Guides/Overland routes/Idaho
Overland route280 midifficulty: easy

International Selkirk Loop

RegionIdahoAlso inWashingtonAgencyIdaho Transportation Department, Washington State DOT, British Columbia Ministry of TransportationLast verified—
International Selkirk Loop — overland route near Sandpoint, Idaho, Idaho
Chris Ramsdell / FHWA (Public Domain)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
280mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. The route is paved end to end and includes a free vehicle ferry across Kootenay Lake in British Columbia.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Service in major towns; spotty in the British Columbia segment between Creston and Nelson.
Take action
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The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile paved circuit around the Selkirk Mountains through Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia. The U.S. portion was designated an All-American Road in 2005, the only multinational scenic byway in the National Scenic Byways system. The loop established its current form in 1999.

The route uses US 95 and US 2 in Idaho, Washington 31 and Washington 20 in Washington, and BC 3, BC 6, BC 3A, and BC 31 in British Columbia. The Kootenay Lake Ferry, free and run by the BC Ministry of Transportation, connects Balfour and Kootenay Bay across the lake's west arm. The crossing is roughly 35 minutes and frequent service runs daily.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Border crossings. Carry passports for all travelers, including children. Eastport (US 95) and Nelway (Washington 31) are the primary U.S. ports.
  • Wildlife. White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, and the occasional grizzly bear cross the road. Crashes peak at dawn and dusk.
  • Winter conditions. Snow and ice are common November through April. Carry chains.
  • Ferry schedule. The Kootenay Lake Ferry has limited night service. Check times before relying on it for end-of-day plans.
  • Bear country. Both grizzly and black bears are present. Store food properly at campsites.

Location

280 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 48.617, -116.552

Trail facts

4 fields
AgencyIdaho Transportation Department, Washington State DOT, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Nearest townSandpoint, Idaho
Websiteselkirkloop.org
Approx. location48.617, -116.552

Getting there

Directions

Southern start (Sandpoint). Take US 95 north from Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint, where the Idaho segment of the loop begins.

Eastern start (Bonners Ferry). Take US 95 north from Sandpoint to Bonners Ferry, where the loop continues east toward Eastport and the Canadian border.

Western start (Newport, WA). Take US 2 east from Spokane to Newport, where the loop crosses into Idaho.

Photos

4 photos

Photos · 4

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The loop circles the Selkirk Mountains, a north-south range that straddles the U.S.-Canadian border. The Idaho segment runs through Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint along Lake Pend Oreille and the Kootenai River. The Washington segment crosses to Newport along the Pend Oreille River. The Canadian segment runs through Salmo, Nelson, Kaslo, and Creston, with the Kootenay Lake Ferry providing the western crossing.

Trail Overview

Two hundred and eighty miles of two-lane pavement, loop. All four jurisdictions plow their segments year-round, so the loop is drivable any season. Most travelers run it over two to four days with stops in Sandpoint, Nelson, and Creston. The Kootenay Lake Ferry is free and runs frequent daily service; check current schedules before planning the crossing.

Points of Interest

  • Sandpoint, Idaho. Resort town on Lake Pend Oreille with a beach, marina, and Schweitzer Mountain ski area on the ridge above.
  • Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Small Kootenai River town with a national wildlife refuge in the river bottom; closer access to the Selkirk crest.
  • Roman Nose Lakes. A hike-in alpine lake basin in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest accessible from Bonners Ferry.
  • Kootenay Lake Ferry. Free 35-minute crossing between Balfour and Kootenay Bay, the longest free ferry route in the world.
  • Nelson, British Columbia. Heritage downtown with restored Victorian-era buildings, a hot-springs anchor at Ainsworth, and the Kootenay Co-op for groceries.
  • Creston, British Columbia. Agricultural town at the south end of Kootenay Lake with the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
  • Newport, Washington. Pend Oreille River town at the southwestern corner of the loop.

Where to Camp

Idaho Panhandle National Forest campgrounds line the Idaho segment near Bonners Ferry and Priest Lake. Pend Oreille County and Colville National Forest run developed sites in Washington. British Columbia provincial parks (Kokanee Creek, Lockhart Beach) handle the Canadian segment. Reservations through the relevant agency portal in summer.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Carry a passport. The loop crosses the Canadian border twice (Eastport in Idaho or Nelway in Washington, plus Rykerts or another crossing returning).
  • The Kootenay Lake Ferry is free but runs on a published schedule. Check the BC Ministry of Transportation site before you arrive.
  • Allow two to four days. Day-tripping the full loop is possible but skips the things worth stopping for.
  • Sandpoint and Nelson have the deepest food and lodging; plan overnight stops there.
  • Carry chains November through April even at lower elevations.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is International Selkirk Loop?
International Selkirk Loop is rated easy. The route runs 280 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for International Selkirk Loop?
Any street-legal vehicle. The route is paved end to end and includes a free vehicle ferry across Kootenay Lake in British Columbia.
When is the best time to visit International Selkirk Loop?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Is there cell service at International Selkirk Loop?
Service in major towns; spotty in the British Columbia segment between Creston and Nelson.