Recreation

 

Endless Waters, Edges and Islands

From the shores of big lakes to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in the handle of North Idaho. 

Recreation opportunities on the IPNF can be viewed as occuring in 5 fairly broad geographic areas, each centered around one or more distinctive features. These areas are the:

• Priest Lake Area (Priest Lake Ranger District - flanking scenic Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake)
• Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry Ranger District - rugged mountains surrounding the Kootenai River as it flows through the northern panhandle)
• Pend Oreille Lake Area (Sandpoint Ranger District - centered around Pend Oreille Lake and its major tributaries - Clark Fork River, Lightning Creek, and Pack River)
• Coeur d'Alene River Area (Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District - comprised largely of the Coeur d'Alene river basin)
• St. Joe River Area (St. Joe Ranger District - comprised primarily of the St. Joe River basin)

On our web site you'll find our recreation sites organized by these areas. So, note the area on our forest you'd like to stay or explore and then discover our recreation opportunites. Or, choose an activity and see where on the forest it is offered. Either way, we're sure you'll find exceptional recreation opportunities on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

The map below shows these areas in relation to the entire Idaho panhandle. These areas are also coincident with our 5 Ranger Districts: Priest Lake, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene River, and St. Joe.  

 

Interested in learning more about how recreation opporunities are managed?  Check out the 2019 IPNF Recreation Strategy

 

Current Recreation Conditions

Spotlights

Route of the Hiawatha

It's been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Winding through nine tunnels and over seven high steel trestles, the 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana.

The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass or "Taft" Tunnel which burrows for 1.66 miles under the state line. The tunnel, which had been closed for repairs, reopened for use by mountain bikers, hikers, and wheelchair users the end of May 2001.

The first 13 miles of the route were opened to the public on May 29, 1998. When finished, a bicyclist will be able to ride the Route of the Hiawatha between St. Regis, Montana and Pearson, Idaho. Once again, people will be able to travel the Milwaukee Road over the Bitterroot Mountains, soaking up the rich history and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.  MORE INFORMATION...

Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, in partnership with the US Forest Service, manages this trail through a permit.  For information on operational hours, trail tickets, shuttles, bike rentals and general questions about the trail please visit: www.ridethehiawatha.com

St. Joe Wild & Scenic River

The "Shadowy" St. Joe River flows down the western slopes of the Bitterroot Mountain Range from it's headwaters at St. Joe Lake near the Idaho/ Montana state line.

The upper portion of the St. Joe River was Congressionally designated as a Wild and Scenic River in 1978; designating the portion of the St. Joe River from North Fork of the St. Joe River to Spruce Tree Campground (39.7 miles) as a Recreational River and the segment from Spruce Tree Campground to St. Joe Lake (26.6 miles) as a Wild River.  The Recreational portion of the river provides multiple vehicle access opportunities and developed campgrounds.  Above Spruce Tree Campground the Wild portion of the St. Joe River is accessible only by non-motorized travel, with Trail 48 following the river to Heller Creek Campground.

The St. Joe River offers a variety of recreational opportunites, such as fly fishing, floating, camping, hiking, horseback riding and backpacking.

English Point Recreation Trails

This is a very popular and well-used trail system just minutes from Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, Idaho that winds through large trees and grassy understory near the shores of Hayden Lake. The trail system is divided between user groups with one side for hikers and the other for equestrians. The trail is also open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing, but motorized use is never allowed. The total distance is about 6 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of about 300 feet. Thanks to a 2019 Eagle Scout project, the trail now has 14 benches, an amphitheater, and a picnic table.

As of 2022, the Forest Service is in the process of treating the area to improve forest health and reduce wildfire danger. A replanting effort is ongoing.

REMINDER: Dogs must be leashed or otherwise under your control while visiting English Point, per Forest Service regulation and Kootenai County ordinance.