15 Best Things to do in Sandpont, Idaho + Lake Pend Oreille in the Summer
Idaho has quickly become one of our favorite states to explore. And after lingering on my bucket list for years, we set our sights on Sandpoint, a charming little town near the Canadian border in the northern reaches of the Idaho Panhandle!
While it’s not a big area, the region is loaded with diverse landscapes, history, and, of course, things to do!
During our stay in Sandpoint, we had a blast exploring the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, going up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, checking out the lovely farmers market, hiking countless trails, and so much more!
In this guide, we’re excited to share all the best things to do in Sandpoint, Idaho, in the summer, including the top sights, activities, and everything else you need to know for a memorable visit.
One of the main highlights of Sandpoint is Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, stretching across approximately 43 miles, surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains.
During the summer, the lake is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. You can swim in its crystal-clear waters, go kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating!
And if you’re an angler at heart, you’re in for a treat! Lake Pend Oreille is renowned for its fishing opportunities. Cast your line and reel in trophy-sized cutthrout and brown trout, mackinaw, large and smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon, and more!
Fishing charters such as Pend Oreille Charters, Seagull Charters, and Eagle Charters offer guided fishing trips on Lake Pend Oreille. These guides know where the fish are biting, so you’re in for some action!
2. Sandpoint City Beach
Sandpoint City Beach is a stunning park located on a beautiful peninsula where Lake Pend Oreille flows into the Pend Oreille River.
This sandy oasis offers a prime location for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or just lounging with a good book.
What makes this 22-acre park truly special is that it’s surrounded by sandy beaches. You can walk along the entire perimeter of the park and find different sections with designated swimming areas that even have lifeguard stations.
The park also offers amenities like volleyball courts, tennis courts (recently upgraded), a playground for kids, and even a public boat ramp for those who want to go boating.
3. Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Considered by many as the best skiing destination in Idaho and one of the top family-friendly resorts in the Pacific Northwest, Schweitzer Mountain Resort boasts a vast expanse of 2900 acres of epic terrain!
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle, the resort is actually the tallest point in Sandpoint and provides sweeping vistas of Lake Pend Oreille!
The history of Schweitzer Mountain Resort dates back over a century ago. The resort’s name was inspired by a Swiss hermit who took shelter in the area, giving rise to the name “Schweitzer,” which means “Swiss man” in German.
The resort officially opened as a winter ski area in the early 1960s, and it has since become a cherished spot for visitors seeking both winter and summer adventures.
It’s pretty wild how much there is to do at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and although we didn’t get to do it all, we want to share some of the best attractions and fun activities we have on our bucket list for next time!
Ride the Scenic Chairlift to the Sky House
One thing I’m really bummed we didn’t get to do was ride the Great Escape Quad, a chairlift that takes you to the top of the summit of Schweitzer. The views from the top would have been epic, plus you can grab some lunch at the Skyhouse. I mean, seriously, food at the top of the mountain? You don’t have to convince me of a good time.
During the summer, the chairlift operates daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which typically runs from June to September (weather permitting).
The Great Escape Quad chairlift at Schweitzer Mountain Resort does have a cost for riding. The pricing for the Summer Scenic Chairlift Rides, if purchased online in advance, is $25 for Adults and $20 for Juniors, Seniors (65-79), or Military.
Additionally, if you would rather get a workout in, you can hike up the Nature Trail, a moderately difficult trail that takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Downhill Mountain Biking
For those looking for a little adventure, Schweitzer offers 40 miles of mountain bike trails that descend 1700 vertical feet to Schweitzer Village!
Ultimate Kids Day Pass
If you’re visiting with kids, Schweitzer has something special for them too. They offer an ultimate fun pass that includes unlimited scenic chairlift rides, ziplining, a climbing wall, and even a trampoline jumper. Plus, they get a bag of jewels to use at the sluice box. It’s guaranteed to keep them entertained!
Horseback Rides
And if horseback riding is your thing, you’re in for a treat. From June to September, weather permitting, you can go on horseback rides through the beautiful forests and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Pend Oreille. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss, and it’s available for $105 per person in partnership with Mountain Horse Adventures.
4. Go on a Sunset & Eagle Watching Tour on Lake Pend Oreille
Probably one of my favorite (and most relaxing) things we did while in Sandpoint was hop on board the Shawnodese, a classic-looking cruise boat, for a sunset AND eagle-watching tour on Lake Pend Oreille.
During the tour, we got to spot bald eagles and their eaglets perched in their nests, and the scenery was beautiful, too!
The tour usually runs from June to September and lasts from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You can check their website for more specific information on timings and prices for adults, children, and seniors.
5. Take a hike in Sandpoint
Sandpoint has some seriously jaw-dropping scenery, and it only makes sense that there are tons of hikes to choose from. Since we can’t possibly list them all here, we will share our favorites!
Viewski Loop Trail
One of our absolute favorites is the Viewski Loop Trail to Flo Falls near the firehouse at Schweitzer Ski Resort. Trust me, it’s a hike you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re a fan of stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and a beautiful waterfall. This loop trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and offers a relatively easy hike with an elevation gain of about 223 feet.
Mickinnick Trail
With a 2,000-foot climb in just 3.5 miles, Mickinnick Trail in Sandpoint, Idaho is a workout with a view! The trail’s an out-and-back totaling 7 miles, treating you to sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint itself, the impressive Cabinet Mountains, and even the Pend Oreille River.
Caribou Lake
Caribou lake is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail located outside of Sandpoint in the Selkirk Mountains. This hike features a turquoise-blue alpine lake (and a great spot to hang up a hammock and kick back!) Some other great alpine lakes in the area include Hunt Lake and Fault Lake.
6. Float the Pack River
In Sandpoint, one of the local’s favorite things to do in the summer is floating down a 5.6-mile stretch of the Pack River!
Cause when the sun’s out and the water’s warm, it’s a local rite of passage to grab your tubes and hit the river.
Locals claim that the best put-in location is Colburn Culver Bridge, with take-out at Pack River Store with yummy eats for after your float.
Expect 2-2.5 hours of scenic beauty, sandy beaches, and swimming holes! You can also hit the lower section from the Pack River Store to Highway 2 for a rope swing.
7. Pick Huckleberries!
Did you really visit Idaho in the summer if you didn’t pick huckleberries?! Named the state of Idaho’s official fruit, huckleberries thrive at higher elevations, and let me tell you, we picked so many huckleberries that our hands we’re blue!
Huckleberry season in Idaho typically starts in mid-June and goes through August!
If you’re looking for the best places to pick huckleberries near Sandpoint, Idaho, we had some luck on Schweitzer Mountain Road and the Viewski Loop Trail. Remember to bring containers to collect your berry harvest!
8. Farmers Market
For the last 35 years, the Sandpoint farmers market has been connecting local farmers, fine artists, and craftspeople with the North Idaho community.
From homemade sourdough bread to locally picked huckleberry jam, not to mention all the fantastic handmade crafts created by the talented artisans of Sandpoint and the surrounding areas, this place has so many amazing vendors!
The market takes place at Farmin Park, from May until October, rain or shine!
On Saturdays, it kicks off bright and early at 9 am and keeps going until 1 pm. If you can’t make it on a Saturday, no worries! The market also operates on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, giving you a mid-week opportunity to stock up on all your favorite goodies.
Oh, and one more thing to keep in mind—while we all love our furry friends, dogs, unfortunately, aren’t allowed at the market.
For more info, check out the official website of the Sandpoint Farmers’ Market.
9. Explore Downtown Sandpoint
Sandpoint boasts an inviting downtown area that is brimming with historic charm. The roots of Sandpoint trace back to the late 19th century when it was established as a railroad town along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.
Today, Sandpoint’s downtown area is lined with beautifully restored brick and stone heritage buildings that have stood the test of time, giving Sandpoint a nostalgic vibe with boutique shops, art galleries, a theatre and local eateries. Here are some great places to check out downtown you visit!
The Panida Theater
Located on First Avenue, the Panida Theater used to host a variety of live performances and films that brought the community together.
This historic theater, built in 1927, features stunning brick architecture and hosts a variety of live performances, film screenings, and community events. Stepping inside the Panida Theater is like taking a step back in time, with its vintage decor and nostalgic ambiance.
Cedar Street Bridge Public Market
The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market in Sandpoint is truly one-of-a-kind in the United States. It’s a marketplace like no other, originally constructed in the 1920s, the bridge was built on wooden piles to connect downtown Sandpoint with the railroad depot on the other side of Sand Creek.
As rail traffic declined in the latter half of the 20th century, the bridge crossing became obsolete. However, in the 1970s, it was revitalized and transformed into a covered marketplace, taking inspiration from Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio.
Pend d’Oreille Winery
Established in 1995, Pend d’Oreille Winery holds a significant place in Sandpoint’s cultural and culinary landscape that has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality vintages that capture the essence of northern Idaho.
One of the remarkable features of Pend d’Oreille Winery is its commitment to using locally sourced grapes. The winery’s tasting room provides a warm and welcoming space for visitors to savor a diverse range of wines. From crisp whites to robust reds, Pend d’Oreille Winery offers a spectrum of flavors that cater to a variety of palates. Plus it has a super cute vibe!
10. Play a Round of Disc Golf at Baldfoot
If you’re into disc golf, you’re in luck! Sandpoint has a thriving community, claiming the title of being the 5th best disc golf destination in Idaho, offering an array of 4 fantastic courses. Among these, 3 courses boast an impressive 18 or more holes each!
Tucked away off Baldy Mountain Road, not far from the intersection with Great Northern Road, the Baldfoot Course has been flourishing year after year, drawing in enthusiasts from all around.
For gear, head to Mogul’s Disc Golf Supply. It’s is a fantastic go-to spot for all your disc golf needs.
11. The Festival at Sandpoint
When it comes to festivals in this Northern Idaho town, The Festival at Sandpoint takes the cake!
Since 1983, this eight-day extravaganza has been pulling in some of the region’s finest musicians to create one heck of a musical bash. And let’s not forget the thousands of fans who’ve swarmed in to revel in this summer sensation.
Over the years, the Sandpoint Music Festival stage has been graced by an incredible lineup from every musical nook and cranny. I’m talking The Bare Naked Ladies, ZZ Top, Johnny Cash, Lindsey Stirling – oh, and even The Beach Boys made an appearance!
If you’re eager to attend The Festival at Sandpoint, make a beeline for those tickets (they sell out quickly!)
12. Round Lake State Park
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Sandpoint in Sagle, you’ll find Round Lake State Park. The park surrounds the 123-acre Round Lake, formed from glacial activity in the Pleistocene. It offers various activities including hiking, biking, non-motorized boating, swimming, and camping during the summer season! Some great hikes include:
Round Lake Trail: This 1.8-mile loop trail is considered easy and takes about 34 minutes to complete on average. It provides stunning views of the lake and is suitable for all skill levels.
Stewardship Trail: A 2.1-mile trail that offers an easy to intermediate level of difficulty. It’s a great option for those looking for a slightly longer hike.
Trapper Trail: This is easy 3-mile hike that closely follows the shoreline of the lake.
13. Farragut State Park
Encompassing around 4,000 acres, Farragut State Park was once the site of a naval training station during World War II, where the remnants of history can still be explored within the park at the Museum at the Brig.
This State Park also offers an incredible aerial adventure course complete with zip lines, Tarzan swings, and ladders.
15.Silverwood Theme Park
If you’re up for a fun-filled adventure, take a 45-minute drive south of Sandpoint and you’ll arrive at Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in North Idaho! It’s a total blast for everyone, from families to those who are young at heart.
There are over 70 rides to experience, ranging from exhilarating roller coasters to water attractions in the water park!
Best Things To Do Sandpoint Idaho & Lake Pend Oreille
Our visit to Sandpoint, Idaho was packed full of adventure! We had such a fun time exploring Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain and the Pandhandle area!
We hope this travel guide has helped you figure out the best things to do when you visit! Did we miss anything?! Let us know in the comments below!
