Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

The Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, though brief at 33.4 miles, is a route that offers many scenic turnouts and dramatic water views. The byway navigates eastward through farmland and river deltas toward the Montana state line. Along the corridor are Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork River, and its surrounding forests.

Located in the northern Idaho panhandle, Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in the state, the 38th largest lake by area and among the five deepest lakes in the United States. It is fed by the Clark Fork River and the Pack River—all of which are surrounded by national forests. These forests are known for ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and red cedar; home to much wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, even black bears and grizzly bears. Bird watchers might see bald eagles, osprey, hummingbirds or the mountain bluebird. The lake is habitat for several species of migratory waterfowl.

Crossing Idaho and Montana, the Clark Fork is the largest river by volume in Montana, which empties into the aforementioned Lake Pend Oreille. In addition to lake scenery, this byway begins just north of Sandpoint, which is known for its year-round sports. Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers exceptional skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer. The colors of spring and fall are dramatic, making the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway a perfect excursion any time of year. Allow 11/2 hours to enjoy the route.