When you travel East towards Montana from Sandpoint Idaho on the scenic Byway 200 you will travel through Hope Idaho. Aptly named with expansive lake views featuring the hope islands and picture perfect sunsets.
Just 12 miles from Sandpoint, on the North shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Hope found its begining with the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad which has since settled into two unique cities. Hope and East Hope and just beyond that (the name I love) Beyond Hope on the Sam Owen Game preserve on the Hope peninsula.
Hope was once a bustling town of 3000 while the railroad was being built. Quite a bit of the labor to make the railroad were Chinese, brought over under 25 year contracts, Once the railroad was finished many made their home in Hope. The Historic Hotel Hope, was built by Joseph M. Jeannot in 1897 and still watches over Lake Pend Oreille and is currently for sale. In the basement are the tunnels that once allowed guests to go to the railway station. Hotel Hope has had its share of celebrity guests over the years including Teddy Roosevelt, Bing Crosby, J.P. Morgan, and Gary Cooper.
Today the town isn't nearly as full, but you can get a great meal on the floating restraunt or rent a boat at the Hope Marina. On the peninsula is the Sam Owen Campground, with over 80 campsites, and boat ramp.
At treat for visitors and locals alike is a drive on the Hope pennisula where hundreds of whitetail deer make this preserve their home. In the fall and winter Bald Eagles are in abundance.
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