Visit The Northernmost Area Of Idaho's Panhandle For An Unforgettable Experience
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 22, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
When people think about moving to or exploring Idaho, certain areas first come to mind like Boise and the Sawtooth Mountains. However, located in the northernmost part of Idaho’s panhandle is an area that is just waiting to be explored. This beautiful part of the state is filled with small towns, beautiful lakes, state parks, and more. It doesn’t matter if you are a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or just want to get out of the house, Idaho’s panhandle is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
The panhandle encompasses 10 counties in Idaho. It includes many unique terrains like the Palouse Region and is known for its incredible forests. While many individuals only go as far north as Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, they are missing out on so much more.
This northernmost area of the panhandle is home to Priest Lake State Park. This state park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and is home to family-friendly hiking trails, terrific campsites, and, of course, Priest Lake.
This beautiful lake is often overshadowed by larger lakes like the nearby Lake Pend Oreille. However, Priest Lake is the perfect vacation spot all year long.
This lake has everything you need for an outdoor adventure including camping, boating, fishing, and even skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months.
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Priest Lake is also one of the best places in Idaho to see the Northern Lights. Here, you are away from large cities and light pollution, which can hinder your view.
This isn't the only lake you can explore in the northernmost area of the panhandle. There are many smaller lakes scattered around this area as well including Smith Lake, Dawson Lake, Perkins Lake, and Bonner Lake.
Lionhead Campground in Priest Lake State Park is where you will find the trailhead to access this natural waterslide. After a 1.5-mile hike, you will reach a 100-foot granite natural waterslide.
For history buffs who want to explore this part of the state, check out the Priest Lake Museum.
This museum is designed to teach visitors about the natural and cultural characteristics that make this area so unique. It is also located in a historic cabin that was built in the 1930s. Every part of this day trip destination is sure to teach you something.
The northern part of Idaho's panhandle is also home to numerous small towns like Naples, Samuels, and Good Grief. However, one small town that deserves to be on every bucket list is Bonners Ferry.
This Idaho town is small, with just over 2,600 residents, but is located right along the Kootenai River, which offers beautiful river views.
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If you are looking for someplace new and bucket-list-worthy to explore in Idaho, plan a visit to the northernmost part of the panhandle in Idaho. It’s an experience you won't forget.
Have you been to this area of the state? What are some of your favorite things to do here? Let us know in the comments! And, if you have a restaurant, hotel, bed and breakfast, hike, or other must-do attraction in the panhandle that you enjoy, let us know about it! Fill out this nomination form and tell us why you love it!
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