International Selkirk Loop Travel Guide

Page 28

IDAHO

Mountain biking at Schweitzer Mountain

Sandpoint

S

andpoint’s experienced a lot of buzz in recent years. Rand McNally and USA Today declared it the “Most Beautiful Small Town.” Sunset magazine voted Sandpoint the “West’s Best Small Town.” Outside magazine named it one of the nation’s “Top 10 Great Outdoor Towns.” The New York Times called Sandpoint “a sporting paradise.” USA Today described Sandpoint as a “Norman Rockwell-meets-Ansel Adams classic, brought to life every summer.” Just an hour north of Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint is about 90 minutes away from the closest international airport, found at Spokane, Wash. Driving from the south into Sandpoint on Highway 95 sets the stage for a dramatic entrance. Travelers cross the two-mile Long Bridge to reach Sandpoint, sitting on the northwestern shore of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced ponduh-ray), the second-largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. For decades, Lake Pend Oreille held the world record for a rainbow trout caught in 1947. Many fishing charters operate on the lake. The average size trout is around 12 pounds, but local derby winners boast catches topping 20 pounds. The lake is 43 miles long, up to 6 miles wide and has depths of more than 1,000 feet, offering myriad fun activities. Windsurf, kayak or simply swim in the beautiful clear water. City Beach at the end of Bridge 28

selkirkloop.org

Street, in the heart of downtown, has beautiful sandy beaches and a lovely park with barbecue pits, tennis and volleyball courts, and a public boat launch. Get out on the water and learn about the area’s history and geology on a daily tour with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises, (early May to mid-October) departing from City Beach. High atop the Selkirk Mountains above Sandpoint is Schweitzer, a year-round mountain resort with world-class accommodations. Schweitzer is the Inland Northwest’s largest ski resort with 2,900 acres of terrain. Nordic and snowshoe trails, snowmobile and backcountry tours offer endless adventure. Ride the lift in the summer to get to the top for spectacular views all the way to Canada and Montana, then hike or mountain

Stay with us, the rest is easy! Located in downtown Sandpoint. Indoor hot tub, outdoor (seasonal) pool, 100% smoke free, ultrafast wi-fi, free bright side breakfast, children under 18 stay fee.

www.cedarstreethotel.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.