Northern Idaho

Travel Guide
Photo provided by The Idaho Club
Idaho’s Panhandle region is a wonderland of thrilling family attractions and adventurous activities within a swath of green, mountainous countryside.

Head into the mountains of Northern Idaho, a seldom-explored corner of the U.S. that offers a vacation packed with entertainment and excitement. The Panhandle region stretches up the Canadian border and reaches into the Coeur d’Alene and Bitterroot ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

The Coeur D’Alene region’s history lies in the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the Museum of North Idaho to learn about the roles that logging and agriculture played in the industry of the state. Explore the Bonner County Historical Museum or the Old Mission in the town of Coeur d’Alene for insight into the region’s indigenous communities.

Northern Idaho is a place where you can embrace the outdoors. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the walking trails around the lakes and rivers of the region. Trek through Kootenai Wildlife Refuge and look for bison, elk and other wild animals. Q’emiln Trail encompasses 14 different routes and winds through the Spokane River gorge.

Bring your family to Northern Idaho for fun at any time of year. In winter, Farragut State Park offers enjoyable skiing slopes for all abilities, while many of the towns offer sports such as snowmobiling and ice skating. In summer, plummet down the steep drops of the roller coasters in Silverwood Theme Park or ride mountain bike trails through untouched scenery.

Golfers flock to Northern Idaho to play 18 holes with the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop to their game. Ponderosa, Avondale and Priest Lake are just a few of the popular courses in the region.

Fly into Coeur d’Alene Airport to land in the middle of Northern Idaho. Alternatively, choose one of the regular flights to Spokane International Airport in neighboring Washington.

Northern Idaho is colder than the southern half of the state. Come in winter for heavy snowfalls and exhilarating winter sports. Peak season in Northern Idaho is in summer, when the sun shines brightly and the mountains break out into the colors of seasonal flowers.

Where to stay in Northern Idaho

Sunset on the lake

Garden District

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Garden District and surrounding area, you can visit McEuen Park and Independence Point.

Garden District
Default Image

Dover Bay

Dover Bay might not have many top sights, but Sandpoint City Beach Park and Lakeview Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dover Bay
Default Image

Ponder Point

While Ponder Point isn't home to many top sights, Sandpoint City Beach Park and Sandpoint Elks Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ponder Point
Default Image

Fort Grounds

While visiting Fort Grounds, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Coeur d'Alene and Driftwood Point.

Fort Grounds
Default Image

Hayden View Estates

If you're spending some time in Hayden View Estates, Honeysuckle Bay and Lake Hayden are top sights worth seeing.

Hayden View Estates
Default Image

Comeback Bay

When in Comeback Bay, you can plan a visit to Sandpoint City Beach Park and Lakeview Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Comeback Bay
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Post Falls
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Post Falls
2.5 out of 5
3647 West 5th Avenue, Post Falls, ID
The price is CA $131 per night from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6
CA $131
CA $141 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 5 - Jun 6
Stay at this hotel in Post Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"I had a wonderful experience at the hotel! Great hospitality of receptionists, excellent amenities and cleaness of room. Strongly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Post Falls
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d`Alene
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d`Alene
2.5 out of 5
333 Ironwood Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID
The price is CA $213 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $213
CA $230 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coeur d'Alene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,043 reviews)
"Nice room, good breakfast, good customer service"

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d`Alene
Days Inn by Wyndham Coeur d'Alene
Days Inn by Wyndham Coeur d'Alene
2 out of 5
2200 Northwest Blvd, Coeur d'Alene, ID
The price is CA $164 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $164
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Coeur d'Alene. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very clean and great service"

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Coeur d'Alene
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stoneridge Resort
Stoneridge Resort
3 out of 5
150 Holiday Loop, Blanchard, ID
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Blanchard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
"Good rec center for families. Rec center and golf course is shared with its residences so there’s a lot of old people swimming and such. I think they are still afraid of Covid, you had to bring your own cup for coffee in the lobby."

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Stoneridge Resort
Dog-friendly mountain castle with a washer/dryer, private hot tub, & fireplace
Dog-friendly mountain castle with a washer/dryer, private hot tub, & fireplace
Sandpoint
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in Sandpoint. Enjoy private spa tubs, a water park, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Schweitzer Mountain Resort and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Unique experience and cozy
"The castle experience was worth the stay. It’s furnished with antiques, old artwork and arms that complement the castle really well. The dragon breathed for us too!"

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Dog-friendly mountain castle with a washer/dryer, private hot tub, & fireplace
Secluded Retreat on 40 Acres w/ Decks & Gazebo!
Secluded Retreat on 40 Acres w/ Decks & Gazebo!
3 out of 5
Coeur d'Alene
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Coeur d'Alene. Enjoy free parking, balconies, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Blue Creek Bay and Coeur d'Alene Parkway ...
Secluded Retreat on 40 Acres w/ Decks & Gazebo!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Idaho