Bonners Ferry, Idaho

We recently took a trip up into Northern Idaho, which is beautiful.

We stayed in Bonners Ferry, Idaho which is absolutely gorgeous. It is a lush green valley, set in the middle of forested mountains.

They have elk, deer, bear and moose as well as a wide variety of birds there.

The Kootenai River winds it's way through Bonners Ferry.

Learn more about Bonners Ferry here, and enjoy the photo's we took along the way.

Photo by Linda Hoxie. All rights reserved.

• Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

  The refuge hosts more than 230 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 22 species of fish and more scenery than can be absorbed in a day. The refuge lies on 2,774 acres of prime wetlands and meadows.

• Elk Mountain Farms

  North of Bonners Ferry, Elk Mountain Farms grows hops for parent company Anheuser-Busch.

• Moyie River Overlook and Bridge

  Spectacular views of Moyie River and dam from one of the highest bridges in Idaho.

• Waterfalls

  Copper Falls

  Three miles southeast of Eastport via Copper Creek Road No. 2517. Unique geologic site with short, easy hike to spectacular falls.

  Myrtle Creek Falls

  1/10 of a mile northwest of visitor center at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. A developed hiking trail winds up the a viewpoint of the impressive falls.

  Smith Creek Falls

  Highway 95 and Highway 1 north, then via Copeland Road to Westside Road. Falls are on private property, observe from the county road.

  Snow Creek Falls

  To Snow Creek-Myrtle Creek Loop. Short walk to the falls on improved trail with overlooks.

• Moyie Picnic Area

  Access is from Highway 95 at Good Grief, take the Moyie River Road south about three miles to Sinclair Lake.

• Mirror Lake Golf Course

  South of town on Hwy 95.

• Scenic Drives

  Scenic roads abound in Boundary County where you can venture into the Selkirk Mountains, follow the Moyie River or see the spectacular vistas of the Kootenai River Valley. For scenic driving loop tours, try any of the following.

  Moyie River Loop

  Access from Highway 95 to Moyie River Road No. 211 or Highway 2 to Meadow Creek Road No. 229

  Kootenai Valley views; river access for boating, fishing, picnics, camping; wildlife; scenic photos; side trips to Dawson and Sinclair lakes. Year-round access for all vehicles, paved/gravel (2 hours).

  Snow Creek - Myrtle Creek Loop

  Access from Kootenai Wildlife Refuge on Forest Road Nos. 633, 661 and 402

  Views of peaks in the Selkirk Crest, trail access for day hikes, side trips to Roman Nose lakes, wildlife viewing of elk, deer and bear. Summer only, not suggested for RVs or trailers (4 hours).

  Katka Overlook

  East on Ash Street from Highway 95 in Bonners Ferry to County Road No. 24, then 4 miles to Forest Road No. 314

  Outstanding views of Kootenai River Valley, Bonners Ferry and the Selkirk Mountains. Year-round access for all vehicles, paved road (1.5 hours).

  Canuck Basin

  7 miles east on Highway 2 to County Road 72, north 4 miles to Forest Road No. 435, north 15 miles

  Spectacular mountain views into Canada and northwest peaks, scenic picnic areas along Deer Creek, side trip to Deer Ridge lookout. Summer only, paved/gravel road, not suggested for RVs or trailers (3 hours).

In the above photo you are looking at a view to the west of the Kootenai River in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The Kootenai is the United States spelling for this river that runs through both the US and Canada. In Canada it is spelled Kootenay.

Interesting fact: The river begins as a Tributary of the Columbia River and runs 485 miles to the Pacific Ocean.

When gold was discovered

"When gold was discovered in the East Kootenays

of British Columbia in 1863, thousands of prospectors from all over

the West surged northward over a route that became known as the Wildhorse

Trail. Edwin Bonner, an enterprising merchant from Walla Walla,

Wash., established a ferry in 1864 where the trail crossed the broad

Kootenai River. In 1875 Richard Fry leased the business, but the location

retained the name of the original founder and later became the town

of Bonners Ferry."

Kootenai River in Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Can you imagine waking up every morning in Bonners Ferry to this view? I can see why the residents live there.

American Flag on the Bridge in Bonners Ferry

I appreciate your time, please drop a note here.

Thank you,

Linda