When the warm temperatures bring summer to the Pacific Northwest, visitors to this part of the world make tracks to the forests, mountains and lakes. South of the Canadian Rockies, the northern panhandle of Idaho features all of these, including the popular, Lake Pend Oreille region.
One of the deepest lakes in the United States, Lake Pend Oreille is surrounded by the Selkirk, Green Cabinet, Coeur d’Alene and Cabinet mountains, home to many kinds of wildlife including elk, deer, bears, coyotes. It is an outdoorsy type’s dream – with a surface area of 237 square kilometres, the lake has plenty of space for boating, fishing, swimming and diving.
It’s easy to find a quiet spot to go fishing on Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille.
Back in the day, this area was a fixation for adventurers trying to discover the elusive route to the Pacific Ocean.
Explorer David Thompson established a trading post on this lake in 1809 and, according to local legend, one of the French-Canadian fur traders working with Thompson named the lake. Loosely translated, pend oreille means hanging ear, either a reference to jewellery worn by the local Kalispel peoples or the shape of the lake.
The lake is the center point of a visit to this part of the Idaho – and provides options for what to do each day. Five ways to appreciate the lake and its surroundings:
1. Hiking - finding a trail is easy in this part of the world, and the one of the best ways to appreciate the local landscape. No matter your skill level, this area has numerous hiking trails, and one favourite was the Mineral Point Trail, which is high above the lake with a great view of the Green Monarch Mountains. This is also a popular trail for mountain bikers and if you take the trail extension, the trail will lead you to a spot for swimming in the lake.
2. Boating - if you don’t want to rent a boat from one of the numerous marinas on the lake, consider a lake cruise with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises. The one and a half hour jaunt around the lake, will get you up close and personal to the lake’s hidden areas, put you in a spot to see some local wildlife, such as a bald eagle, and, thanks to the captain, a history lesson of northern Idaho.
The view of Lake Pend Oreille from Sleep’s Cabins in Sagle, Idaho.
3. Dining - there are several places to indulge in locally-inspired cuisine and benefit from the lake views. Consider Forty One South, located on the south side of Lake Pend Oreille in Sagle, with its extensive outdoor dining and boat dock or in Sandpoint, hope to find space on the patio at Trinity at City Beach.
4. The Long Bridge - connecting Sandpoint to Sagle over Lake Pend Oreille, this was the longest wooden bridge in the world when first completed in 1910, but now in its fourth version, the bridge is a concrete structure, with the third bridge used as a walking, running and cycling path right beside the current bridge, also known as Highway 95.
5. Waterfront accommodation - find a place to lay your head by the lake like Sleep’s Cabins in Sagle, which offers six historic wood cabins and multiple docks for afternoon sun time, easy access for swimming or kayaking and a perfect spot to take picture postcard images of sunrise and sunset.
Visiting Lake Pend Oreille:
Getting here: less than two hours from the Alberta-Idaho border, the best way to get from British Columbia or Alberta is to road trip, easily done via highways through the Canadian Rockies. From Calgary to Sandpoint/Sagle, it will take approximately seven hours by car.
Sandpoint/Sagle attractions: check out the Farmer’s Market in Sandpoint for local crafts and tasty souvenirs, and the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding on the trails.
Tastings: the Pend d’Oreille Winery benefits from the Pacific Northwest viticulture industry, offering locally-made wine from Washington grapes, while those who prefer a pint can sample local beer at Mick Duff’s Brewing Company or Laughing Dog Brewing. And for those who want to really blend in, make time every morning for coffee at Evans Brothers Artisan Coffee Roasters.
Weather: average temperature is 19-23C in May/June, 28-29C in July/August
