Wild Horse Trail

Wild Horse Trail (ID) [1]

The Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway, part of the International Selkirk Loop, starts on the northwestern shores of Lake Pend Oreille in the resort community of Sandpoint. Heading north along the eastern side of the Selkirk Mountains, the roadway follows the Kootenai Tribe's historic path to fishing grounds at Lake Pend Oreille. In 1808 the first white explorer, David Thompson, also utilized this trail. The Wild Horse Trail became more than a path in 1863 when gold was discovered in Wild Horse Creek, 120 miles to the north of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in British Columbia. There was a large movement of men and pack animals along the Wild Horse Trail until the gold rush ceased around 1880. Upon arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad to this region, David Thompson's old route became a main freight line for the railroad.

Just south of Bonners Ferry a stunning, wide glacial valley comes into view. The rich soil deposits left behind as the glaciers receded formed fertile lands, which even today support a wide variety of agriculture throughout the Kootenai Valley.

The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, west of Bonners Ferry and the McArthur Lake Wildlife Management Area, offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including wildlife viewing, bird-watching, and hiking trails. There are six major access roads leading into the Selkirk Mountains onto Panhandle National Forest lands where recreational opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, Nordic skiing, and snowmobiling can be enjoyed.