Idaho Panhandle National Forests, United States

Idaho Panhandle National Forests Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, located in the northernmost part of Idaho, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 2.5 million acres, this vast forested region offers unparalleled beauty and a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of Idaho Panhandle National Forests is its diverse landscape. From towering mountains to pristine lakes and meandering rivers, the forest showcases the best of Idaho's natural wonders. Hiking enthusiasts can explore numerous trails that wind through lush forests and lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The famed Idaho Centennial Trail stretches across the forest, providing an epic journey for backpackers and long-distance hikers.

For those seeking adventure on the water, the national forests offer ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The sparkling lakes and rivers are teeming with various fish species, making it a paradise for anglers. Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho, is a popular spot for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful paddle along the pristine waters of the St. Joe River, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundant fauna that calls Idaho Panhandle National Forests home. From majestic elk to elusive mountain lions, the forests are teeming with diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot a plethora of avian species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes, making it a birding paradise.

Camping is a popular activity in the national forests, with numerous campgrounds and picnic areas scattered throughout the region. Whether you prefer a secluded campsite nestled in the woods or a more developed campground with amenities, Idaho Panhandle National Forests cater to all camping preferences.

In addition to its natural beauty, the region is also steeped in history and cultural significance. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe, one of the indigenous communities of Idaho, has a strong presence in the area, and visitors can learn about their rich heritage and traditions through various cultural experiences.

Alternative names: Established: 1912 (112 years ago)Elevation: 3333 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°43'0"N, 116°14'38"W

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IdahoUnited States

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Idaho Panhandle National Forests Top Attractions

Idaho Panhandle National Forests Attractions - What to See and Explore

Idaho Panhandle National Forests offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Priest Lake, Mica Peak, Kaniksu National Forest, Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Priest Lake
Priest Lake, Idaho, United States is located in the northernmost portion of the Idaho Panhandle, 80 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, with the northern end of the lake extending to within 15 miles of the Canada–US border.
47°37'20"N • 116°59'17"W
Mica Peak
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Kaniksu National Forest
The Kaniksu National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in northeastern Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, and northwestern Montana.

Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area
Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area is located near Clarkia in the St. Joe National Forest of Idaho in the northwestern United States. The grove is a 240-acre area containing old growth Western Red Cedar estimated to be 500 years old. The upper area contains Western Red Cedar surrounded by Oregon boxwood.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Coeur d'Alene National Forest
The Coeur d'Alene is a U.S. National Forest located in the Idaho panhandle and is one of three forests that are aggregated into the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Locality
St. Joe National Forest
The St. Joe National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in the Idaho panhandle and is one of three forests that are aggregated into the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. In descending order of land area St. Joe National Forest is located in parts of Shoshone, Latah, Clearwater, and Benewah counties.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Big Dick Point
Big Dick Point is a summit in Shoshone County, Idaho, in the United States. With an elevation of 5,413 feet, Big Dick Point is the 1822nd tallest mountain in Idaho.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Moyie Falls
Moyie Falls el. 1,936 feet, Boundary County, Idaho, is an 85 foot waterfall on the Moyie River Crashing through a rocky canyon, the Moyie River descends in tiered form.
49°0'2"N • 116°10'52"W
Eastport–Kingsgate Border Crossing
The Eastport–Kingsgate Border Crossing connects the town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho with Yahk, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. It can be reached by U.S. Route 95 on the American side and British Columbia Highway 95 on the Canadian side.
48°31'34"N • 116°56'20"W
Priest Lake Powersports
Library
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Hoodoo Mountains
The Hoodoo Mountains are a mountain range in the northwest United States, in north central Idaho. They are part of the Clearwater Mountains and are the source of the Potlatch and Palouse rivers.
48°57'58"N • 116°10'12"W
Spokane & International Railroad Construction Camp
The Spokane & International Railroad Construction Camp near Eastport, Idaho dates from 1905 when grading and construction of the Spokane & International Railroad began in this area. The railroad became operational in 1906. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
47°59'2"N • 116°33'47"W
Bayview School II
The Bayview School II in Bayview in Kootenai County, Idaho was a historic school built in 1911. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It replaced a 1900-built one-room log schoolhouse which had been Bayview's first schoolhouse.
47°24'4"N • 115°42'4"W
Bullion Tunnel
The Bullion Tunnel, located east of Avery, Idaho was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It protected about 50 fire fighters from death in the 1910 North Idaho fire.

Day trips

Idaho Panhandle National Forests – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Idaho Panhandle National Forests, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Farragut State Park (Athol), Dishman Hills (Spokane Valley), Sandpoint Federal Building (Sandpoint).

23 milesNW
State park, Park, Military museum
Farragut State Park, Athol
Farragut State Park is a public recreation area located at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle in the northwest United States.
49 milesW
Park
Dishman Hills, Spokane Valley
Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area is a 530-acre area protected by a combination of public and non-profit groups, located in Spokane County, Washington.
41 milesN
Spanish colonial revival architecture
Sandpoint Federal Building, Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Federal Building, at 419 N. Second Ave. in Sandpoint, Idaho, was built in 1928. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
25 milesW
Church, Romanesque revival architecture
St. Thomas Catholic Church, Coeur d'Alene
St. Thomas Catholic Church is parish of the Roman Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Founded in 1890 to serve the Catholic miners and lumber workers relocating to the area, it remains an active congregation of the Diocese of Boise.
43 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Snowshoe Peak, Cabinet Mountains Wilderness
Snowshoe Peak is a mountain in the U.S. state of Montana. At 8,738 ft, it is the highest peak in the Cabinet Mountains of Northwestern Montana and Idaho.