Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Pacific Northwest Spirit in the Idaho Panhandle

Departure: Sandpoint, Idaho
Destination: Clark Fork Recreation Area, Idaho
Time to allow: 2 days

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway spends its entire length next to water, whether the massive lake Pend Oreille or one of the rivers that feed it. Experience the natural beauty only such a place could offer.

Day 1

  • Start: Sandpoint

    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The historic downtown has eclectic shops, galleries, cafes, and the unique Cedar Street Bridge with Coldwater Creek's flagship store. Adjacent to downtown, City Beach Park on Lake Pend Oreille has a huge sandy beach, swimming, picnicking, lake cruises, and fishing charters.

  • Stop 2: Pack River Wildlife Area

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 10 mi (16.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue going east on byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    A vast river delta system formed around the confluence of the Pack River, the Pack River Wildlife Area provides people with numerous opportunities for viewing wildlife, songbirds, and waterfowl. Primitive access is available to launch canoes and kayaks to explore hundreds of acres of wetlands and delta. Wintering eagles frequently may be seen from automobiles as you drive the byway, as this is the beginning of their wintering territory.

  • Stop 3: Trestle Creek Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Head south along the Byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Eagles are frequent winter visitors along this shoreline and ospreys fish these waters spring, summer, and fall. But these wildlife creatures are not the only visitors. For those who want to take advantage of the great open water access for boating, swimming, or enjoying a picnic, Trestle Creek Recreation Area is a great stop. The day use area maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is complete with boat launch, restrooms, picnic tables, and swimming beach. Privately operated RV parks are adjacent neighbors for extended visits.

  • Stop 4: Hope

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 3 mi (4.8 km)
    Directions:

    Located on the Byway just South of the Trestle Creek Recreation area.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    A tiny town on the north side of Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho Panhandle. Here you'll find the Hope Boat Launch and Recreation Area, a primary public boat launch for recreation upon Lake Pend Oreille, complete with two ramps and docks. Natural gravel swimming beaches are accessible from paved parking. Also visit the Hope Community Historical Site, a small park maintained by the City of East Hope. A statue commemorating David Thompson's 1809 discovery of Lake Pend Oreille is displayed, along with information regarding the history of Hope and East Hope.

  • End: Sam Owen Campground

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue traveling along the byway past the town of East Hope. Follow signs to Sam Owen Campground.

    Situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, campsites located in the trees and within a game preserve provide visitors with an outdoor getaway.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 23 miles / 36.8 km
Total Travel Time: 46 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours 45 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Denton Slough Waterfowl Area

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Return to Byway and travel down it until reaching the waterfowl area.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Denton Slough Waterfowl Area is an elongated shallow slough, forming a bay near the Clark Fork River. This area is a favorite for migrating waterfowl, and is visited each fall by Tundra Swans and each spring by a nesting colony of Western Grebes. This inlet provides habitat to waterfowl, songbirds, and spiny ray fish.

  • Stop 2: Johnson Creek Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Directions:

    Head down the Byway until you reach the city of Clark Fork. From there, take Johnson Creek Road to the recreation area.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The Johnson Creek Recreation Area is a great spot on the Clark Fork River to take in small boats for access to the main lake or to launch canoes and kayaks to explore the delta. Idaho Department of Fish and Game maintains the boat launch and docks to provide easy access to water for watching blue herons, osprey, waterfowl, and songbirds.

  • End: Clark Fork Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 20 mi (32.0 km)
    Directions:

    Return to Byway and continue towards the Montana border. Clark Fork Recreation Area resides near the Clark Fork River before the border.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    This area provide rivers access for those who want to float the peaceful Clark Fork River. Adjacent primitive camping sites are along the river's edge in large cedar trees.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 40 miles / 64.0 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 30 minutes