The most recognizable feature of northern Idaho is Lake Pend Oreille, 65 miles long, 143 miles of surface area and more than 1,000 feet deep in the deepest spots. Sandpoint in central Bonner County is a great place to stop for supplies and one last glimpse of civilization before heading east along Highway 200 to the Clark Fork River on the Montana-Idaho border. A great spot for fishing in the spring and summer, this river empties into Lake Pend Oreille and is close to the community of Hope, where you can find great harbors for boating, jet skis and beach play. Hope is a community inside a game preserve, so you and your family can get a great close look at white-tailed deer. A great place to stay is the Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast, a private eco-lodge with no electronic amenities. It has all the flair of a hotel with the added experience of being in a beautiful tent. Pets and children are welcome, but expect to pay $20 per extra person.
Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast
Clark Fork, ID 83811
208-266-0155
huckleberrytentandbreakfast.com
Getting to Priest Lake from Sandpoint is a longer trek, but there is less traffic and population in Priest Lake State Park. Just head west on Highway 2 and north on 57 along the Washington-Idaho border, but plan for a half-day of driving. You can find camping on either side of the lake, but this far up in the mountains you will want to be aware of the moose, bears and wolves. Make sure that you practice safe camping habits around these predators, such as keeping your food locked up tight or suspended from a tree, and practice clean camping to avoid attracting such animals. Both sites are reasonably priced. As of early 2010, expect $4 per vehicle and about $10 per night.
Priest Lake State Park
314 Indian Creek Park Road
Coolin, ID 83821
208-443-2200
888-922-6743
parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/priestlake.aspx
Also, Priest River is great for either RV campers at $16 a day or biking enthusiast at $4 per day as of early 2010. Priest River Recreation Area is one of the best sites west of the Pend Oreille. A short drive west along Highway 2 out of Sandpoint will take you there. Great for water sports or bird-watching, this is a great family camping spot.
Priest River Recreation Area
2376 E. Highway 2
Oldtown, ID 83822-9243
877-444-6777
recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73358
reserveusa.com.
Round Lake is a 10-mile drive south of Sandpoint along Highway 95, and another great spot for water activities. No gasoline motors are allowed, however, so paddle boats and electric motored boats are available from the campgrounds. Year-round camping is available at this site, and the environment is great for kids and wildlife enthusiasts. Bird-watching is great at this lake, and you can see all types of smaller wildlife without much worry about the larger predators. This is a great family spot close to town.
Round Lake State Park
P.O. Box 170
Sagle, ID 83860
208-263-3489
Reservations: 888-922-6743
stateparks.com/round_lake_bonner.html
