Things to do in Sandpoint, Idaho
Ahhh... Sandpoint, Sandpoint, home of the submarine-testing depths of Lake Pend Oreille. WHAT?
Yep--they test subs in this lake because it's so deep, what's more, there are a whole bunch of things you can do here that you may (or may not) have thought about.
That list is below. It was compiled by locals who've been around the block in #idahome, and know a thing or two about the undiscovered portions of Sandpoint.
Read through and see if you've done these things--or, if you're planning a trip to the region, enjoy a curated itinerary that's sure to set your visit apart from other people's "trips."
If you're a local, or if you think there is a glaring absence in our list--please reach out to us (using the form below) and help us keep this list "real-time." We're only human after all  :)
Ski or Snowboard Baldy [Bald Mountain]- A great ski mountain in winter, this summit in the Smoky Mountains offers great hiking in the summer.
Climb Bunco- This is a great trail to climb Chilco Peak. It is off Bunco Road and climbs 1,300 feet in 2 miles. You have to start early in summer as temperatures are often up over 90, even at the summit. There are access points here for ATVs.
Take a picture of the diner at Bonners [Bonners Ferry] - Once a part of the Sinixt Native American territory, Bonners Ferry was a working ferry established during the gold rush in the 1840-70s into Canada. This is a wonderful community that offers great fishing opportunities.
Shoot the Cabinet [Mountain Range]- A wonderful hike in the summer, the Cabinets offer great fishing on Lake Pend Oreille and the whole range of recreational activities.
Climb Chimney Rock... if you're good enough- A dramatic tower of high-quality granite, carved by glaciers during the last ice-age. This is an advanced area to rock climb and highly recommended for serious climbers.
Watch the sunrise on [Sandpoint] City Beach- This is an ideal summer spot with picnic areas, basketball courts, a boat ramp and of course clean, scenic beaches. Walkable from downtown. Ask an employee if you haven't been here.
Fly fish and cross country ski (in the same day) on the Clark Fork- This is a great river for fly fishing. You need to fish here. It's also a little town with everything you need if you're an outdoorsman. You can hike, fish, cross-country ski, hunt, ride bikes or ATVs this is the place to go to get away.
Camp in Garfield Bay- With a large marina, this is a great place to go to camp or boat. There are 28 campsites all within reach of the water. There is also a beach and picnic area with grills. A great place to visit.
Bike around and down Gold Hill- A historic center for mining, Gold Hill is still a fully operational mine extracting the precious metal from the deposits where it has been for millennia. There is also a popular trail for mountain biking that bears this same name. Ask an employee for details.
Find a face in the Green Monarchs- Look south out of Hope. On the east shore of Lake Pend Oreille, you'll see the face of the Green Monarchs. There is also a trail that starts on Road 278 where you can hike or ride horses along the Monarch ridge.
Find Grouse Creek Falls- These are beautiful falls that not many people will know about. You can access them via the Forest Service road #280 just outside of Sandpoint. You have to find trailhead #83 ask an employee for details.
Drive down High Drive- Also known as Forest Road 278, you will need to bring your map as this gravel road is often above the lake. A beautiful summer drive and a must see if your vehicle can handle the terrain.
Take a picture under the Hope sign- On the north shore of the lake, this is a tiny town with a beautiful view. There is a game preserve nearby and the Sam Owen Campground with beaches and boat ramps. Ask a store employee how to find it.
Find and hike Jordan Camp- An average hiker rating of 5/5, this is a deep wood trail not for the faint of heart as it will take some advanced knowledge to navigate the area successfully.
Find the bald eagle cam in the Kootenai [Natural Wildlife Refuge]- Home of the bald eagle cam, a live feed online, this wildlife refuge is ideal for any type of sighting- from moose to grizzly, eagle to elk. It's also a highly recommended river if you are into fly fishing. An experience you don't want to miss.
Take a picture of Lloyd Walter's note on Lion Head- Two massive granite summits, West and East Peaks. The West peak is lower but more difficult but if you do reach the summit, you will find a note left there from 1938 by Lloyd Walter.
Picnic on Maiden Rock- An easy trail down to the lake, this is one you will want to see especially in summer. The trail will lead you to Maiden Rock where you will find 4 picnic tables, a bathroom and a swimming beach. A secluded swim in the summer, you can also access it in by boat.
Fish with some kids on Moose Lake- One of three lakes on Moose Lake trailhead, this is a high use trail and well maintained. This is bear country, so take precaution when camping or fishing. Great action on the lake it's stocked twice a year and is perfect for taking younger children.
Stay somewhere in Moyie Springs- The best place to stay in the area, you can access a wide range of activities year-round.
Catch a cutty on the North Fork- The confluence of the south-flowing CDA River with the north-flowing Salmon River, this is a great place to raft, float, fish and kayak. This is a great place to bring up some nice cutthroat trout.
Raft the Pack River- The second largest tributary of Lake Pend Oreille, this is another prime fishing area with great rapids for the brave souls who are reading this list.
Ask us about Paradise Valley- 25 miles from Canada, this is a nice little spot. Ask an employee about the activities available in this area.
Take a picture of the Pend Oreille Paddler- The monster in Lake Pend Oreille, there have been many sightings and even a reported attack on a swimmer in 1977. Fact or fiction, the Paddler is the monster in the lake.
Find the sign for Priest Lake- The lake is 19 miles deep and the area a perfect place to vacation, full of resort homes and campgrounds. You can find every type of recreational activity year round: boating, hiking, fishing, or cross-country skiing, snowmobiling even snowshoeing.
Zip line and eat in the same hour on Schweitzer [Mountain] The perfect family get away in winter or summer. You can ski here and fish, or rock climb and hike. There are sluice boxes and zip lines and spas something for everyone. A must see.
Find a caribou in the Selkirks- This mountain range is home to the only existing woodland caribou in the lower 48 states. A beautiful and rugged area, you will enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, horses, rock climbing and especially camping.
Find (or take) an aerial image (not online) of The Long Ear- The local name for Lake Pond Oreille as the lake looks like a long human ear.
Turn down Trestle [Creek]- Right in the middle of a Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway, turn here to access the backcountry lake and some of the best fishing in Idaho. Ask at the Fly Shop for details on what flies are working for smallmouth bass.
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