The Beautiful Idaho River That Actually Flows Through Two Countries At Once
Ah, North Idaho. A land of unrivaled and pristine wooded beauty, secrets galore, and rugged, impassable wilderness. We treasure our Panhandle something fierce, but the edges of our uppermost portion are often overlooked when it comes to travel and exploration – although we kind of like it that way! But hidden in this tiny strip of trees, mountains, and babbling brooks is untamed, and Idaho at its most glorious.
Most people don’t realize it, but Idaho is river country, the Panhandle included. With over 100,000 waterway miles criss-crossing throughout the state between our rivers, streams, and creeks, you’re bound to find something special along the way. The Kootenay River (or Kootenai, depending on where you are) is just one unique haven. This spectacular and powerful body of water not only weaves through some of the most stunning scenery in Idaho… but what truly makes it special is the fact that this marvelous river makes a full loop through two nations – the only river in the US to do so.
If you've ever ventured to North Idaho, you know that our little Panhandle is a world of its own, overflowing with natural beauty in every form.
Mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see - it's a spectacular landscape that Idahoans treasure.
But travel far enough North - beyond the limits of Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and other well-known cities - and you'll find that the closer you get to Canada, the more wild and mysterious the landscape becomes.
Here, a wild and broad river meanders through the landscape. But few people know the incredible journey that this beautiful waterway goes through to reach Idaho.
Although similar in length to the immense Columbia River, the Kootenay is of a notably different character. From its headwaters to its confluence with the Columbia, it falls nearly two miles in elevation resulting in scores of intense rapids.
Born in Canadian glaciers, this wild river runs south through the Beaverfoot Range of British Columbia and on into Montana before finding itself passing near Bonners Ferry.
But this magnificent river, true to the incredible spirit that is the Gem State, slows down into a wonderful stream, perfect for fishing, before winding back over the border.
Called the 'Kootenai in the US, historically this river was called the Flatbow because of the shape of the Kootenai's bows. The Ktunaxa (Kootenai) tribe were the first lived along its banks until David Thompson, a Canadian Explorer, began to establish trading posts throughout the region, including around Lake Pend Oreille. The upper Kootenai knew it as aqkinmiluk, while the lower river Kootenai called it aqkoktlaqatl.
Kayaking this multi-nation gem is a favorite, but you won’t regret a simple fishing trip either! What’s your favorite hidden gem in this neck of the woods?
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