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Fall Fun
Recreation Guide - Autumn Events
Certainly with the turning of the leaves comes one of the most beautiful times of year for the North Idaho Panhandle. The colors are the myriad of the rainbow, with Buckthorn, Larch, and Maple turning yellow, hawthorn going from deep crimson to purple-red, and Quaking Aspen and Birch running the gamut from reds to golds against the backdrop of the deep greens and reddish browns of the coniferous forests. With some clearing of the leaves, formerly hidden glimpses of the many grand waterways and lakes now become apparent. Picnics are a favorite this time of year, and bikers and hikers seem to come out of the woodwork. Certainly, many agree that the best time of year for the phenomenal photo op is the Fall. One of the best ways to see this Fall foliage is to drive the International Selkirk Loop.
International Selkirk LoopSunset Magazine calls the International Selkirk Loop the "West's Best New Scenic Drive" This 280-mile scenic drive is a meandering wander covering many of the most beautiful parts of North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and Southern British Columbia. The route starts in Sandpoint and passes through many of the most charming hamlets of the region. Along Lake Pend Oreille it follows the valley carved by Glacial Lake Missoula, with stunning views of cliffs cascading into the giant 148 square mile lake. Surrounded by the Selkirk and Monarch mountains, 7,000+ foot peaks grow right out of the water. Along the way deer and elk, beer and caribou abound. But be careful of the occasional moose crossing the road. Many weigh as much as small cars. Along the way you'll find 17 top notch golf courses, four ski resorts, world-class fishing, two National Wildlife Refuges, and one Canadian wildlife management area. Stop almost anywhere for all skill levels of hiking with trails throughout the Panhandle National Forest and Colville National Forest. The BC the route passes five Provincial Parks with plenty of RV and tent camping.
Other attractions along this route are the worlds longest free ferry ride (45 min), a brewery tour, a gold mine tour, hot springs, a mining ghost town, a historical Russian village tour, award winning museums, a house made of glass embalming bottles tour, nationally recognized small arts communities with world class shopping and rails to trail cycling paths. Nearly the entire Loop route follows rivers and lakeshores, which historically were used for transportation, by native tribes, explorer David Thompson, gold seekers on the Wild Horse Trail, and early settlers. Today the Loop’s lakes, rivers, and trails are a vast uncrowded playground with a myriad of opportunities for year-round recreation, scenic beauty and unique cultures. Explore the International Selkirk Loop and discover the wonderful surprises that await you around every corner! The Idaho portion runs from Priest River, through Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, to the border town of Porthill. To get an up close view of the fall foliage, stop along the way for a hike and some wildlife viewing at The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. If you don't have the time to do the entire trip, you can break it down into the following lengths:
Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway
Teton Scenic Byway In 2006 the NY Times featured the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway (Route 200) for birch, aspen and tamaracks; Teton Scenic Byway on Routes 31 and 33 for aspens and evergreens (www.visitid.org). Another great way to see the leaves is the Fall Foliage Island Tour Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offer a fall cruise of the Clark Fork Delta, with photo options and wildlife viewing from 11 am to 2 pm. Cost $30 per person. Cruise leaves from Kramer Marina in East Hope. Visit LakePendOreilleCruises.com for additional info. 208-255-5253 When to go Idaho's fall color is best from late September through October. Before leaving on your foliage-viewing trip, here are some resources to help you get the most up-to-date color status:
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Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
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