Recreation

Endless Waters, Edges and Islands

From the shores of big lakes to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in the handle of North Idaho.

Recreation opportunities on the IPNF can be viewed as occuring in 5 fairly broad geographic areas, each centered around one or more distinctive features. These areas are the:

  • Priest Lake Area (Priest Lake Ranger District - flanking scenic Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake)
  • Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry Ranger District - rugged mountains surrounding the Kootenai River as it flows through the northern panhandle)
  • Pend Oreille Lake Area (Sandpoint Ranger District - centered around Pend Oreille Lake and its major tributaries - Clark Fork River, Lightning Creek, and Pack River)
  • Coeur d'Alene River Area (Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District - comprised largely of the Coeur d'Alene river basin)
  • St. Joe River Area (St. Joe Ranger District - comprised primarily of the St. Joe River basin)

On our web site you'll find our recreation sites organized by these areas. So, note the area on our forest you'd like to stay or explore and then discover our recreation opportunites. Or, choose an activity and see where on the forest it is offered. Either way, we're sure you'll find exceptional recreation opportunities on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

The map below shows these areas in relation to the entire Idaho panhandle. These areas are also coincident with our 5 Ranger Districts: Priest Lake, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene River, and St. Joe. Read more...

St. Joe River Area St. Joe River Area Coeur d Alene River Area Pend Oreille Lake Area Pend Oreille Lake Area Pend Oreille Lake Area Lower Kootenai River Area Lower Kootenai River Area Priest Lake Area

Recreation Conditions Report

 Area Name Status Area Conditions
Arid Peak Lookout Closed to Visitor Closed for repairs
Emerald Creek Campground Open to Visitor
Emerald Creek Garnet Area Closed to Visitor
Red Ives Cabin Closed to Visitor Closed for the winter. Lottery application for the 2012 is available. NOTE: Cellular service is unavailable in this area.
Route of the Hiawatha Rail-Trail Closed to Visitor www.skilookout.com for more information.
Shadowy St. Joe Campground Closed to Visitor The Campground will be open Thursday, April 12, to Sunday, April 15. There will be no fee and no services.
Surveyors Lookout Closed to Visitor