Sandpoint Northeast

For a splendid excursion that takes in magnificent mountains, wildlife and the rather gorgeous Kootenai River Valley all outside the charming town of Bonners Ferry, the Sandpoint North tour is a profitable way to spend a day, or more.

From Sandpoint, just 11 miles north and east is Schweitzer Mountain Resort - by area, Idaho's largest ski and mountain resort, with superb skiing in winter and a host of summer activities including chairlift rides, a zip line, hiking, biking, huckleberry picking and more.

A half hour farther north via Highway 95 miles is Bonners Ferry, with numerous attractions including the Kootenai River Inn Casino, tasty craft beer at Kooteani River Brewing, the Boundary County Museum downtown and, for events, the bustling Pearl Theater.

Outside town lies an outdoor enthusiasts' paradise; top destinations include the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, with walking trails and an auto tour route by ponds that host thousands of waterfowl seasonally. For hikers, among literally scores of fine hikes in the surrounding Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, the Katka Peak Trail rewards with amazing vistas over the valley.

For bikers, among outstanding choices is a terrific new mountain bike ride - ranked highest in the region by the MTB Project - at the recently constructed Brush Lake Trail. And for road cyclists, the International Selkirk Loop encompasses this entire route and is part of the only designated America's Byway that traverses two nations.