Visit Sandpoint, Idaho>
Spring Activities |
||
 |
|
 |
Skiing & SnowboardingSchweitzer Mountain Resort GolfPriest Lake Golf Course The Idaho Club, just minutes from Sandpoint, is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course nestled among picturesque mountains along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. For more information call 1-800-323-7020; theidahoclub.com. |
||
Lake ActivitiesAs the days warm, Lake Pend Oreille draws more visitors anxious to test the waters. Don't miss Sandpoint City Beach, located downtown, with its sandy beaches, paved strolling path at the water's edge and panoramic scenery. Lake cruises start up aboard "The Shawnodese," for individuals, groups and private charters from April through October, as well as jet boat tours and rentals. 208-255-5253 or 888-726-3764; LakePendOreilleCruises.com Other ActivitiesHIKINGHiking trails in the lower elevations are accessible from mid to late spring, with a cluster of excellent choices just south of town on the lake's western shore. The easy 2.1-mile Mineral Point Interpretive Trail contours along Lake Pend Oreille about 14 miles south of Sandpoint near Garfield Bay, with magnificent views across the lake to the Green Monarchs. A bit further south is the Maiden Rock Trail, a steep 1.5-mile trail that leads down to a Forest Service recreation site on the lake. Also nearby is the Evans Landing Trail, leading 2 miles down to a beach at the landing. BICYCLINGSurrounded by state and national forestlands in the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, the Sandpoint area has countless roads and trails for mountain bikers. Popular ride areas include Mineral Point, Gold Hill, Schweitzer Mountain and Strong Creek. Visit the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce for more details and maps. RAFTINGWhitewater rafting season on local rivers begins in April as snowmelt swells streams, and generally lasts well into June. The best whitewater thrills are on the Moyie River, 40 miles north of Sandpoint, with a nine-mile run that includes numerous Class III and one Class IV at high water. A bit easier for beginners is the Priest River, 30 miles west of Sandpoint, where there is a good eight-mile Class II-III stretch. DRIVING TOURThe International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile driving loop through two countries (the U.S. and Canada) and two states (Idaho and Washington) traverses spectacular scenery. Brochures are available at local chamber and visitor centers. 888-823-2626; SelkirkLoop.org. The Pend Oreille Scenic Byway – Find an abundance of recreational opportunities, plus postcard-quality scenery and historical elements, on this 33-mile route. Byways.org/explore/byways/2044/ SHOPPINGDowntown Sandpoint abounds with rare and unique shopping opportunities. Many shops line First Avenue, which is also home to Coldwater Creek’s SILVERWOOD THEME PARK & BOULDER BEACH WATER PARKSilverwood is the Northwest’s largest theme park with four outrageous roller coasters, more than 60 other rides and amusements, a vintage narrow-track railroad and turn-of-the-century village. Check the website to confirm days of operation in spring. Located 30 minutes south of Sandpoint on Highway 95 at Athol. 208-683-3400; SilverwoodThemePark.com Plus:
|
||
, 11 miles from Sandpoint, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding until mid-April in typical years, with spring conditions that include plenty of sun and resort-sponsored celebrations. Schweitzer boasts two natural bowls encompassing 2,900 skiable acres, 2,400 feet of vertical drop, with 87 trails and runs served by two high-speed quads, one high-speed six-pack, one triple chairlift and three double chairlifts. There are also groomed cross-country ski trails. 208-263-9555. 
Keokee of Sandpoint, Idaho