Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Round Lake State Park

Having lived in almost every corner of Idaho, I have explored many of its state parks filled with gorgeous scenery, outdoor activities, and hidden gems. One park in northern Idaho that has captured the heart of travelers of all ages is Round Lake State Park. This 142-acre park features a peaceful glacier-formed lake, towering pine forest, and exceptional outdoor activities. And while I love to recommend a visit to this destination, you can’t overlook Sagle, a small town near Round Lake State Park.

 Why This Town is the Perfect Base for Round Lake State Park

This northern Idaho community originally got its start with timber and agriculture, but its name certainly wasn't planned. In the early 1900s, Mr. Nathan Powell applied to establish a local post office with the name "Eagle." When he learned the application was denied as the name was already in use, he simply replaced the "E" with an "S," and the revised name Sagle has remained ever since.

Throughout the years, the area has grown with developments like the Farragut Naval Training Station in the 1940s, Round Lake State Park in 1956, and Schweitzer Ski Resort in the 1960s. Today, Sagle is a small community of approximately 8,000 people, tucked along the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. This town is often overlooked by larger towns like nearby Sandpoint and popular northern Idaho tourist destinations. However, Sagle maintains its small-town charm as you drive down the tree-lined streets and visit with friendly locals.

What to Do in Sagle

One of the biggest draws to Sagle is the quiet, slower pace you’ll find when compared to nearby towns like Sandpoint. The Long Bridge is a sight to see, which actually connects Sagle to the town of Sandpoint. The bridge is two miles long and takes pedestrians and cyclists across the lake and river.

If you want a bit more of a challenge, you’ll also find the beautiful Gold Hill Trail #3 in Sagle, which is not too steep or difficult and provides panoramic views of major features in the area, like Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains. And during your time in Sagle, you don’t want to miss the Waterlife Discovery Center, which is a self-guided education center with trails, bridges, a fish hatchery, and underwater viewing opportunities. Both the Gold Hill Trail and the Waterlife Discovery Center are excellent day trips for the entire family—places to learn, explore, and fall in love with this gorgeous area of the Gem State.

Of course, time on the water is one of the most popular activities in Sagle. This town provides easy access to Lake Pend Oreille, the fifth deepest lake in the U.S. (shown below), but this is also one of the busiest lakes in the state. Nearby Round Lake is much different than Lake Pend Oreille, and is where you can find a quieter, more peaceful outdoor experience, as gas motors are not allowed. Here, it's easy to spend a day paddling along the calm water, breathing in the mountain air, and admiring the lush forest backdrop. Keep an eye out here for wildlife like moose, deer, beavers, turtles, and all types of bird species.

What to Know Before You Go

Sagle is most popular in the summer months due to the countless lake opportunities along Lake Pend Oreille and Round Lake. There are also campgrounds, hiking trails, and seasonal shops and restaurants to visit. However, in the autumn, Round Lake is one of our favorite places to view fall foliage in Idaho. Winter also brings many outdoor activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing.

This northern Idaho area makes for a great day trip, especially if you want to spend time at the lake, but with so much to see and do, we recommend you stick around and stay for a while. Sagle is home to multiple vacation rentals, many of which are located right on the water. You can also experience bright night skies by camping in the summer months. Round Lake State Park, for example, features a large campground with a sandy beach for a day full of swimming.

It’s easy to miss Sagle with so much to do and see in Idaho’s panhandle, but this small town near Round Lake State Park is a place with something for everyone, especially outdoor lovers. Whether you are searching for the perfect weekend road trip destination, your next family vacation spot, or even a solo escape in a beautiful corner of the state, Sagle is a hidden gem town that you’ll be grateful to have discovered.