Northern Idaho
Including Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint & Wallace
Northern Idaho is known for tree-covered mountains and magnificent lakes, including Priest Lake, Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d’Alene. It also offers thrilling activities including ski resorts, theme and amusement parks and hundreds of miles of biking trails. With a number of state parks and scenic byways, Northern Idaho’s panhandle delivers adventure.
Let’s start with the water. Mountain lakes framed by jagged crests and historic Western downtowns; big, meandering, full-of-trout rivers; and lazy streams where moose slurp mossy grasses. Head to Coeur d’Alene for swimming, boating, shopping, and golfing; to Sandpoint for a lake cruise, hiking, and delicious dining; or to the Priest Lake area to explore the untouched wilderness.
Wallace, Idaho is an easy one-hour drive from Coeur d’Alene and is near the Route of the Hiawatha, a beautiful downhill biking trail. This 15-mile rail-trail follows a former railroad route, traveling through tunnels and across sky-high trestles. Riders begin at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area on the Idaho-Montana border and a shuttle is available for the ride back to the top once you finish this ride.
Silverwood Theme Park, the Northwest’s largest theme park, is a popular attraction in Northern Idaho. Spanning over 200 acres and offering 70-plus rides, slides, shows, and attractions, Silverwood Theme Park is located just 15 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene on Highway 95. During warmer months, cool off at Boulder Beach, Silverwood’s water park experience.
What else will you find here? Eight state parks, six scenic byways, three signature biking trails, and three amazing ski areas- Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area and Silver Mountain Ski, Golf & Water Park Resort. All three offer year-round activities.
Take your adventure to new heights with a trip through Northern Idaho. From the Center of the Universe in Wallace to the crown jewel of rail-to-trail biking experiences and an adventure course that will have you zipping through the trees, there’s no slowing down on this epic adventure.
Getting to Northern Idaho
Whether you pack up the car or hop on an airplane, this list of scenic byways and nearby airports will simplify your travel plans.
By Air
- Spokane International Airport(GEG / KGEG)
- Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport(PUW / KPUW)
Download the Official Idaho Travel Guide and the Idaho Roadsider for more Idaho adventure inspiration.
Nearby Things To Do
Road Trips
Find Out What Makes Wallace, Idaho the Unexpected Road Trip Destination You’ve Been Looking For
The first time they visited, an unplanned stop turned into a multiday adventure with ziplining, tours, history, festivals and more. Now this family makes return trips to Wallace a regular part or their lives. Find out why in this story.
A Road Trip to Remember in Silver Valley
Spoiler alert! The Silver Valley makes for a fantastic ski vacation in winter, but summer brings a whole new level of fun.
Falling in Love with Life on the Selkirk Loop
Ever feel like you can’t see the forest for the trees? That’s how this couple felt before they decided to hit the road on an adventure along the North Idaho portion of the Selkirk Loop. Stunning natural beauty and plentiful...