International Selkirk Loop
Do the Loop
| Departure: | Newport, Washington |
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| Destination: | Cusick, Lavender Festival, Washington |
| Time to allow: | 3 days |
Active travelers will enjoy experiencing an uncrowded, scenic tour of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes on a fun filled three day outing designed to bring them up close and personal with nature. Be ready with your camera, when that moose, deer or bald eagle is spotted at one of the Wildlife Refuges. Starting and ending in Newport, Washington following the Loop route in a counter clockwise direction.
Day 1
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Start: Newport
Newport, located on U.S. Highway 2 about 47 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, is the southwest gateway city to the International Selkirk Loop. Stop at the Newport Visitor’s Center and the Pend Oreille County Historical Museum (together on one site) to understand more about the area’s rich river and timber history. Centennial Plaza features “The Big Wheel” – part of a 16-foot steam driven sawmill power plant. Stroll downtown Newport to gain a sense of why Newport was once the center of commerce with 13 steamboats conducting commerce on the river. One block north of downtown on Hwy 20 is the Newport Ranger Station which can provide information on additional hiking, biking and snowmobiling in the Colville National Forest.
From Newport, you will cross the Pend Oreille River into Oldtown, Idaho. On your right immediately after crossing the bridge is the Old Town Rotary Park, a recreation and interpretive site. Crossing into Idaho also marks the beginning of the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage State Scenic Byway. From here travel east on US 2 approximately 2 miles to Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center.
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Stop 1: Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center
Directions from previous place: Continue east on US 2, 5 miles and follow the signs to Historic Downtown Priest River.
Distance from Previous Site: 2 miles / 3.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour Visitors will learn the water “system” that they will be following for the next three days of this itinerary. There are excellent displays depicting the history of the river and the important role the dam provides today. There are revolving 30-minute interpretive programs about the waters role in history, wildlife to be found here as well as a tour of the dam daily in the summer months, although the facility is open year round with static interpretive displays.
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Stop 2: Priest River
Directions from previous place: Continue east on US 2, 5 miles and follow the signs to Historic Downtown Priest River.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes The historic community of Priest River is tied to its timber and river roots which are still evident today with two working sawmills. Many of the buildings seen downtown are on the National Historic Register. Visitors can glimpse Priest River’s heritage by visiting the Priest River Museum and Timber Interpretive site. Learn all about “river pigs” and what they were doing on the river between 1900 –1949. While you're there, pick up a Priest River Chamber brochure and walking tour guide. Logging trucks can be seen regularly, evidence of a working environment tied to natural resources.
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Overnight Point: Sandpoint
Directions from previous place: Continue east on US 2 for the next 23 miles to Sandpoint, Idaho.
Distance from Previous Site: 23 miles / 36.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 20 minutes Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is home to year round recreation and was recently voted “the best small town in the west” by Sunset Magazine. National Geographic Adventure includes it among 10 “great adventure towns”. On a hot day, take a dip or sit on the sandy beach at City Beach Park on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, third largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi. Take an interpretive, eagle watching or dinner lake cruise on the “Shawnodese” that docks here June 19 to September 6. Stroll along the parks shoreline, rest at the many benches and marvel at the clear skies, clear water and relaxed pace. Canoe and kayak rentals are available here as well as kayak tours. Only one block from a first rate shopping district, mom may get a break and do a little shopping. This sand beach park is the reason Sandpoint got it’s name. Historically railroads found its sand ideal for cleaning their engines boilers.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 1: 30 miles / 48.0 km
Day 2
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Stop 1: Schweitzer Mountain Ski and Summer Resort
Directions from previous place: Return to US 95 North through Sandpoint to the Sandpoint Visitor Center, open year round, another good source for local activities. Follow Hwy 95 North 3 miles to Schweitzer Mtn. Road. Follow the signs, 11 miles into the Selkirk Mountains.
Distance from Previous Site: 14 miles / 22.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 3 hours Families may choose to head up to the Mountain in the afternoon to catch the chairlift to the breath taking top where you can opt to ride down with your mountain bike (there are hooks on the lift), hike down the many trails or just stay on for a spectacular birds eye view of Lake Pend Oreille and beyond east to Montana and North to Canada. There are accommodations and restaurants here or head back to Sandpoint for the night.
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Stop 2: Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Directions from previous place: Beginning from downtown Sandpoint, you will start your journey on the Wild Horse Trail State Scenic Byway. Follow US 95 North 35 miles to Bonners Ferry and take the second exit to Downtown and follow the signs for 6 miles to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way between Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry you will be driving through the McArthur Wildlife Management Area, geographically where two mountain ranges are close enough to create a natural large animal migratory corridor. The roadway follows historic footsteps of native Americans and later as a supply route to the gold fields in British Columbia.
Distance from Previous Site: 41 miles / 65.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 50 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours The drive to the Refuge after turning off of US 95 follows the Kootenai River. Watch for osprey and eagles along the way. There is a 4-mile auto-driving route, enabling a family to take a quick and easy loop drive through this refuge. There is a wheelchair accessible nature trail called the Chickadee Trail behind the visitor center with excellent interpretive panels about native plants and wildlife around wetlands. The water that created this wetland environment is pumped from the Kootenai River and naturally from Myrtle Creek. Take a short hike to Myrtle Creek Falls, directly across from the visitor center. There are over 265 bird species that have been seen at this refuge. There two nesting pairs of eagles here and moose can be seen here quite regularly. Refuge Park and Field guides are available at the visitor center.
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Stop 3: Bonner's Ferry/Ferry Crossing Interpretive Site
Directions from previous place: Retrace your route along the Kootenai River back to Bonners Ferry.
Distance from Previous Site: 6 miles / 9.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Located at the north end of the Kootenai River Bridge, these two Idaho Historical Markers are two important elements of the region’s heritage. Historical Marker #491 documents the heritage and culture of the Kootenai Tribe, who today are involved in operating a worldclass hatchery to restore Sturgeon and Burbot populations that declined dramatically after the river was dammed in 1971. Tours can be arranged by appointment. They also operate the only casino on the Loop route, here in Bonners Ferry. Historical Marker #165 details the site of the river crossing ferry established by Edwin Bonner. Visit the Bonners Ferry Museum located on Main Street to learn about the role the Kootenai River played in the development of this area, and the sites to be visited in Canada. The Bonners Ferry Gateway Visitor Center offers excellent area interpretation.
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Stop 4: Creston Wildlife Management Area
Directions from previous place: From Bonners Ferry turn north on US 95 – 25 miles to the junction of SH 1/ US 95. Turn left (west) onto SH 1 – 10 miles to Porthill and the Canadian Border. Idaho State Hwy 1 now becomes Canadian Hwy 21 – 8 miles to the junction of Hwy 3/3A. Turn west onto Hwy 3 toward Castlegar. Go 4 miles to the Creston Wildlife Management Area. The Creston Valley Visitor Guide provides information about other attractions, events and activities in the area.
Distance from Previous Site: 47 miles / 75.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours This large refuge has 17 marshes plus the Kootenay River. Visitors can experience marshlands via extensive boardwalks and observation towers as well as experience guided canoe trips with an interpreter. There are also hiking trails and an excellent interpretive visitor center. There are over 265 bird and 50 mammal species that reside here. It is the largest regional locale for wintering birds of prey in the interior Province of British Columbia.
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Stop 5: Kootenay Lake Free Ferry
Directions from previous place: Return to the Hwy 3/ 3A junction and turn north on Hwy 3A and follow the signs to the Kootenay Lake Ferry. The ferry schedule is also posted at this junction. You may also opt to turn south for a quick visit to Creston, 2 miles before proceeding north to the ferry as there are limited services on the drive to the ferry landing.
Distance from Previous Site: 46 miles / 73.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour 15 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour Known as North America’s longest free ferry, its part of the Hwy system and the only way to continue the Loop journey. The ferry is a 45 minute crossing and will accommodate any size vehicle or RV. There is a restaurant on board. The ferry crosses Kootenay Lake (Kootenai River flows into it from Bonners Ferry). ). As you drive north to the landing the highway follows the shoreline and affords glimpses of Kokanee Glacier to the west. This stretch of roadway was rated BC’s #1 Highway by Destinations Highway, for its 270 curves in an hours drive. Allow plenty of time for this stretch, as it is scenically stellar, with lots of photo opportunities. Four miles before the ferry there is popular artisan colony to explore.
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Stop 6: Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Directions from previous place: Disembarking on the Balfour Landing (west) side of the ferry, turn southwest (left) and go 9 miles on Hwy 3A to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.
Distance from Previous Site: 9 miles / 14.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour This large Provincial Park has two campgrounds and over a half mile of sandy beaches on the shores of Kootenay Lake. In late summer visitors can view in man-made and natural channels Kokanee salmon spawning in large numbers. There are eight different walking trails taking a total of 1.5 hours to hike. Take the time to explore this Kokanee Creek Delta ecology. The habitat supports beaver, deer and a large number of birds. Kingfishers, woodpeckers and dippers can be seen year round here. This park is directly across from an access road into Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park where there are over 100 miles of day or backpack type hiking. Popular Ainsworth Hot Springs is 15 miles north of this park on Hwy 31.
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Overnight Point: Nelson
Directions from previous place: You may choose to make this your stop for night 2 at Kokanee Creek (camping) or proceed 23 miles south to Nelson on Hwy 3A for accommodations.
Distance from Previous Site: 23 miles / 36.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Nestled on the west arm shoreline of Kootenay Lake, Nelson’s storybook charm comes to life with its 350 heritage buildings. It is the hub of all things outdoors for the surrounding Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by pristine snow capped mountains, the area inspires creativity, as Nelson was ranked as the number one arts community in Canada, and fourth in North America. Visitors will be charmed by Nelson’s unique mix of urban sophistication and rural ambiance.
While you are in Nelson, get a feel for Nelson’s graceful shoreline at Lakeside Rotary Park located at the foot of the famous “Orange Bridge.” There is a great children’s adventure playground, a long, beautiful beach and wide promenade with large green open spaces. There is also a public wharf, boat launch and covered picnic shelter here. This is a recreational hub for Nelson families and visitors alike. Just a short distance from the park is Streetcar #23, a lovingly restored 1925 electric streetcar, originally from Cleveland, Ohio. In the summer months take a trip along the wharf on the 1.2 km route complete with historical tidbits from the area. Pick up more interesting stories and activities about the area from the Nelson Visitor Center, open year round.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 2: 186 miles / 297.6 km
Day 3
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Stop 1: Stone Murals, Salmo
Directions from previous place: Follow Hwy 6 south from Nelson 22 miles to Salmo. There is also a fat tire "rails to trails" cycling route between Nelson to Salmo.
Distance from Previous Site: 22 miles / 35.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 10 minutes Slow down and take time to notice the stone murals on the sides of the buildings of Salmo. There are seven murals celebrating the history and natural beauty of the area. The murals are a result of a nearby stone masonry training institute that opened in 1990.
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Stop 2: Mill Pond Flume Interpretive (Teaching) Site
Directions from previous place: From Salmo proceed south 9 miles on Hwy 6 to the International Border Crossing at Nelway. Crossing into Washington State, the highway turns into Highway 31. Starting at the border is also the start of the North Pend Oreille State Scenic Byway portion of the Loop drive. 12 miles south of the border, turn east (left) onto Sullivan Lake Road to the Mill Pond Flume Trail Interpretive Site.
Distance from Previous Site: 22 miles / 35.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 30 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes Learn about the history and use of the pond, dam and flume at this .6 mile interpretive loop trail. Set in a lush, peaceful valley there are picnic tables and additional hiking trails that can be explored from this site. The Forest Service Mill Pond Campground provides accommodations nearby.
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Stop 3: Sweet Creek Falls
Directions from previous place: Return to Hwy 31, turn south (left) to the Sweet Creek Falls Site 6 miles south of Metaline.
Distance from Previous Site: 6 miles / 9.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour The short sweet life of Sweet Creek begins only 3000' above the Pend Oreille River. Experience three 20-50 waterfalls, wildlife, unique rock cliffs and remnants of a frontier wooden water system along this lovely pristine creek. There are picnic tables, restrooms, ADA accessible trails and interpretive signage describing the history of the hardy souls who settled along the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway.
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Stop 4: Sullivan Lake
Directions from previous place: One mile south of Ione, turn east (left) onto Sullivan Lake Road for 10 miles to Sullivan Lake.
Distance from Previous Site: 11 miles / 17.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes This sparkling lake is four miles long, and depths reach over 300'. It's widely known for excellent (and state record) fishing. It's one of the few area lakes to ice fish. There are hiking trails, campgrounds, boat launches, and a small airstrip.
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Stop 5: Box Canyon Dam
Directions from previous place: Continue south on Hwy 31 to the Box Canyon Dam. On the way watch for the eagles nest along the river.
Distance from Previous Site: 3 miles / 4.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes This well developed stop provides visitor information, a lovely swimming pond, picnic tables, tours of the dam and camping sites. .3 miles south on Hwy 31 is the Dam Scenic Overlook and Interpretive site. The viewpoint overlooks the Box Canyon Dam, the river and the historic railroad trestle. The overlook has historic interpretive panels about early explorer David Thompson, a picnic table and restrooms. The visitor center has displays and historic photos about the dam’s construction and inner workings.
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Stop 6: North Pend Oreille Lions Club Tour Train
Directions from previous place: Proceed south on Hwy 31 to the community of Ione.
Distance from Previous Site: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Follow the signs to Ione’s train depot, this short, unique train trip follows the Pend Oreille River on a narrated rail trip between Ione and Metaline Falls in restored Pullman, caboose and work cars. Lovingly restored over the last twenty years, this excursion runs six trips a year, primarily in the fall to enjoy the fall colors from Labor Day weekend to October 24th. One trip is scheduled during the community celebration of “Down River Days” July 24 & 25th. There will also be a special train trip in combination with the Lavender Festival July 9th & 10th north of Usk, Washington.
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Stop 7: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge
Directions from previous place: Retrace your route back to Hwy 31 and turn south (left) for 2 miles. At the Junction of Hwy 31/ Hwy 20 at Tiger, turn west (right) onto Hwy 20 for 29 miles, turn south off Hwy 20 for another 7 miles to get to this refuge.
Distance from Previous Site: 36 miles / 57.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 45 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 3 hours At nearly 41,000 acres, this refuge offers towering older forests where over 200 nesting and foraging migratory bird species and 58 mammal species can be found.
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End: Cusick, Lavender Festival
Directions from previous place: Retrace your drive back to the Tiger junction and turn south (right). Take a few minutes to visit the little historic Tiger Museum and visitor center, the only building that remains of a once thriving community. Your trip south on Hwy 20 along the Pend Oreille River from the Tiger junction for the next 50 miles to Newport is also the Pend Oreille Valley State Scenic Byway. River pilings can be seen as a silent reminder of an active river and timber past, where eagles and osprey nests can be seen. The Lavender Festival turnoff is 32 Miles south on Hwy 20, turn east at Usk, cross the Pend Oreille River and turn north onto LeClerc Road for 14 miles.
Distance from Previous Site: 46 miles / 73.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours The Historic Tiger Store and Museum at the junction of highways 31 and 20 marks the southern gateway of Washington's North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. The facility contains restrooms, traveler and interpretive information, and many artifacts relating to the settlement of the North Pend Oreille River Valley.
The 2005 Lavender Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, 2005. Events begin at 9:00 a.m. both days, running until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. This may be combined with the North Pend Oreille Lions Club Train Ride out of Ione the same weekend.
The Pend Oreille Valley Lavender Festival celebrates locally-grown lavender on a 100-yearold homestead. Events include tours of the heirloom perennial gardens and homestead, music from the Spokane Symphony String Quartets and Native American Flutist Loren Swan, gourmet food prepared by festival chefs, 40 fine arts and herb/product booths, lavender plants and products, hands-on art demonstrations for kids and adults, workshops, lavender distilling demonstrations, and more. For the return, retrace your steps to the Usk bridge and Hwy 20, turn south (left) 18 miles to Newport. Just north of Newport watch for the signs to the Upper and Lower Wolf Trails. A good place to stop stretch your legs on these short scenic loop trails.
