When planning a trip to Ponderay, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: the road route can provide the framework, while seasonal outdoor activities and other forms of recreation call for their own planning decisions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ponderay, consider whether a drive on the International Selkirk Loop, the time of year, or a particular activity should shape your stay. This lets you identify your main reason for traveling first and then consider other interests.
On the International Selkirk Loop
The International Selkirk Loop follows US 95 north to the city. In Ponderay, it turns north at the intersection of US 95 and Idaho State Highway 200. This identifies two parts of the route: the stretch on US 95 to Ponderay and the Loop’s northbound direction at the intersection. If you’re planning a drive on the Loop, you can consider Ponderay a specific point along the route and decide whether the route or other activities should shape your stay.
Schweitzer Mountain: Skiing and Summer Activities
Schweitzer Mountain has 2,900 acres of ski terrain; this acreage may change as the resort develops. In summer, the mountain offers more than 40 kilometers of hiking and biking trails; their total length may change as the trail network expands. This offers different activity options depending on when you travel: ski terrain on one hand, and trails for hiking and biking in summer on the other. If you’ve already settled on a season, you can first choose the activity that suits it. If your dates are still flexible, the activity you want to do may, in turn, play a role in choosing when to travel.
A ride on the Great Escape Quad also offers expansive views of Lake Pend Oreille. It’s a different way to take in the scenery than hiking or biking on trails: the focus is on a ride with views of the lake. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between trail activities and this particular ride.
Golf, Recreation Areas, and the Lakeshore
The Elks Golf Course in Ponderay is a 9-hole course. The Field of Dreams Recreation Complex in Ponderay covers 50 acres and is a sports and recreation facility. These offer different interests: a golf course with a specified 9-hole format and a complex for sports and recreation. If golf is a focus of your stay, the number of holes gives you a specific point of reference; if you want to focus on other sports and recreational interests, the Field of Dreams Recreation Complex offers a different option.
The Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail runs for about 1.5 miles along the lakeshore from Sandpoint and provides public access to the shore. Its approximate length may change if sections of the trail are added. The trail currently ends at a gate marking private property. Because access conditions may change during shoreline work, check current trail conditions and possible closures before visiting.
Explore more destinations: Blanchard, Hope, Priest River, Sagle, Athol, Sandpoint, Coolin
Return to the main travel overview: Bonner County.
