Sandpoint is located in Northern Idaho on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. It’s the county seat of Bonner County with a population of 8,639. The area was originally a summer encampment for Native Americans, but the land was taken over by European and Chinese settlers when the Northern Pacific Railroad came through in the 1880s. Sandpoint was incorporated as a city in 1898. Timber harvesting and the railroad supported Sandpoint’s economy well into the 1900s. The Great Depression took its toll on the lumber industry, and people in the area turned to ranching and farming. In 1963, the Schweitzer Mountain Resort opened with ski slopes and a terrain park that still brings visitors to Sandpoint today. Now, tourism is one of the city's main industries.
Outdoor enthusiasts love Sandpoint with its footpaths and bike trails that surround Lake Pend Oreille and climb the nearby Cabinet and Selkirk mountain ranges. McKinnick Trail is a beautiful and well-maintained trail that is ideal for novice hikers, while Mineral Point Trail 82 provides you with a bit more of a challenge. The paved Serenity Lee Trail is a favorite among many, and it includes the pedestrian long bridge that spans the Pend Oreille River.
Sandpoint’s many parks include Lakeview Park where you’ll find the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society’s arboretum. Sandpoint City Beach is a family-friendly spot with 22 acres of land on a peninsula in the city. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities here. The beach has a lifeguard on duty, and they have a playground and a concession stand.
Other must-see sites include Bonner County History Museum. This small-town museum features Native American artifacts and tells the history of Sandpoint. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is a collection of small shops in a rustic, indoor setting. Here, you’ll find gifts, crafts, and food. You’ll also want to save time to check out Market Place Antiques while visiting the area.
Campgrounds Near Sandpoint, Idaho
The Alpine Country Store & RV Park in nearby Hayden offers sites with full hookups. This pet-friendly campground features showers and a laundry facility, and Wi-Fi is available. It’s located within 30 minutes of a lake, golf courses, a casino, and Silverwood Theme Park. Daily rates start at $38.95 plus tax.
River Walk RV Park in Coeur D’ Alene, on the Spokane River, has 49 sites with full hookups. Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a laundry facility. Daily rates start at $46.50, and weekly rates start at $280.
Coeur D’ Alene RV Resort in nearby Post Falls has 190 sites with full hookups. This RV Park has the charm of a campground with the amenities of a resort hotel. There’s a fitness center, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a hot tub on site. There’s a convenience store on the property, and cable TV and phone reception are available. Daily rates start at $41, and weekly rates start at $190. Monthly rates are also available.
State Parks Near Sandpoint, Idaho
Round Lake State Park is located in Idaho’s northern panhandle with 142 acres surrounding Round Lake. The 58-acre lake was created by glaciers during the Pleistocene Age. Here, you’ll find forests filled with towering trees like larch, hemlock, and pine. Skunk cabbage, cattail, water grasses, and water lilies line the lake’s shoreline. Fishing enthusiasts will love the trout-filled waters, and hikers will enjoy exploring the park from its many trails. During the winter months, visitors can cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice skate.
You’ll find Warrant State Park at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the beautiful Coeur D’ Alene Mountains. The park encompasses several trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can swim in the lake at Beaver Bay Beach, or enjoy the waters by boat. Other activities include the 18-hole disc golf course and the Museum at the Brig which focuses on the history of the park.
Heyburn State Park encompasses where the Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes converge with the St. Joe River. It’s the Pacific Northwest's oldest state park with 8,000 acres of wildflower meadows, ponderosa pine forests, and beautiful lakes. Swimming and boating are popular activities on the water. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards while here. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the lakes that are well-stocked with bass and trout. On land, visitors enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
National Sites Near Sandpoint, Idaho
The Lake Roosevelt National Recreational Area is located in Northeast Washington. It encompasses the lake that was created by the Grand Coulee Dam and the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, biking, and hiking. You can also learn about the Native Americans, the dam builders, and the settlers that all called this location home at different points throughout history. In addition to the dam, you’ll find the Gehrke Windmill Garden with its many windmills made out of recycled materials.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site is where Marcus and Narcissa Whitman were murdered by the Columbia Plateau Indians. There was tension between the Whitmans and the Indians. Members of the tribe visited the mission in hopes of finding medical advice. Later that night, 60 of the Columbia Plateau Indians returned and killed the couple, along with 12 others. President Polk immediately signed a bill that declared the area as Oregon Territory. This was the first place west of the Rockies to be put under United States control. This series of events led to the Cayuse War. Begin your visit at the Whitman Mission Museum.
The Nez Perce National Historic Park encompasses a total of 38 individual sites that span across Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Archaeologists have found evidence that the Nez Perce people lived here as far back as 1,000 years ago. As you explore this historic park, you’ll learn about the 1,200-mile journey that the Nez Perce people took in the 1800s while trying to escape capture by the United States Army. Historic places you’ll discover along the way include Bear Paw, Canyon Creek, and Camas Meadow. Visitor centers are located throughout the park that show short films explaining the history of each area.
National Forests Near Sandpoint, Idaho
The Idaho Panhandle National Forest encompasses the Kaniksu, Coeur D’ Alene, and St. Joe forests with elevations ranging from 2,100 feet to 7,600 feet. The forest's many hiking trails allow you to view the wildlife, enjoy the mountain surroundings, and access historical attractions. Keep watch for osprey, eagles, pika, and caribou. Camping is popular within the forest, and the many lakes and rivers provide plenty of opportunities for fishing.
Colville National Forest covers over one million acres in Washington’s northeast corner. Visitors are treated to stunning panoramic views. Explore the area by taking advantage of the trails available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. These trails range from the easy, family-friendly 0.3-mile Pioneer Park Heritage Trail to the much more challenging 21.8-mile Shedroof Divide Trail with spectacular views. There are lakes for fishing, and the peaks provide a beautiful backdrop for all activities. Wildlife in the forest includes grizzly bears, caribou, black bears, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Kootenai National Forest encompasses 2.2 million acres in northwest Montana and northeast Idaho. Within the forest, you'll discover beautiful lakes and stunning mountain vistas. Popular activities for visitors include camping, boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the kokanee salmon found in Lake Koocanus, as well as the award-winning bass in the Noxon Rapids Reservoir. The many rivers and streams are stocked with a variety of trout and catfish. The forest is open all year with cross-country skiing and ice fishing available in the winter.
