing up on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. One summer while visiting briefly they drove us to the lake for a quick sightsee and a drive through town. I never would have guessed that a few years later I would be back to shoot a video on this magical little town on the lake.
Psst: Please be sure to be respectful of local communities, leave no trace and maintain distance from wildlife. Also: this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no cost to you. This article was commissioned by Visit North Idaho through a grant from Idaho Tourism, all opinions are my own.
Looking for more content on Idaho? You will enjoy these articles on some of the other great destinations in the state.
Wildlife and Waterfalls in Bonners Ferry
Biking the Trail of the Coeur D’alenes in Harrison Idaho
Post Falls: A food and Outdoor Lovers Paradise
WATCH THE VIDEO ON SPIRIT LAKE BELOW
Things to Do In Spirit Lake
When visiting Spirit Lake, here are a few of the great activities to do where you can enjoy the forests and the lake.
Ride the Empire Trails
The Empire Trails are a series of forested mountain bike trails that go through land owned by the Empire Paper Company. There are more than 8 miles of trails consisting of logging roads and single track. The trails vary in skill level and are a great introduction to single track for newbies and offer more advanced routes for skilled riders as well. After your ride you can stop for a swim at the town beach or bike back to town for a cold beer at Brotz and Brews.
The trails cost $2.50 to ride and tickets can be purchased at Bike Spirit Lake.
Try out the trails on an E-bike for an even more relaxing holiday. Fresh Air E-bikes is located on Main Street in Spirit Lake, they are one of the largest E-bike dealers in Idaho offering a wide range of E-bikes in men’s, and women’s sizes.We put the ease in E-Bikes
Explore Brickel Creek Road
Spirit Lakes main drag is along Brickel Creek Road which is a walkable historic street with a few restaurants and shops just a short walk from the main town beach where you can have almost private access to the beautiful lake. A few noteworthy places to stop are the Salt N Pepper Bistro, a cafe open for breakfast and lunch with great lighter fare options as well as homestyle favorites like biscuits and gravy, and cheeseburgers. Shop LOCAL at Tesemini & Company a local clothing shop with a expertly curated selection of mens and womens clothing. I found the perfect swimsuit here and they also had lots of great shirts, dresses, shorts and accessories. Grab dinner and a drink at the oldest bar in Idaho at the White Horse Saloon which first opened in 1907, there’s even old bullet holes in the wall from the days of the old west.
No visit to Spirit Lake is complete without a stop at the open air pottery shop at the end of Brickel Creek Road. Sondahl Pottery is owned by local potter Brad Sondahl who has been making hand thrown stoneware for 40+ years. His shop is full of unique and beautifully crafted dishes of all sorts, at very reasonable prices.
Playing golf at Stoneridge
Play Golf at Stoneridge
Stoneridge Golf and Resort community is located about 15 minutes from Brickel Creek Road, set amongst a conifer forest and rushing waters it is a beautiful golf course and place to stay for visitors to the area. The course is 19 holes, has more than 7000 feet of yardage and is a par 71. On the property there is a driving range, mini golf center, pickleball courts, rec center with indoor pool and fitness center and restaurant. The also have time shares that can be booked for vacation rentals as well.
Sedlemayers Resort – Outdoor Patio
Live Music and Dine at Sedlemayers Resort
The best way to end your day in Spirit Lake is with dinner, live music and a cocktail at Sedlemayers Resort. Located just a few minutes passed the town beach Selemayers is a lakefront RV and tent campground with lakeside restaurant. In the summer you will find live music often out on the patio, where you can enjoy a margarita, taco and some dessert at the newly reopened restaurant. Campers also have access to the private beach, boat slips, biking trails and of course lakeside living.
Lakeside Fun on Spirit lake
Spirit lake is a great place to get away from the tourists and experience some relaxation on the water. With great locally owned businesses and adventure activities this town is a true American treasure. A visit here is a great stop while driving the International Selkirk Loop, or visiting the nearby Farragut State Park or Silverwood Theme Park. Whatever activities you choose in Spirit Lake you are sure to have a great time.
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