People ride bikes on a pathway that was once a railway, high above the treetops. — Route of the Hiawatha, near Wallace. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A green gondola going down a cable on a snowcovered mountain. — Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Visitors riding a wooden roller coaster at Silverwood Theme Park. — Silverwood Theme Park, Athol. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three people riding horseback through a lush meadow at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. — Horseback Riding at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

cataldo mission at golden hour, surrounded by grass and trees — Cataldo Mission, Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A group of people, all wearing hard hats, waiting outside the entrance to the Sierra Silver Mine. — Sierra Silver Mine Tour, Wallace. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A person in blue coat skiing atop a mountain peak at Schweitzer and a vast forest in the distance. — Schweitzer, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

an aerial view of Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course — Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, Coeur d’Alene. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

family biking on the trail of coeur d'alenes — Cycling on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, near Harrison. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a small portion of a golf course floats in a lake — Floating Green, Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, Coeur d’Alene. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Northern Idaho

Known for abundant forests and magnificent lakes, northern Idaho offers both adventure and relaxation. Experience the region's three ski resorts, big, meandering, trout-filled rivers and hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails. Northern Idaho is also home to the International Selkirk Loop. A unique, 280 mile long scenic route winding through Idaho, Washington and Canada, the Selkirk Loop is designated as one of only 32 All-American Road National Scenic Byways in the U.S. and is one of the Top 10 scenic drives in the Northern Rockies.

Cities & Towns

Coeur d’Alene
Sandpoint
Wallace
Bonners Ferry
Post Falls
Saint Maries
Coolin
Kellogg

Things To Do

Take the Road Less Traveled

Northern Idaho is brimming with unexpected discoveries … Start your journey in Coeur d’Alene, and venture off the beaten path to uncover a treasure trove of nearby adventures.

Go Beyond

Coeur d’Alene and Beyond

There’s More to Explore in Northern Idaho

A view of Priest Lake through a forest of trees and tree-covered inlets and mountains in the background.

Get to Know Northern Idaho

Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure.

Learn About Idaho’s Native Nations

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is located in the northern tip of Idaho a few miles south of the Canadian border along the Kootenai River. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is located just south of Coeur d’Alene, bordering the Washington state border.

Tell Me More About the Kootenai Tribe Tell Me More About the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe

Need Help Planning Your Next Adventure?

Here you’ll find frequently asked questions about northern Idaho.

What rail-to-trail or mountain biking adventures are available?

For rail-to-trail rides, visit Route of the Hiawatha and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Find lift-served trails at Silver Mountain Resort or Schweitzer. Explore trail systems around Priest Lake, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.

What is unique about scenic byways in northern Idaho?

Of the six beautiful byways that weave through the region, two are part of the International Selkirk Loop. This route has been named “The West’s Best Scenic Route” by Sunset Magazine.

What can I do in the winter?

Ski or board at Schweitzer, Silver Mountain Resort or Lookout Pass. Try a guided snowmobile or backcountry ski trip in the Selkirk Mountains. Snowshoe at Farragut State Park or around Priest Lake followed by a sleigh ride.

How can I enjoy northern Idaho’s lakes and rivers?

Kayaking, SUPing, swimming, lake cruises, chartered boat tours, and guided fishing and rafting experiences are a good place to start.

Where are fall colors found?

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, all the mountain ranges along the International Selkirk Loop, St. Joe River Scenic Byway, Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, and Mineral Ridge Trail.

Are there historical sites and museums to visit in northern Idaho?

Yes. Museum at the Brig, Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park, historic Wallace, Bonner County Historical Museum, Burke Canyon, Bird Aviation Museum & Invention Center, Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum.

What are some of northern Idaho’s unexpected experiences?

Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park, Triple Play Fun Park, Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars, and seeing the northern lights.