'Hidden gems' showcase region's best activities

Precious stones aren’t the only hidden gems in the Idaho Panhandle — from a lesser-known trail to a discreet swimming hole, there are many activities throughout the region that may not be showcased on the typical “top 10 things to do” list.

While North Idaho is host to a diverse range of activities including massive lakes, mountain peaks and some of the finest shopping the region has to offer, there are many hidden gems to which only the locals and their visitors are privy. 

We asked employees throughout the Hagadone Media Group network to share their favorite places to spend free time or take visitors. Here is what made the list: 

• Floating down the North Fork — Nothing is better on a hot summer day than floating down the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. In fact, for Dawn Dupree-Scott, a financial services employee, summer isn’t complete without a trip down the river.

To float the river, she said to go to Kingston and follow signs to Albert’s Landing, which offers a shuttle service that takes you to the drop-off point at Bumble Bee Campground. Floaters let the river take them back to Albert’s Landing where their car is waiting. 

• Jake’s Landing in Porthill — This little landmark can be visited while on a drive, or used as a camping or glamping destination, Emily Bonsant, Bonners Ferry Herald reporter, said. 

“Being right on the Kootenai River, literally a stone throw from the Canadian border you can see up close the Purell Mountain Range jutting up to the sky and the Selkirks just across the hop fields to the west,” Bonsant said. “It is one of the few business, and gas stations accessible by car, boat and airplane as it has an international airport and landing strip right next door.”

She also said it is a unique spot to dry camp, or glamp, while having a store or bathroom nearby.

• Pine Street Woods —  With roughly 320 acres, the Woods offers everything from meadows to forest paths and is a great place to connect to nature all just a few miles from downtown Sandpoint, Caroline Lobsinger, managing editor of the Bonner County Daily Bee, said. 

“It truly is a magical place being preserved for the community,” she said. “Mountain meadows, winding trails, the majesty of forests — all just a short distance from Sandpoint. It is the ideal place to connect with nature and the special beauty of North Idaho.”

Add in the sled hill in the winter and a variety of Kaniksu Folk School classes that offer a chance to learn new skills, it’s a magical addition to the community, Lobsinger said.

“It truly is one of my favorite places,” she said.

• Char Falls — This spot up behind Hope and Clark Fork is a special place for Luke McMillan, media consultant. He proposed to his wife there 10 years ago. 

“It's quite a drive to get there, but totally worth it,” he said. “It used to be a hidden secret for locals, but word has spread and now it is quite popular for summer tourists.  I've been going up there since I was a kid, and you used to only be able to get up there with an ATV or high-lift 4WD.  The Parks Department has widened and cleared out the roads so even 2WD sedans can make it most of the way.” 

• Lunch Peak Lookout — This spot is a must-see for those seeking a higher-up view of the valley below, Lauren Reichenback, Bonner County Daily Bee reporter, said. The lookout can be reserved throughout the summer to stay in for a night or two, but reservations are competitive and are usually booked six months in advance, she said. 

“Another fun place to go is the Gold Hill hike outside Sagle,” Reichenbach said. It’s roughly four miles of easy switchbacks and gives you an amazing view of the lake and the Long Bridge going into Sandpoint. There are also dirt bike trails on the backside of Gold Hill for anyone looking for a little faster fun.”

• Freeman Lake — Situated above the Newport/Priest River area, this spot provides great views, camping and fishing opportunities. 

• Kilarney Lake — Here, visitors can explore 500 acres of water, or surrounding areas south of Coeur d'Alene off Highway 3. Camping and fishing are both available. 

•  Mullan Museum — Housed in the old Liberty Theater, the Captain John Mullan Museum tells the history of Mullan; home of the world-famous Lucky Friday Mine, Recommended by Kira Bell, circulation office manager, the museum uses exhibits and displays, combined with historic furnishings and vintage clothing and more to tell the region's story.

•  Route of the Hiawatha — Bike, or hike, 15scenic miles. Bikers will pass through multiple-mile-long train tunnels. Since the trail is primarily downhill with a shuttle for return trips, all skill levels can participate. Trail passes, shuttle tickets and mountain bike rentals with lights are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located right alongside Interstate 90, take Exit 0, at the Idaho-Montana state line. The start of the Hiawatha is a short 7-mile drive from Lookout Pass, the Rout of the Hiawatha website said.  Lookout Pass is located just 12 miles east of historic Wallace. 

• Mineral Ridge hiking trail — To hike this 3.3-mile trail with panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, visitors will take I-90 east from Coeur d'Alene city center for eight miles. At the Wold Lodge Bay Exit, take Highway 97 for three miles where the trailhead will be on the left. Trail guide signs, picnic areas, and wildlife can all be found among the striking views.

• St. Joe River Road — Tracing the St. Joe River, this scenic byway is a picturesque haven for birdwatchers and anglers, the Visit Idaho website said. Drivers and passengers could see bald eagles, osprey, moose, bears and more. To find the byway from St. Maries, use the junction of Idaho 3 and Forest Highway 50 to head east along the St. Joe River for 75 miles. At the intersection with Road 218, FS 50 heads north (left) and climbs 14 miles to the Idaho-Montana border.

• Syringa Lookout — This switchback on Schweitzer Mountain is a favorite of Savannah Groff’s, advertising account manager, with sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille and the region.

“The Syringa lookout has always been my peaceful, beautiful spot to just go up, sit, and listen to music,” she said. “I have a lot of memories up there. My best friend and I used to go up there when we would get off work at 10:30 p.m. and just sit, laugh, listen to music, and tell all the secrets.”

• Pyramid Lake and Burton Peak — These are both intermediate hikes in the Bonners Ferry Area that Eric Ellis, graphic designer, has been enjoying since he was young.

• St. Joe River Road — Tracing the St. Joe River, this scenic byway is a picturesque haven for birdwatchers and anglers, the Visit Idaho website said. Drivers and passengers could see bald eagles, osprey, moose, bears and more. To find the byway from St. Maries, use the junction of Idaho 3 and Forest Highway 50 to head east along the St. Joe River for 75 miles. At the intersection with Road 218, FS 50 heads north (left) and climbs 14 miles to the Idaho-Montana border.

• Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail — A couple blocks north of Sandpoint City Beach, almost connecting the cities of Ponderay and Sandpoint, lies a shoreline trail for about a mile and a half. The path meanders along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille on a flat, maintained trail that is both people and dog-friendly.

    Trail guide signs, picnic areas and wildlife can all be found among the striking views that are abundant on the Mineral Ridge hiking trail.
  

    Bike, or hike, 15 scenic miles on the Route of the Hiawatha, which follows a portion of a former rail line built by the Milwaukee Railroad in the early 1900s.
  

    The Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail is a popular spot along Lake Pend Oreille.