At over 43-miles-long and boasting 111-miles of shoreline, Lake Pend Oreille is by far Idaho’s largest body of water. Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, it’s truly a sight to be seen when exploring North Idaho. There are tons of parks, beaches, and campgrounds around the lake, but there’s no greater way to see the sights of the northern shore than by hopping on the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Meandering eastward toward the Montana state line, the views on this scenic highway will leave you mesmerized.
Beginning at the intersection with U.S. 95, the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway (also known as Idaho 200) leads drivers on an incredible journey across Lake Pend Oreille's northern shore.
The byway stretches for over 33 miles in its entirety and typically takes drivers about 1.5-hours to complete. The two-lane paved road is easy to traverse, so simply sit back and enjoy the views as you embark on this incredible highway.
Starting just north of Sandpoint, the highway will quickly take you through picturesque little towns such as Ponderay, Kootenai, and Hope. Along the way you'll enjoy stunning views of the lake's Oden Bay and Ellisport Bay, plus the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area.
The highway closely follows the lake's shoreline for nearly the entire way. Completing byway may take just a couple hours, but you can always extend your adventure by stopping to enjoy the recreational activities available alongside the lake.
In the summertime, Lake Pend Oreille is a paradise for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. An abundance of shoreline campgrounds makes it easier than ever to plan an adventure at Idaho's largest lake.
As the highway veers away from the lake, stretching along the Clark Fork River towards the Montana border, you'll enjoy idyllic views of farmlands, river deltas, and a distant view of the mountainous horizon. If only this byway could go on forever!
Whether you're simply passing through the Idaho panhandle or you're planning for a weekend filled with lakeside fun, the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway is an excellent way to start your adventure.
Have you traversed the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway before? We consider ourselves lucky to have access to so many scenic byways. Which one in Idaho is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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