Summer Activities

Ahh, summer in Sandpoint. Time to sample the waters of 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille, hike the high alpine country of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, visit the unique shops, galleries, dining and many activities in bustling downtown. Enjoy!

OUT ON THE LAKE:

Lake Pend Oreille is the shining star come summertime, and offers a tremendous variety of water sports, from swimming - with water temperatures warming to the 70s as summer progresses - to waterskiing and boating, fishing for the huge Kamloops and mackinaw trout, or a peaceful outing in a kayak. Don't miss the Sandpoint City Beach in downtown Sandpoint - this cherished family-friendly setting has sandy beaches and a paved strolling path at water's edge.

Lake Pend Oreille Cruises begins tours 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

North Idaho Boat (houseboats) & Home Vacations offers a relaxing way to enjoy Lake Pend Oreille. Houseboats are available May through October. Rates are available for weekends, mid-week and weekly. 1-800-909-BOAT or 208-755-0970; sandpointhouseboats.com
 
A Day on the Lake Rentals offers full-service rentals of ski boats, pontoons, SeaDoos, and vacation homes on Lake Pend Oreille. Make your vacation memorable by touring the lake by boat. Delivery available. 877-890-2444 or 208-755-4958; ADayontheLake.com.

City Beach is a public beach located right in the heart of Sandpoint, with sandy beaches, volleyball, tennis, basketball, boat ramps and docks. To get there, simply turn right from First Avenue onto Bridge Street.

Full Spectrum Tours ensures a great time on the water, whether you are an experienced paddler or your first time in a kayak, offering half-day, full-day and multi-day tours. 208-263-5975; Kayaking.net

GOLF

Priest Lake Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole golf course offering over 6,500 yards of challenging golf on a course nestled among the lush forests and wetlands so characteristic of the Priest Lake region. With a driving range, putting greens, and restaurant in quiet beauty! 208-443-2525; PriestLakeGolfCourse.com

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.

BICYCLING

Surrounded 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.

SPA

The Spa at Seasons offers spa packages, skin care, spa nail treatments, massage, body treatments and more. Make it a party - they can accommodate groups of 3 to 6 people for services and can also customize packages. 888-263-5616; SpaatSeasons.com.

SHOPPING

Downtown Sandpoint abounds with retail and unusual shopping opportunities. Many line First Avenue, which is home to Cedar Street Bridge and Coldwater Creek’s flagship retail store with a wine and espresso bar upstairs. Visitors will find unique gifts at Pend d'Oreille Winery, or discover local artisan treasures at Art Works.

Two miles north of Sandpoint off Highway 95 is the Bonner Mall including a movie theater, several shops, a full-service grocery and a restaurant. Also, don't miss shopping at Schweitzer Village, just 11 miles up the mountain from Sandpoint.

SILVERWOOD THEME PARK & BOULDER BEACH WATER PARK

Silverwood 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. Plus on those sizzling summer days, don’t miss the Boulder Beach Water Park with multiple slides, wave pool and more. A single admission gets you into both parks and includes shows and entertainment. Located 30 minutes south of Sandpoint on Highway 95 at Athol.
208-683-3400; SilverwoodThemePark.com

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Hiking and camping. Summer is the high season for hikers in the high country of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains surrounding Sandpoint. There are more than 100 maintained trails within a couple hours drive, ranging from easy strolls to waterfalls and panoramas up to multi-day backpacking trips through spectacular backcountry landscapes. And just about all of the trails offer the opportunity to spot rare wildlife. KeokeeBooks.com features several popular trail guidebooks available for purchase. And to find the perfect campground (there are more than two dozen fine state and federal campgrounds in the surrounding area) check out the Campground Guide.

Chairlift rides. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 11 miles from Sandpoint, runs chairlift rides during summer, offering easy access to the resort's peaks for hikers and mountain bikers and magnificent views of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountains. There are also a host of other activities for young and old alike, including a bungee trampoline, climbing wall and much more. 208-263-9555; Schweitzer.com

Music by the lake. The Festival at Sandpoint offers star-studded musical performances under the stars during the first two weeks in August at Memorial Field. It’s a magical time of year, and a true feast for the senses! Ticket office is located at the Old Power House. 208-265-4554; FestivalatSandpoint.com

Take a scenic drive.
International Selkirk Loop. Discover wonderful surprises around every corner during this 280-mile international driving tour through Idaho, Washington and Canada. The loop is rated as one of Rand McNally’s top 5 “Best of the Roads.” SelkirkLoop.org

Plus:

Browse downtown venues during the annual ArtWalk I and II events
Tour the Pend d'Oreille Winery (and have a tasting, too!)
Swim and play volleyball at City Beach, or take to the lake in a sailboat or canoe rental
Ride a horse at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Athletes and spectators, don't miss the Long Bridge Swim – an annual tradition!
Shop for unique, regional gifts during the POAC Arts and Crafts Fair in Augus

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