# Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle

> From Coeur d’Alene through the Silver Valley and Lake Pend Oreille to Priest Lake: a narrow strip of northern Idaho where mining towns, deep lakes and cycle…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-145-idaho-panhandle-coeur-d-alene/

**At a glance:** 6-day round trip of about 521 km (324 mi) with 11 stops, starting and ending in Coeur d’Alene. About 5 h 47 min of driving in total. From Coeur d’Alene through the Silver Valley and Lake Pend Oreille to Priest Lake: a narrow strip of northern Idaho where mining towns, deep lakes and cycle trails on old railway lines come together within a few hundred kilometres.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 521 km (324 mi) |
| Driving | 5 h 47 min |
| Suggested days | 6 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | Coeur d’Alene → Coeur d’Alene |
| States | ID |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Coeur d’Alene through the Silver Valley and Lake Pend Oreille to Priest Lake: a narrow strip of northern Idaho where mining towns, deep lakes and cycle trails on old railway lines come together within a few hundred kilometres.*

## The spirit of the route

The Panhandle is the part of Idaho that is easy to overlook: a narrow neck of land between Washington, Montana and Canada where the Rocky Mountains run out into lakes. In the morning there is haze over Coeur d’Alene Lake, and through the sliding door you can smell pine resin and water. In the Silver Valley, wooden houses cling to steep slopes, Wallace wears its mining history openly in the streetscape, and the cycle trails follow the tracks on which ore once rolled. Further north lies Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s deepest lake, with Sandpoint as a cosy harbour town. Right at the top, at Priest Lake, it goes quiet: cedars, hemlocks and water in which the Selkirk Mountains are reflected. The stages are short, the roads mostly good, and almost every lake has a spot where you can sit on the shore until late.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Coeur d’Alene to Wallace (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** Take I-90 eastwards past Post Falls and across the Rathdrum Prairie, then climb the Coeur d’Alene River valley towards the Silver Valley. Well-built interstate; speed limit as signed (mostly 70–75 mph in the region, lower in the valley at Kellogg and Wallace). Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours. There are fuel stations and supermarkets in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, and further east in Kellogg and Wallace. Pacific Time applies throughout the Panhandle.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Old Mission State Park near Cataldo: the Mission of the Sacred Heart is considered the oldest surviving building in Idaho and was built in the 19th century by Jesuits and Coeur d’Alene Indians. Check the visitor centre, loop trail and admission on the Idaho State Parks website beforehand; allow about an hour.
  - Kellogg and Silver Mountain: the gondola is one of the longest in North America and in summer also carries hikers and mountain bikers up Kellogg Peak. Ask Silver Mountain Resort on site for operating times and fares.
  - Wallace: the whole townscape is protected as a historic district; the Sierra Silver Mine Tour goes underground, and the Oasis Bordello Museum and the manhole cover marking the “Center of the Universe” make a good addition to a stroll through town. The town lies beneath the I-90 viaduct, built here as the last section of the Interstate to be completed.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Heyburn State Park (Chatcolet, Hawleys Landing, Plummer Creek) at the southern end of the lake: several camping areas by the water and in the forest, some with electricity and water, showers, dump station depending on the area; check the length and facilities of the individual loops with Idaho State Parks, and book through the parks’ reservation system. Alternatively, Round Lake State Park near Sagle is a smaller, quieter option. In Wallace itself there are private RV parks, which I do not recommend individually.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On Idaho Panhandle National Forests land, dispersed camping is usually allowed for up to 14 days in one place, away from water and roads and with current fire restrictions checked before you set off. Near towns and at the lakes, free overnighting is not provided for; Walmart and other stores handle it differently.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The Silver Valley is part of a Superfund clean-up area (Bunker Hill): if you camp off paved paths or let children play there, find out about the authorities’ protection advice and stay on designated areas wherever possible. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes cycle path is paved and follows the old railway line; rental bikes are available in several towns.

### Stage 2: Wallace to Harrison (approx. 110 km)

- **The drive:** Back on I-90 as far as Cataldo, then on SH-3 through forest to the south as far as Rose Lake and on along SH-97 on the east shore to Harrison. The section along the lake is winding, 45–55 mph, with lovely views of the water. Pure driving time is about 1.5–2 hours. Fill up in Kellogg or Coeur d’Alene; there are only a few stations by the lake.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Route of the Hiawatha at Lookout Pass: this 15-mile railway line with ten tunnels and seven bridges is a popular cycle trail. A day pass, bike hire, lights and the shuttle are required; the season runs roughly from late May to early October. Take warm clothing, as it is cool and damp in the tunnels.
  - Chatcolet Bridge and Heyburn State Park: the park lies at the southern end of the lake and is a good place for kayaking and birdwatching. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes touches the park; the area is popular, so book early.
  - Harrison: a small harbour town with wooden façades, a marina, a bakery and an ice-cream parlour; well suited for stretching your legs after the drive along the lake.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Heyburn State Park remains the most important public site in this area; Harrison has a small municipal camping offer. If necessary, switch to Farragut State Park (see stage 3). Book through the Idaho State Parks system, weeks ahead in the summer months.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping is available in the surrounding National Forests (14-day limit); the lakeshore itself is not intended for it. Fire restrictions in high summer and autumn are common.
- **Insider tip for campers:** On summer weekends the roads around Coeur d’Alene Lake are full, especially around Harrison and the swimming spots. Be at the lakeside car parks early in the day, and fill up with fresh water in Coeur d’Alene or Kellogg.

### Stage 3: Harrison to Sandpoint (approx. 130 km)

- **The drive:** From Harrison take SH-97 north to Coeur d’Alene, then I-90 and the well-built US-95 (two to four lanes, 55–65 mph) via Hayden and Athol to Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille; from Athol, SH-54 leads off as a detour to Farragut State Park. Pure driving time is about 2 hours. There are fuel stations and supermarkets in Athol, Sagle and Sandpoint.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Farragut State Park near Athol: during the Second World War one of the largest naval training stations in the USA was located here; the Museum at the Brig documents the period. The park has hiking trails, a bathing beach and lake access; admission at the park rate.
  - Lake Pend Oreille: Idaho’s deepest lake, with depths of over 300 metres; the Long Bridge on US-95 and Sandpoint City Beach offer good views. The town of Sandpoint has shops, cafés and a Saturday market in peak season.
  - Schweitzer Mountain Road: the road leads to the ski area above Sandpoint and in summer offers views of the lake and mountains; steep for large motorhomes, so check the condition and gradient before driving up.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Farragut State Park: a large site in the forest near the lake with several camping loops, some pitches with electricity and water, showers and a dump station; check length and hook-ups in advance with Idaho State Parks. Near Sandpoint, Springy Point Recreation Area (Bonner County) lies on a peninsula in the lake; simpler pitches, so ask on site about availability and vehicle length. Round Lake State Park near Sagle is an alternative with lake access.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest land around Sandpoint (14 days), but the lakeshore is heavily built up; it is best to use the higher forest roads. Overnighting in a vehicle is not provided for in the town of Sandpoint.
- **Insider tip for campers:** On the Long Bridge (US-95 across the lake) there is no hard shoulder; make photo stops at Sandpoint City Beach or at the pull-outs before it instead. In summer the pitches at the lake are booked months in advance.

### Stage 4: Sandpoint to Bonners Ferry (approx. 80 km)

- **The drive:** Continue north on US-95 via Kootenai and Naples to Bonners Ferry, where the road enters the broad valley of the Kootenai River. Well-built country road, mostly 55–65 mph; pure driving time is about 1 hour. A short detour to Clark Fork and Hope on the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille is worthwhile for viewpoints and a spot by the water.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Hope and Clark Fork: on the north side of the lake lies the mouth of the Clark Fork; quiet spots by the water with boat ramps and views of the mountains. Fishing and birdwatching are popular.
  - Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge near Bonners Ferry: hiking trails and a driving route through the wetland; particularly rewarding for waterfowl and migratory birds in autumn and spring. Check opening times and access on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.
  - Moyie River Bridge near Moyie Springs: the steel bridge of 1965 spans a deep gorge on US-2 and is a photo stop. Park only at the marked spots.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Several campgrounds in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests around Lake Pend Oreille and on the Kootenai River; public sites with water and toilets, but mostly without hook-ups. Check the current status and the length allowed for motorhomes on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website or Recreation.gov. For electricity and a dump station, the municipal and private RV parks in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry are the more reliable choice.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in the Panhandle National Forests is mostly possible for up to 14 days in one place, on forest roads with clear tracks. In grizzly areas near the Canadian border, special camping rules apply to food; follow the advice of the Forest Service offices.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Black bears and grizzlies live in the north of the Panhandle (Selkirk area): store food overnight in the vehicle or in bear-proof containers, and use bear spray only if you know how to handle it. The border with Canada is about 40 kilometres to the north; keep your passport ready.

### Stage 5: Bonners Ferry to Priest Lake (Coolin) (approx. 165 km)

- **The drive:** From Bonners Ferry take US-95 and US-2 via Sandpoint westwards to Priest River, then SH-57 north along the Priest River to the southern end of Priest Lake. SH-57 is a two-lane country road with moderate traffic, busy in summer with caravans and boats. Pure driving time is about 2.5 to 3 hours. Fuel station and supermarket in Priest River; in Coolin and at the lake there are only small shops with limited opening hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Priest Lake: a clean lake several miles long, surrounded by cedars and hemlocks with a view of the Selkirk Mountains. Swimming, paddling and fishing are the classic activities.
  - Priest Lake State Park: three areas (Indian Creek, Lionhead and Dickensheet) with beach, hiking trails and boat ramps; the areas differ in facilities and access, so see Idaho State Parks for details.
  - Coolin: a small village at the southern end with a marina and shops; a good starting point for cycling and walks along the shore.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Priest Lake State Park: Indian Creek and Lionhead are the large campgrounds at the lake; some pitches with electricity and water, showers and a dump station, but check facilities and maximum vehicle length beforehand with Idaho State Parks. Booked up long in advance in high summer. There are also Forest Service sites at the lake; ask about their status in the current season.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests above the lake is allowed (14 days), often on gravel forest roads; large motorhomes have trouble turning there. Restrictions apply on the lakeshore itself.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Get fresh water, food and gas in Priest River or Sandpoint. Plan for insect repellent in summer; at the lake you get sunsets without street lighting, and nights are cool.

### Stage 6: Priest Lake (Coolin) to Coeur d’Alene (approx. 175 km)

- **The drive:** Back on SH-57 to Priest River, then on US-2 and US-95 via Sandpoint and Athol south again to Coeur d’Alene. Well-built roads, mostly 55–65 mph, driving time about 3 hours. The Rathdrum Prairie at the end is flat and windy; in summer there is a lot of traffic on US-95.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Sandpoint (second visit): if you only brushed past the town in stage 3, you can spend time at the market, in the cafés or at City Beach.
  - Coeur d’Alene Resort Boardwalk: the wooden walkway at the marina offers lake views and is central in the city; parking for large vehicles is scarce.
  - Tubbs Hill: a wooded hill on the edge of the city with a loop trail of about 3 miles; it offers views of the lake and mountains and is also lovely in the evening.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** For the last night a site in the surrounding area is a good choice: Heyburn State Park or Farragut State Park, both about 45 to 60 minutes from the city. If you want to stay in the city, you will find private RV parks; choice and booking there without guarantee.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the city of Coeur d’Alene, free overnighting in a vehicle is not provided for. National Forest land in the surrounding area (Coeur d’Alene National Forest) offers dispersed camping (14 days); check the status before setting off.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Use the dump station and fresh water in Coeur d’Alene or Post Falls before returning the vehicle or driving on. In summer the number of boats on the lake rises sharply; if you overnight at lakeside sites, expect noise until late in the evening.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Dispersed camping is allowed on most Idaho Panhandle National Forests land, as a rule for up to 14 days in one place, away from water and roads and on sites that have already been used. The Forest Service gives local information on fire bans; restrictions often apply in high summer and autumn.
- On Idaho State Parks land, in towns and on lakeshores, overnighting outside designated sites is not provided for. Supermarket and casino car parks have their own rules; ask beforehand.
- Wildlife: black bears are widespread, and in the north (Selkirk area) there are also grizzlies. Store food overnight in the vehicle or in bear-proof containers; read the Forest Service advice. Wolves, elk and cougars are rarely seen.
- Useful apps and sites: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, plus Recreation.gov for federal land and the Idaho State Parks reservation system for state park pitches.
- Silver Valley: the valley is a clean-up area (Superfund). Stay on designated paths and heed the advice on contact with soil and hygiene; the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is paved and considered safe.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations are found in many Idaho State Parks (for example Heyburn, Farragut, Priest Lake) as well as in private RV parks and at some fuel stations for a fee. sanidumps.com provides an overview.
- Tap water in towns is drinkable; at campgrounds, notices give information on water quality. Filter or boil water from lakes and streams before drinking.
- Never discharge grey water onto the ground or into lakes; empty chemical toilets only at dump stations.
- Propane is available at fuel stations and from dealers in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Sandpoint. European gas bottles need adapters and are mostly not refilled; rental motorhomes have US tanks.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Kellogg, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry; in small places at the lake only shops with a limited range.
- Electricity: pitches with hook-ups offer 30 and 50 A at 120 V; rental motorhomes usually have the matching US cable. Generators are allowed on state park pitches only at set times.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph as signed: interstates in the region mostly 70–75, country roads 55–65, built-up areas 25–35. Lower limits sometimes apply to towed vehicles and heavy vehicles; observe the signs.
- There are no tolls on the route. The border with Canada lies north of Bonners Ferry; if you want to cross it, you need a passport and the current entry requirements.
- National parks and federal land: the America the Beautiful Pass is valid for federal land, not in state parks. For visitors without US residence, higher fees or surcharges may apply since 2026 in heavily visited parks; check current amounts on nps.gov.
- Lengths and heights: many state park pitches are limited to 30–40 ft; state the length when booking. Legal maximum height is 14 ft (4.27 m); multi-storey car parks are mostly much lower.
- Time zone: the Panhandle is on Pacific Time; Montana and the rest of Idaho are on Mountain Time. Watch out on detours to the east.
- Reservations: Idaho State Parks through their own reservation system, federal land through Recreation.gov; peak season June to August.
- Weather and season: dry and warm from late June to September, wildfire smoke possible; autumn clear and cool; winter with snow, some roads and sites closed.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception drops out in valleys and in the north. Observe the rules of conduct for bears, fire and water.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Bear spray and bear-proof containers for food – there are black bears and grizzlies in the Selkirks and at Priest Lake.
- Head torch and bicycle helmet for the tunnels of the Route of the Hiawatha, plus a jacket, as it is cold and wet in the tunnels.
- Kayak or paddleboard and life jacket for the large lakes; the water is cool.
- Insect repellent and long clothing for evenings at lakes and in the cedar forest.
- Offline maps and printed reservations – reception drops out in valleys and in the north.
- Water canister and drinking-water-quality fresh water hose for pitches without a water connection.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Coeur d’Alene** (ID)
2. **Cataldo** (ID)
3. **Kellogg** (ID)
4. **Wallace** (ID)
5. **Harrison** (ID)
6. **Athol** (ID)
7. **Sandpoint** (ID)
8. **Hope** (ID)
9. **Bonners Ferry** (ID)
10. **Coolin** (ID)
11. **Coeur d’Alene** (ID)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle?**
6-day round trip of about 521 km (324 mi) with 11 stops, starting and ending in Coeur d’Alene. About 5 h 47 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle?**
We suggest 6 days: about 5 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle start and end?**
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Coeur d’Alene.

**Which states does Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle pass through?**
Idaho.

**Where can you camp along Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle?**
OpenStreetMap lists 97 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Blackwell Island RV Park, River Walk RV Park and Silverwood RV Park.

**When is the best time for Silver, lakes and cedar forest: by camper through the Idaho Panhandle?**
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)