a day / 149 miles / 4 hours 57 minutes
Marvel at the awesome beauty of the International Selkirk Loop as it encircles the wild Selkirk Mountains for 280 miles (including British Columbia). Play on crystal clear rivers and lakes, or traverse mountain trails to view snowcapped peaks and wildlife diversity. Explore charming communities with fascinating history, fun festivals, and picturesque settings.
Day 1
9:00 - 16.0 miles / 31 minutes - 9:31
Sweet Creek Falls offers a short trail to three 20-50 foot waterfalls, passing through dense forest of Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Paper Birch. Sweet Creek offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, picnicking, and recreating in a quiet, natural setting. The waterfalls, rock cliffs, and creek have been relatively undisturbed, so there are opportunities for wildlife observation and interpretation of flora and fauna.
10:31 - 3.1 miles / 6 minutes - 10:38
Box Canyon is the site of ferocious rapids that stopped explorer David Thompson's quest to find a route from Lake Pend Oreille to the Columbia River. Built in 1952, it's one of the oldest hydroelectric facilities in Washington and has provided Pend Oreille County residents with hydro-electric services for over half a century. The area's beauty is marvelous, and the dam was featured in the movie "The Postman." Recreation facilities include a scenic overlook with interpretation above the dam, campground, park, swimming area complete with waterfall and shallow children's pool, visitor center and guided tours below the dam.
11:23 - 3.0 miles / 6 minutes - 11:29
North Pend Oreille Lions Club Tour Train
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.
12:59 - 32.6 miles / an hour 5 minutes - 14:04
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.
16:04 - 17.7 miles / 35 minutes - 16:39
Bonner's Ferry/Ferry Crossing Interpretive Site
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.17:09 - 76.6 miles / 2 hours 33 minutes - 19:42