International Selkirk Loop – WA

The International Selkirk Loop encircles the breathtaking Selkirk Mountains in northeast Washington, north Idaho and southeast British Columbia, a place of forested hillsides, sparkling waterfalls, snowcapped craggy peaks and charming small towns. The nearest metropolitan area is Spokane, Washington, about an hour southwest of the loop. Within the loop, the mountains are accessible from the Salmo Basin, Sullivan Lake, Priest Lake, Pack River, Roman Nose, Kootenay Pass and Kokanee Glacier recreation areas.

Nearly the entire loop route, which is a collection of 12 U.S. and Canadian scenic highways, follows rivers and lakeshores. The waterways historically were used for transportation, yet today they are a source of year-round recreation from fly fishing to ice fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, diving and rafting. Much of the land in the corridor is national forest, national wildlife refuge, wildlife management area, or provincial park, so there are myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation.

These public lands are home to the largest diversity of wildlife in the lower 48 states. The wildlife refuges and management areas are home to more than 50 mammal species and 265+ bird species. Moreover, Lake Pend Oreille and Kootenay Lake are two of the largest lakes in the west.

The loop’s scenery changes with each season. In spring, the bright greens of new foliage blend with the colors of early wildflowers set against a backdrop of snow-covered mountaintops and rushing waterfalls. In summer, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the rivers and lakes teem with fish below warm blue skies. Fall brings changing colors, with brilliant golds and reds amid the dark green pine and spruce. Canadian geese by the thousands stop for respite on their journey south through the Pacific Flyway. In winter, a peaceful blanket of snow covers higher elevations of the Loop, with greenery remaining in the milder climates of the river valleys. Moose, deer and elk often are spotted as they browse for tender shoots beneath the snow. No wonder this route was voted “The West’s Best Scenic Drive” by Sunset Magazine.

Start at the southern gateway for the Washington portion of the loop in Newport, which is on Idaho’s border, on SR-20. Taking the right side of the loop, head north on US-2 heading toward Sandpoint in Idaho, just under 30 miles away. Continue north on what is now US-9, passing Bonners Ferry before the route becomes SR-1 before Porthill and the British Columbia, Canada border approximately eight miles later. Now on the Creston-Rykerts Hwy/BC-21, Kootenay Lake runs parallel to the byway on the left. You’ll need to take the Kootenay Lake Ferry, the longest free ferry in North America, to cross to the east shore. Now on Highway 3A in Balfour, look for Highway 6 N, which takes you back into Washington 100 miles later right after passing Nelway. The stretch back to Newport, along SR-20 from Metaline, Washington, is 59.5 miles.