Click on the legend icon next to the title
of any attraction to see a map of the county.
Kootenai
National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife enthusiasts or bird watchers
shouldn’t miss a visit to the 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. It was established as a refuge
in 1965 to provide a resting place to migrating waterfowl
in the Pacific Flyway.
Tens of thousands of migrating ducks,
geese and swans visit the refuge in the fall. Summer residents
include bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, herons, geese and
ducks. With luck, one may spot big game such as elk, deer,
bear or moose.
The 4.5-mile auto tour circumnavigates
the main ponds, winding past several wildlife photo blinds.
The refuge has a system of foot trails as well, the shortest
of which is the Myrtle Falls trail. The trail is winding
and steep but is well-maintained. The view of the falls makes
the hike worthwhile.
The refuge is open during the day year-round,
although the auto tour is restricted during hunting season.
To get there, go west on Riverside Road in downtown Bonners
Ferry for five miles to the refuge entrance. The office is
two miles farther down the road. Pick up a trail map at the
refuge office, or call for more information at 208/267-3888.
Back
to top
Elk
Mountain Farms
North of Bonners Ferry, Elk Mountain Farms
grows hops for parent company Anheuser-Busch. The two locations
in the Kootenai River Valley comprise 1,700 acres of fertile
ground that grows 889 hops plants per acre. The intricate
system of poles and trellises is impressive, as are the vines
that grow 20 feet tall. Harvest is in late August to early
September. To view the field, drive north on Highway 95 to
Highway 1 and turn left on the Copeland Road. Drive to the
Westside Road and go south for outstanding views overlooking
the fields. The operation can also be seen from Porthill.
Back
to top
Scenic
Attractions
Moyie
River Overlook and Bridge
.5 mile east of Moyie Springs on Highway 2. Spectacular views
of Moyie River and dam from one of the highest bridges in Idaho.
McArthur
Wildlife Management Area
15 miles south of Bonners Ferry on Highway 95. Waterfowl, moose,
elk, Canada geese and bald eagles.
Back
to top
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
See “Scenic Roads,” to Snow Creek-Myrtle Creek Loop.
Short walk to the falls on improved trail with overlooks.
Back
to top
Boulder
City Ghost Town
See “Scenic Roads” to Katka
Overlook, next page. Access Forest Road No. 314, east of
Bonners Ferry. Limited remains on site.
Back
to top
Moyie
Picnic Area
Access is from Highway 95 at Good Grief,
take the Moyie River Road south about three miles to Sinclair
Lake.
This is a new picnic and day use area
with access to the Moyie River. Don’t miss viewing the
unique commissioned sculpture.
Back
to top
Mirror
Lake Golf Course
Bonners Ferry has its own challenging
public golf course, Mirror Lake Golf Course, just a few miles
south of town on Highway 95. The course features everything
from water hazards to long fairways and is unique in that
it can challenge the abilities of any golfer. A second set
of tee boxes means golfers can play a second round of nine
holes from a different perspective. For more information
on tee times or greens fees, call 267-5314.
Back
to top
Scenic
Roads
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).
Back
to top
Kootenai
Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery
The Kootenai Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery
plays a major role in the recovery of the white sturgeon
species. The hatchery was built in the spring of 1991 as
an experimental facility to help enhance the endangered Kootenai
River white sturgeon population. Recent improvements to the
hatchery, along with a continued understanding on the culture
of white sturgeon, have contributed greatly. The hatchery
raises one- and two-year-old sturgeon for release into the
Kootenai River as directed under research objectives. Funding
is provided by the Bonneville Power Administration under
the support of the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation
Act of 1980.
The hatchery is located on Kootenai Tribe
property three miles west of Bonners Ferry. Visitors are
invited to stop in anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday. Call for directions or to arrange a tour;
208-267-7082. Hatchery personnel take pride in the upkeep
of the hatchery, cleaning the tanks and feeding the fish
daily. The spawning process takes place between April and
June, a busy time for hatchery personnel. In addition to
white sturgeon, rainbow trout are also raised at the hatchery,
and used as food for adult sturgeon brought into the hatchery
for spawning.
Back
to top
Naples
General Store
The Naples General Store is a true general
store, with wood floors and a welcoming wood stove. The inventory
is complete and competitively priced - with groceries, gas,
frozen food, produce, deli, propane, kerosene, hardware,
a gift and music section, and much more. The Naples General
Store operates the first and only American Youth Hostel in
Idaho. Call 267-2947.
