Recreation Guide - Autumn Events
Things to Do in Sandpoint and North Idaho for Autumn 2009
Coolest Things to Do What to do in North Idaho
Attractions & Amusements Autumn Events
Certainly with the turning of the leaves comes one of the most beautiful times of year for the North Idaho Panhandle. The colors are the myriad of the rainbow, with Buckthorn, Larch, and Maple turning yellow, hawthorn going from deep crimson to purple-red, and Quaking Aspen and Birch running the gamut from reds to golds against the backdrop of the deep greens and reddish browns of the coniferous forests. With some clearing of the leaves, formerly hidden glimpses of the many grand waterways and lakes now become apparent. Picnics are a favorite this time of year, and bikers and hikers seem to come out of the woodwork. Certainly, many agree that the best time of year for the phenomenal photo op is the Fall. One of the best ways to see this Fall foliage is to drive the International Selkirk Loop.
International Selkirk LoopSunset Magazine calls the International Selkirk Loop the "West's Best New Scenic Drive" This 280-mile scenic drive is a meandering wander covering many of the most beautiful parts of North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and Southern British Columbia.
The route starts in Sandpoint and passes through many of the most charming hamlets of the region. Along Lake Pend Oreille it follows the valley carved by Glacial Lake Missoula, with stunning views of cliffs cascading into the giant 148 square mile lake. Surrounded by the Selkirk and Monarch mountains, 7,000+ foot peaks grow right out of the water. Along the way deer and elk, beer and caribou abound. But be careful of the occasional moose crossing the road. Many weigh as much as small cars.
Along the way you'll find 17 top notch golf courses, four ski resorts, world-class fishing, two National Wildlife Refuges, and one Canadian wildlife management area. Stop almost anywhere for all skill levels of hiking with trails throughout the Panhandle National Forest and Colville National Forest. The BC the route passes five Provincial Parks with plenty of RV and tent camping.
Other attractions along this route are the worlds longest free ferry ride (45 min), a brewery tour, a gold mine tour, hot springs, a mining ghost town, a historical Russian village tour, award winning museums, a house made of glass embalming bottles tour, nationally recognized small arts communities with world class shopping and rails to trail cycling paths.
Nearly the entire Loop route follows rivers and lakeshores, which historically were used for transportation, by native tribes, explorer David Thompson, gold seekers on the Wild Horse Trail, and early settlers. Today the Loop's lakes, rivers, and trails are a vast uncrowded playground with a myriad of opportunities for year-round recreation, scenic beauty and unique cultures.
Explore the International Selkirk Loop and discover the wonderful surprises that await you around every corner!
The Idaho portion runs from Priest River, through Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, to the border town of Porthill. To get an up close view of the fall foliage, stop along the way for a hike and some wildlife viewing at The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.
If you don't have the time to do the entire trip, you can break it down into the following lengths:
•· Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage
•· Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway
Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway
This scenic byway begins north of Sandpoint on Idaho Highway 200 and runs east to the Idaho-Montana border. Much of the route skirts the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, providing gorgeous water views to accompany the colorful fall display.
Spectacular fall color, set against views of the Teton Mountain Range, makes for some truly memorable scenery. This sometimes-winding route runs along several state highways in Eastern Idaho, passing through the towns of Ashton, Tetonia, and Driggs.
In 2006 the NY Times featured the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway (Route 200) for birch, aspen and tamaracks; Teton Scenic Byway on Routes 31 and 33 for aspens and evergreens (www.visitid.org).
Another great way to see the leaves is the Fall Foliage Island Tour Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offer a fall cruise of the Clark Fork Delta, with photo options and wildlife viewing from 11 am to 2 pm. Cost $30 per person. Cruise leaves from Kramer Marina in East Hope. Visit LakePendOreilleCruises.com for additional info. 208-255-5253
When to go
Idaho's fall color is best from late September through October. Before leaving on your foliage-viewing trip, here are some resources to help you get the most up-to-date color status:
•· Intermountain Region Forest Service Updates
•· Northern Region Forest Service Updates or 1-800-354-4595
Winter Recreation
Lots to do in both of our North Idaho cooler seasons. Thanks for visiting Sandpoint.
September 5-6: Schweitzer - Schweitzer's Fall Fest 20 plus beers on tap and four rockin' bands over two days. Crafts fair and kids activities to hiking, biking and scenic chairlift rides. 208-263-9555
September 11-13: Sandpoint - Harvest Party Pend d'Oreille Winery's annual celebration of the grape, with grape-stomping competitions, cork-spitting contests, food sampling, wine tasting, winery tours and live music. POWine.com 208-265-8545
September 19-October 18: Sandpoint - Fall Foliage Island Tour Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offer a fall cruise of the Clark Fork Delta, with photo options and wildlife viewing from 3:30 PM to 5:00 Fare $21, Senior 60+ $20 LakePendOreilleCruises for additional info. 208-255-5253
September 26: Hayden - Oktoberfest at Daanen's 12th annual German Beer, Bratwurst, Strudel and music and fun noon-dusk 8049 Wayne, Hayden 208-772-7371
September 25: Post Falls - Historical Society Oktoberfest with authentic German dinner, dancing and silent auction. 4:30 pm. to 9 pm. Lions Pavilion at Q'emiln Park 208-773-5019
September 26: Rathdrum - Rathdrum Fall Heritage Festival 10 am to 5 pm (both days), Lion's Club Hwy. 53. Celebrate Rathdrum's history. Gold and garnet panning, kid's garden and field games, storytelling, food sampling, Mountain Man encampment, antique motor exhibit. 208-687-9333 or George at 1-208-818-2489. See you there!
Four Times in October: Lions Club Historic Train Ride 90-minute scenic train ride along the Pend Oreille River for this North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club fundraising event. Ride shows off peak autumn foliage. LionsTrainRides.com 877-525-5226
October 3: Bonners Ferry - Oktoberfest Sponsored by the Harrison Chamber of Commerce 12pm-6pm Rain or Shine. There will be breweries, live music, souvenir glasses, food, activities, and vendors. The event will be held in Harrison's Park. Call Teri for more information 208-582-2341
October 3: Silver Mountain - Oktoberfest at Silver Mountain
October 3: Sandpoint - Luther Park Oktoberfest Featuring food, drink, entertainment and fundraising. Dinner 5-7 pm with traditional German fare of brats, German potato salad, and more. Laughing Dog beer and rootbeer floats available and live auction. $10 adults ($13 at door) $5 children ($8 at door). Luther Park, 510 Olive Ave 208-265-8823
October 10: Sandpoint - Oktoberfest Celebration sponsored by Downtown Sandpoint with a beer garden, live music and German fare behind the Panida Theater from 12-6pm. Edwards Park and Truck Mills will be performing. Schweitzer's "Power Tower" climbing wall will also be set up. 208-255-1876
October 10: Sandpoint - Fall Harvest Ball Dinner and dance benefit for the Bonner County Food Bank at the Sandpoint Events Center . 4-course gourmet dinner and music by Carl Rey and the Blues Gators. Silent auction and raffle benefitting the Food Bank. 6-10 pm $50 per person. 208-946-6646.
October 10: Sandpoint - Harvestfest The Sandpoint Farmer's Market closes out the season with entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, and displays at Farmin Park, 9 am to 3 pm. Sandpoint Farmers Market 208-290-3088
October 31-November 8: Lakedance Film Festival Screenings of the world's best independent films at the Panida Theater. Lakedance.com 208-597-0961
Schweitzer Mountain Resort Halloween Party 10/31/09
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