International Selkirk Loop Travel Guide 2017

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Mountain biking at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. (Schweitzer) caught in 1947. Many fishing charters operate on the lake. The average size trout is around 12 pounds, but local derby winners boast catches topping 20 pounds. The lake is 43 miles long, up to 6 miles wide and has depths of more than 1,000 feet, offering a myriad of fun activities. Windsurf, kayak or simply swim in the beautiful clear water. City Beach at the end of Bridge Street, in the heart of downtown, has beautiful sandy beaches and a lovely park with barbecue pits, tennis and volleyball courts, and a public boat launch. Get out on the water and learn about the area’s history and geology on a daily tour with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises, (early May to mid-October) departing from City Beach. High atop the Selkirk Mountains above Sandpoint is year-round mountain adventure with world-class accommodations. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the Inland Northwest’s largest ski resort with 2,900 acres of terrain. Nordic and snowshoe trails, snowmobile and

backcountry tours offer endless adventure. Ride the lift in the summer to get to the top for spectacular views all the way to Canada and Montana, then hike or mountain bike on the many trails back down to the village. With the population at about 8,000, Sandpoint impresses visitors not only with the scenery but also the friendliness of the townsfolk and the casual pace of life here. Sandpoint is the Selkirk Loop’s largest U.S. town and is Nelson, B.C.’s sister city. There are designated bicycling paths both south and west of town offering more than 12 paved miles of peaceful pedaling for the whole family. The Bonner County History Museum (open year-round) is a wonderful place to learn about the area’s first settlers and native peoples. Next to the museum is the Native Plant Arboretum at Lakeview Park that includes a wild medicinal herb collection. Three national forests are easily accessible from Sandpoint: Idaho Panhandle, Colville and Kootenai national forests. Stop in at

The Lodge aT SandpoinT Your Place on the Lake for all Seasons Your PLace on The Lake In BeauTIfuL norTh IDaho

41 Lakeshore Drive (south end of the Long Bridge) 208 263-2211 www.LodgeatSandpoint.com

www.selkirkloop.org

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