Three people ride a chairlift at a ski resort during the summer. — Scenic chairlift at Schweitzer, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A green and metal sign for Schweitzer. — Schweitzer, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Six people ride horses through a meadow. — Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of people skiing down a snowy mountain. — Schweitzer, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A roadside sign for Pend Oreille Scenic Byway and Trestle Creek Recreation Area. — Trestle Creek Recreation Area near Boyer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Schweitzer. — A view from Schweitzer, looking towards Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of water rushing through a dam. — Cabinet Gorge Dam near Clark Fork River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An informational sign for Cabinet Gorge Dam. — Cabinet Gorge Dam near Clark Fork. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Horses and foals play in a grassy field at golden hour. — Trestle Creek Recreation Area near Boyer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Vista view of Sandpoint. — View of Sandpoint from Schweitzer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A person drives a speedboat on a lake. — Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Aerial view of grassy wetlands near Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area. — A train traveling adjacent to the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area near Clark Fork. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial view of the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway winding between a forest and Lake Pend Oreille. — Pend Oreille Scenic Byway near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sailboat on Lake Pend Orielle. — Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three people stand at the edge of a boat, overlooking a lake. — Lake Cruise, Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of a church near Harpster, Idaho. — Pend Oreille Scenic Byway near Harpster. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

The rocky northern shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille—Idaho’s largest and deepest lake—sets the route for the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Revel in impressive alpine vistas, far-reaching forests and sparkling water as far as the eye can see. Accessible year-round, this byway offers magnificent winter views and dramatic fall colors.

Length

34.5 miles
55.5 km

Time

46 minutes

Region

Northern
Idaho

When to Visit

Year-round

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: This byway begins at U.S. 95 north of Sandpoint and follows Idaho 200 to the Montana state line.

Road Conditions: Two-lane paved road with numerous scenic turnouts. If driving during winter, be prepared for winter road conditions, including ice and snow.

Full Services in: Sandpoint, Clark Fork and Ponderay

Partial Services in: Hope

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial Services: When gas and a few other facilities are available

Nearby Adventures

Four seasons of recreational activities greet visitors on the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Spend a day on the waters of Idaho’s deepest lake or hit the slopes at Schweitzer in the winter.