Northern Idaho
Including Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint & Wallace
Night Sky, Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.
Route of the Hiawatha, near Wallace. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.
Northern Idaho is known for tree-covered mountains and magnificent lakes, including Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d’Alene. It also offers thrilling activities including ski resorts, theme and amusement parks and hundreds of miles of biking trails. With a number of state parks and scenic byways, Northern Idaho’s panhandle delivers adventure.
Let’s start with the water. Mountain lakes framed by jagged crests and historic Western downtowns; big, meandering, full-of-trout rivers; and lazy streams where moose slurp mossy grasses. Head to Coeur d’Alene for swimming, boating, shopping, and golfing; to Sandpoint for a lake cruise, hiking, and delicious dining; or to the Priest Lake area to explore the untouched wilderness.
Bike Ride, Route of the Hiawatha, Near Wallace. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint. Idaho Tourism.
Wallace, Idaho is an easy one-hour drive from Coeur d’Alene and is near the Route of the Hiawatha, a beautiful downhill biking trail. This 15-mile rail-trail follows a former railroad route, traveling through tunnels and across sky-high trestles. Riders begin at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area on the Idaho-Montana border and a shuttle is available for the ride back to the top once you finish this ride.
Silverwood Theme Park, the Northwest’s largest theme park, is a popular attraction in Northern Idaho. Spanning over 200 acres and offering 70-plus rides, slides, shows, and attractions, Silverwood Theme Park is located just 15 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene on Highway 95. During warmer months, cool off at Boulder Beach, Silverwood’s water park experience.
What else will you find here? Eight state parks, six scenic byways, three signature biking trails, and three amazing ski areas- Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area and Silver Mountain Ski, Golf & Water Park Resort. All three offer year-round activities.
Take your adventure to new heights with a trip through Northern Idaho. From the Center of the Universe in Wallace to the crown jewel of rail-to-trail biking experiences and an adventure course that will have you zipping through the trees, there’s no slowing down on this epic adventure.
Getting to Northern Idaho
Whether you pack up the car or hop on an airplane, this list of scenic byways and nearby airports will simplify your travel plans.
By Air
- Spokane International Airport(GEG / KGEG)
- Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport(PUW / KPUW)
Northern Idaho Travel Tips
Nearby Things To Do
Road Trips
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