Small towns are a dime a dozen in Idaho. It seems like you’re always coming across another one that you’ve never heard of before! This is a truly small town, though, with a whopping population of approximately 100 permanent residents. The city is called Hope, Idaho, and along with its charming name is a town with amazing scenery. This place looks like heaven on earth and is a good reminder of the beauty to be found in the small places of the Gem State. Not only is this small town in Idaho incredibly beautiful, but Hope, ID, also has a fascinating history. You’re definitely going to be putting Hope on your list of places to visit!

Hope, Idaho is located way up in the panhandle on the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, about 12 miles from Sandpoint. You simply can't just pass through this hidden gem of a town. You'll have to stop and check it out.
Google Maps
Located right beside one of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho, Hope contains beautiful and expansive waterfront views. The lake's shores are like something out of a fantasy and are perfect for relaxing on a summer day.
jordan treadaway/Flickr
Hope's outstanding beauty is what draws a lot of visitors to the town. Even the way of getting to Hope, via the International Selkirk Loop, is considered one of the best and most scenic drives in the country.
The Hope Peninsula is simply awe-inspiring. The peninsula itself looks like an island in the middle of Lake Pend Oreille, and it is home to Sam Owen State Park. This park contains an excellent campground and should definitely become your next camping spot.
WIRescueGirl54891/Trip Advisor
Looking out onto the lake, you'll wonder why more people don't know about this incredible view!
When searching for things to do in Hope, Idaho, water activities are often at the top of the list. There are several marinas along the lake's shore, and the good majority of homes in Hope are situated along these marinas. Can you imagine living right next to a view like this?
John Mayer/Flickr

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Along with Hope's beauty is a unique history that gives this small town a character of its own. Believe it or not, Hope was actually the largest town in the surrounding area in the 1880s.
Alan Levine/Flickr
It all starts in 1882, with the coming of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The population seemed to grow overnight and the town immediately became a hot spot of activity. Back in the day, the town was bustling and saloons and hotels were capitalizing off of this sudden growth.

The town was officially named after a popular veterinarian who worked for the railroad and took care of the construction horses. Dr. Hope was a widely respected member of the town's population and his legacy remains with the town over a century later.
One of the most prominent historic points of the city is the Hotel Hope, which saw its prime during the initial days of the railroad. The present building is just a replacement for the original wooden one, which sadly burned to the ground in 1886.
Hotel Hope For Sale
Several trains would stop a day on the trip from Missouri to Portland, Oregon, so this hotel saw a lot of visitors. Hope Hotel has also attracted a lot of famous visitors back in its heyday, such as Bing Crosby, J.P. Morgan, Gary Cooper, and even Teddy Roosevelt!
Although the hotel has seen a variety of different owners over the decades, the love for the building itself has stayed. As of March 2023, the hotel is closed to the public and for sale. You can learn more on the Hotel Hope for Sale website.
Hotel Hope For Sale
The first level contains a saloon that has been carefully replicated to look how it did over a century ago. The building even contains the same doorknobs as the original hotel. Even more fascinating is the fact that in the basement are still the tunnels that were used so many years ago by guests to go to the railway station.
When you're done taking in the town's history, you can head over to one of the many waterfront restaurants! Enjoy an awesome meal right next to one of the most beautiful views you've ever seen.
vicki616/Trip Advisor
Perhaps the most famous eatery in Hope is the Old Ice House Pizzeria. Many people will argue this place has the best handmade pizza in the entire region. With amazing pizza, local brews, and a unique charm of its own, the Ice House is a must-stop.
BBTravelMom/Trip Advisor

With plenty of things to do in Hope, Idaho, this is one small town you must check out for yourself.

Have you been to Hope, Idaho? What are some of your favorite things to do in Hope, ID? What do you think is the most beautiful small town in the Gem State? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to check out our list of other amazing small Idaho towns you have to visit!

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More to Explore

Things to do in Hope, Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | March 21, 2023

Where is Hope, Idaho?

Hope, ID, is certainly one teeny-tiny town in the Gem State. In fact, this town has a popular of approximately 100 residents. Many Idahoans don’t even know where this small town is, but it is located in Bonner County in northern Idaho. It sits right along the bank of Lake Pend Oreille and across the lake from the popular town of Sandpoint.

What are some other small towns in Idaho I should visit?

While Hope, Idaho, certainly deserves a visit, there are many other small towns in the Gem State that are just as incredible and also deserve your time and attention. Some of these towns to consider include:

 

What are some fun facts about Lake Pend Oreille?

When searching for the best things to do in Hope, Idaho, a visit to Lake Pend Oreille is at the top of the list. This small town is located on the banks of this incredible lake and this massive body of water is breathtaking. Check out these fun facts about Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho:

  • Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s largest lake at 43 miles long.
  • This lake boasts 111 miles of shore.
  • This is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Idaho.
  • Lake Pend Oreille is not only the deepest lake in Idaho, but it is also one of the deepest lakes in the entire country!
  • Lake Pend Oreille is 1,158 feet deep!

 

Isn’t this massive lake impressive? If you want to learn even more about the deepest lake in Idaho, check out our feature article.

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Hope, ID 83836, USA