Let's face it, REALTORs® have a reputation just hovering above used car salesmen. I don't mean that everyone thinks poorly of us, but we rank in opinion right around attorneys, politicians, and doctors. Weird that some of those professions used to be the most respected.
I believe that while we earn our daily bread from selling properties, it is also our job to promote and steward our towns and communities.
Some of our area REALTORs® do a very good job of doing just that. Right here on ActiveRain in Sandpoint there are three that are very good at helping the world know about our award-winning town. Both Kent Anderson and Rick Evans not only blog constantly about area events and features, but also get out and enjoy the activities Sandpoint and North Idaho have to offer. Both are avid skiers, hikers, and cyclers, and each spends lots of family time basking in the glorious outdoors which have become synonymous with North Idaho. It is a wonder they have the time to sell real estate and/or blog about it.
Rich Curtis is very active with local politics and policies. There are many like this in our area, but since we are on ActiveRain, I think it is appropriate to mention these three.
Personally, I also blog, but carry it a bit further with hundreds of pages and articles that you can find on my dozens of websites. In fact we have three of the top-10 most viewed websites in Sandpoint, including www.SandpointID.net, www.SandpointCentral.com, www.Sandpoint-Idaho.org, and www.SkiSchweitzer.net. I have posted over 2,000 pictures of Sandpoint and North Idaho on the web, have written for the Sandpoint Reader, the Bonner County Daily Bee, and Idaho Cuisine magazine.
Support of charities and events has been the one place I have found to make my heart happy. Over the last four years over four dozen charities and events have received monetary and time support, and my plans are to fully support the upcoming Wooden Boat Show (thanks to Cathleen Hyde for her never-ending efforts), Dover Days, Jean Pack's last Variety Show (her final show will be her 33rd in support of local charities), and Lakedance Film Festival. For Lakedance we will pay for and host the 3rd Annual Sandpoint Art Break at Cedar Street Bridge. In fact, over the last three years, my team, meaning my business partner Jed Sigman and myself, have not only hosted but paid for 25 art shows and events.
This weekend I will be filming and photographing both Dover Days and the Wooden Boat Show and will be manning the information booth at the Dover Bay event. I will be performing at the Jean Pack show at the Panida on October 17th at the Panida to benefit area veterans.
For the last five years I have hosted two community radio shows: North Idaho Business and North Idaho Arts and Adventure. These are broadcast on KSPT in Sandpoint and KBFI in Bonners Ferry. These two stations were the first radio stations in each respective area, and the shows have introduced hundreds of notable people to our towns, including artists, business people, politicians, and characters. Don't get paid for the effort, but believe these interviews have provided a glimpse into what our town is all about. See, I think that while we are blessed with extraordinary natural wonders and beauty, it is our people who make us truly unique.
Since I am a business man with extensive experience, another way to give back to our community is to have mentored over a dozen new businesses in Sandpoint.
Since I am a web designer, I have also donated to many of these businesses and charities websites that have helped get their messages out.
See, most of us have many talents, and as REALTORs® suffering from a bad image, it is important to improve that image by using those abilities and talents to better our towns and promote our communities. Besides, even if it doesn't make others think better of us, it sure makes your heart skip a beat with happieness each and every time you do something that helps our your neighbors.
Finally, since we are a resort community we do have some spectacular homes and real estate. Many of those properties range in price well above the million dollar mark. Certainly I sell those properties, and actually specialize in waterfront and view properties. I also make extra effort in getting deserving folk in homes that are sub-$200,000. This month I will have helped a wonderful retired gentlewoman get into a stunning cedar-sided home overlooking the Roman Nose mountain for only $100,000, and two other couples into great homes under $150,000. To only sell to the wealthy is elitest, and it is our job to help everyone who wants to live in our part of paradise find the homes of their dreams.
Try it. You might just find that simply selling land or homes won't be enough any longer.
As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com
Remember, you can view the complete Calendar of Events and much, much more, including hundreds of articles and web resources plus over 1,000 pictures of North Idaho by visiting my website.
Go to www.SandpointID.net for everything you want to know about North Idaho.
Weekly and Ongoing Events
Sandpoint - Pend d'Oreille Winery has regular acts, 220 Cedar St. No cover charge. 208-265-8545 http://www.powine.com/viewevents.asp
Sandpoint - Three Glasses Wine Bar and Restaurant has regular live music, 202 1/2 208-265-0230
Sandpoint: Di Luna's Café, 207 Cedar St. has music and other events. Check for ticket prices and line-up. 208-263-0846
Weekends: Sandpoint - Eichardt's Beer and Wine Pub has regular bands. This is one of our few places that has full bands jammin' out. 212 Cedar Street. Starts at 8 p.m., Normally no cover charge. 208-263-4005
Weekends: Sandpoint - Stage Right Cellars, 302 N. First Ave., has bands, individual acts, and even comedians. 208-265-8116 http://stagerightcellars.com/Calendar_of_Events.html
Sandpoint - Slate's Prime Time Grill 204 N. Triangle Drive, Ponderay, ID 83852 also has bands, individual acts, and comedians. 208-263-1381
Sandpoint - Coldwater Creek Wine Bar, 311 First Avenue has small musical acts regularly 208-265-1912
Sandpoint - Cafe Trinity, at City Beach has small musical acts regularly 208-255-7558 http://www.cafetrinitysandpoint.com/
Nightly: Coeur d'Alene - Live Nightly Music at the Cd'A Cellars Barrel Room No. 6. in downtown Coeur d'Alene with live music at the wine bar. Also, take advantage of their free wireless internet to get caught up on work, study or e-mail--all while sipping great CDA Cellars wine. 503 Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 208-664-9632
Mondays - Saturdays: Coeur d'Alene - Enjoy Blues, Jazz & Classics every night at The Wine Cellar 313 Sherman Ave. - Coeur d'Alene - 208-664-Wine The music plays from 7-10 pm Monday-Thursday and 8-12 pm Friday & Saturday
Mondays: Sandpoint - Monday Night Blues Jam Hosted by Truck Mills, a 12-year music tradition taking place Weekly at Eichardt's, 212 Cedar Street. Starts @ 8 pm No cover 208-263-4005
Weekly - Saturdays & Wednesdays: Sandpoint - Farmer's Market An open-air market Sandpoint tradition where you can find locally grown fresh produce, crafts, flowers, food and music at Farmin Park, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm. For more info get this pdf
Summer Season: Sandpoint - Artists' Studio Tour Artists are opening their studios for this self-guided North Idaho driving tour. Meet artists in their environs and see how it's done. Many of the studios are open for the season June 1-Sept. 4 with special events in July. No charge. ArtTourDrive.org. 208-597-6934
2nd Friday monthly April - Dec: Coeur d'Alene - Art Walk The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has organized a monthly Art Walk, that takes place from 5-8 pm the 2nd Friday monthly, April through December. Enjoy an evening of exceptional art, fine dining and friends in downtown 208-664-3194 www.artsincda.org
Summer Season June 12-July 7: Sandpoint - ArtWalk I The first of two exhibits opens with art receptions several locations downtown. Each summer, Pend Oreille Arts Council coordinates Artwalk, an exhibition of art by local and regional artists in 17 locations in downtown Sandpoint. During the opening receptions for Artwalk I and II, locations provide beverages and hors d'oeuvres, and live music in some venues.
July 31-Sept. 14: Sandpoint - ArtWalk II The second of two exhibits opens with art receptions several locations downtown. Each summer, Pend Oreille Arts Council coordinates Artwalk, an exhibition of art by local and regional artists in 17 locations in downtown Sandpoint. During the opening receptions for Artwalk I and II, locations provide beverages and hors d'oeuvres, and live music in some venues.
Outdoor sculpture will also on display in various locations along the Artwalk. During the summer, the public can pick up an Artwalk brochure at any participating location or at the Chamber of Commerce and take a self-guided walking tour of the displays. Self-guided tours for ArtWalk I through Aug. 4 208-263-6139
Free Concerts Events
Thursdays: Coeur d'Alene - 2009 Concert Series in Riverstone Park. Thursday nights July through August at the amphitheater. Free. Visit www.artsincda.org for this week's performing artist.
Tuesdays: Coeur d'Alene - Downtown Coeur d'Alene Concert Series - 6-8:30 PM Tuesdays Sherman Square Park 316 Sherman Ave. 208-667-3162
Wednesdays: Hayden - Hayden Concert Series - 6-8:30 PM July 8 thru August 5 on Wednesdays Hayden City Park N. Government Way 208-667-3162
Saturdays: Sandpoint - Summer Sounds at Park Place Summer Sounds at Park Place every Saturday 12-2 pm Saturday through Labor Day Weekend at the Park Place stage, corner of First and Cedar, Sandpoint sponsored by POAC 208-263-6139
Sundays: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene City Park Concert Series - 1-4 PM Sundays Coeur d'Alene City Park Mullan Ave Northwest Blvd. 208-667-3162
Sundays in July: Sandpoint - Concerts on the Lawn 2-4 pm on the lawn in front of the Edgewater Resort at City Beach. A free, live concert series sponsored by POAC 263-6139
July 2009
July 1: Sandpoint - NWBRA Barrel Racing 6:30pm North West Barrel Racing Association 208-263-8414.
July 3: Post Falls - Demolition Derby & Fireworks Extravaganza Stateline Speedway 773-5019
July 3: Coeur d'Alene - 4th of July Kiddies Parade. This is a true favorite among the youngsters! This "rolling parade" goes down Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d'Alene. Don't forget to wear your red, white and blue! Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association 208-667-5986.
July 3-5: Bayview - Bayview Daze Each year Bayview hosts a 4th of July holiday celebration on the weekend nearest July 4th. This event is the biggest holiday festival held in Bayview and attracts people from near and afar.
Activities and events include a street market with booths where local goods are sold, a street parade including restored and collector cars, a lighted boat parade, and the featured attraction - a fabulous fireworks display orchestrated on Lake Pend Oreille. 208-683-2243 for reservations or email us
July 4: Priest River - Fourth of July Celebration in Priest River. Enjoy the great fireworks show over the beautiful Pend Oreille River, the fireworks begin at 10 pm 208-448-2721.
July 4: Sandpoint - Fourth of July On City Beach the Sandpoint Lions Club sponsors a downtown parade and a carnival, plus a raffle, stage performances, culminating in one of the area's best fireworks shows. Want to do it different? Take in the show in your boat offshore from City Beach. 208-263-0887
July 4: Athol - Fireworks Extravaganza at Silverwood Theme Park: Celebrate Independence Day at Silverwood with patriotic music and a Fireworks Extravaganza at dusk. Included in gate admission price. For more information call 208-683-3400.
July 4: Coeur d'Alene - Black Rock Fourth of July Celebration-Downtown Coeur d'Alene celebration includes a grand parade down Sherman Avenue, boat parade, live music, food vendors, children's activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Coeur d'Alene. Coeur d'Alene Resort/Downtown 208-664-3194 ext. 170 or www.cdachamber.com
July 4: Coeur d'Alene - Fourth of July Celebration-Downtown Coeur d'Alene celebration includes a grand parade down Sherman Avenue, boat parade, live music, food vendors, children's activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Coeur d'Alene. Coeur d'Alene Resort/Downtown 208-664-3194 ext. 170 or www.cdachamber.com
July 4: Bonners Ferry - Praise & Salute A Tribute to God and Country, Boundary Co. Fair Grounds 1 - 9 pm
July 4: Stateline - 4th of July celebration at CRUISERS, located at exit 299 off I90. Located just across from the new Cabela's being built in Stateline, Idaho. 208-773-4706
July 4: Spirit Lake - Parade and Day in the Park An Old Fashioned 4th of July 208-623-3375
July 4: Priest Lake - Fireworks Display in Luby Bay and Cavanaugh Bay. Free Ice-Cream Social, Coolin Civic Center.
July 4: Kellogg - Silver Valley Independence Day Celebration For more information contact the Historical Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce in Kellogg 208-784-0821
July 8: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Garden Tour Six Gardens in Coeur d'Alene area from small and well planned to sweeping and grand and beautiful in between. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and $ 15.00 per ticket. Coeur d'Alene 208-664-0987
July 9-12: Sandpoint - Sandpoint Wooden Boat Festival Classic Wooden Boat Show! Includes classic wooden boat & car show, sand sculpture contest and lots more. Located at the Old Power House and sponsored by the Inland Empire Antique, Classic Boat Society & Downtown Sandpoint 208-255-1876
July 10: Hayden - Annual Hayden Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament 1 pm Shotgun Start. Scramble format at Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Course. Four person teams. Space is limited. The "Chamber Challenge Cup" will be awarded to low score foursomes from area Chambers of Commerce and service organizations. For more information contact Kandi Johnson, or Matt Mathews
July 11: Hayden - Symphony on the Sand The Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra performs under the direction of David Demand at Honeysuckle Beach. For information, contact the City of Hayden at 772.4411. www.cdasymphony.org
July 11: Sandpoint - Veterans Stand Down Bonner County Fairgrounds
July 11-12: Cataldo - Annual Historic Skill Fair at Old Mission State Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., demonstration of old-time skills. Blacksmiths, weaving, entertainment, food and more. 208-682-3814
July 12: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Run America Run Half Marathon. 7:00 AM The Kroc Center. Register on-line. Prices: Half Marathon: $65.00 10K: $35.00 5K: $25.00. Through each of our inaugural Run America Run events, we'll encompass several unique aspects that will differentiate ourselves from any other running event in America today. We'll first look to focus on the community and build around that with alignments with non-profits in each of the regions, as well as create an environment for all runners, walkers, and people that enjoy or want healthy living in their lives. We'll provide incredible prizes to each of our age group, team, and individual challenge winners. Through our mission as a business we'll bring a safe, fun, and entertaining event to all cities we create an alignment with for our great event.
July 12-13: Newport - Lavender Festival Leclerc Creek Lavender Farm, LeCerc Creek Road 13 miles north of the Usk bridge 509-447-6451
July 14: Athol - Excelerator Fifth annual import, sport compact and truck/SUV show. Silverwood Theme Park 683-3400
July 14: Rathdrum - Rathdrum Concert Series 6 pm Located on Hwy. 53 @ Latah Rd. - One Mile West of Hwy. 53 @ Hwy. 41 Junction
July 15: North Idaho - The Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society is holding it's 11th Annual Pond Tour in North Idaho. 7 never opened to the public ponds of varying presentation will be opened. These are a must see if you are interesting in water gardening, pond building, koi fish, etc. 10 am - 5 pm
July 16: Sandpoint - Five Minutes of Fame Open mike night for poets, musicians and singers monthly. No cover and open to all ages. Five Minutes of Fame happens the third Wednesday of each month. 208-263-5911 @ 6:30 pm Cafe Bodega, 504 Oak St
July 17-18: Post Falls - River City Rod Run Join the Hot Rod Cafe as they celebrate the 10th anniversary River City Rod Run! This great 2 day celebration includes over 900 hot rods, featuring a spectacular fireworks show, vendor alley, Miss Hot Rod Contest, burn outs and much more.
Hot Rod Cafe in Post Falls, Idaho. 208-777-1712 or www.hotrodcafe.com
July 17-18: Moscow - Rendezvous for Kids in Moscow's East City Park, features four 45-minute art workshops and 12 art stations. Lunch time entertainment and lunch provided with registration. Call 208-882-1178 for information.
July 17-18: Rathdrum - Rathdrum Days Come join the two day event and see small town living at it's best. This is a family affair and offers something for everyone. Enjoy parades, car shows, dancing, live entertainment, karaoke contest, lawnmower races, wiener dog races, craft and food vendors, dunk tank, climbing wall event and so much more. The community of Rathdrum hopes to see you there. Rathdrum Chamber 208-687-2866 or Janice Wilcox at 208-687-4063
July 17: Sandpoint - Art Unveiling Every year a new artist is chosen for the Festival at Sandpoint Fine art poster. Last year was Janene Grende. Take it in at the Seasons at Sandpoint. 208-265-4554
July 17: Sandpoint - 4-H Dog Field Day Bonner County Fairgrounds. 208-263-8414 (Nancy Wright 263-8511)
July 18: Sandpoint - Sandpoint Airport Fly-In. Regional pilots fly into Sandpoint Airport and hold an aircraft display open to the public, sponsored by the Sandpoint EAA Chapter 1441. Free admission. 208-255-9954
July 18: Sandpoint - Schweitzer Bluegrass Festival Summer Schweitzer is cool it is so Hot! Outdoor concerts in Schweitzer Village plus food, refreshments, and fun. Schweitzer.com. 1-7 pm 208-263-9555
July 18: Priest River - Huckleberry Festival and Craft Show - Blue Grass Music, Huckleberry Festival Golf Tournament (Open to Public) - Priest Lake Golf Course 208-443-3191
July 18: St. Maries - 20th Annual St. Maries Art Festival SmART by the River - St.Maries. The annual s.m.ART by the River Festival of the Arts at Cherry Bend Boat Park has grown each year, making it a popular annual event. Artists from around the Northwest offer paintings, sculptures, woodcrafts, baskets, photographs and a variety of other mediums. Music and entertainment is provided. Admission to the festival is free.
July 18-19: Newport/Priest River - Pend Oreille River Poker Paddle 509-447-4812
July 20-27: Sandpoint - Camp & Jam Bonner County Fairgrounds. Herman Waldron 509-843-1404
July 23-25: Bonners Ferry - Odd Couple Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theater, 7 pm at The Becker Auditorium 208-946-3659 or david.carpenter@mail.bcsd101.com
July 23: Kellogg - Summer Wine & Art Auction, SMC Foundation Benefit Silver Mountain
July 23-26: Wallace - 125 year "Quasqui-Centennial". The celebration will be a combination WHS/Academy-All class Reunion, Slippery Gulch & 125 year celebration all rolled into one. By far the biggest celebration to hit Wallace since it's 100 year celebration in 1984. Classmates and interested parties will converge on Wallace for a four day event that is sure to bring the hardiest of individuals to their knees. Events will begin Thursday with Slippery Gulch activities and All class registration. Friday will see classes meeting in local establishments, continued registration and slippery gulch activities; Saturday will bring a parade; town dedication ceremony; ELKS -Drum & Bugle steak fry, and Slippery gulch activities. The weekend's event will conclude with the Friends of Sather field hosting a re-dedication of the sports complex along with the Alumni picnic all being held at Sather Field. (Agenda temporary and subject to change) Individuals interested in registering for the WHS/Academy All class Reunion can contact: Marcy Hayman at marcyhayman@cebridge.net or call 752-4661 for more information. Registrations will be accepted until April 15th, 2009.
July 23-26: Priest River - Priest River Timber Days Priest River Timber Day is always the last Saturday of July, and takes place at the Priest River City Park. Timber Day pays tribute to the city's heritage, and features one of the last log load parades in the Northwest. There are over 100 entries for the parade each year. The celebration starts off Friday night with the Asphalt Angels' Hot Neon Nights beginning at 7 pm. They cruise through town in their cars then gather downtown for a show. Early Saturday morning the Spartans Adult Booster Club begins a Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast at 6 a.m., followed by the Rotary Club's Run for the Berries fun run. Arts and craft booths open at 10 a.m., the parade begins at 11 am along with the food booths opening at 11 am. Logging events and competitions begin at 1-4 pm, as well as the Asphalt Angels car show at the Priest River Junior High. The park closes at 4 pm. The Asphalt Angels provide a family dance at Mitchell's Harvest Foods parking lot beginning at 7 pm.
July 24-26: Hayden - Hayden Days Beginning on Friday evening at 5:00 pm, the community kicks off its festivities with live 50's through 70's live music, dancing, food and vendor crafts at Finucane Park. Saturday features The Hayden Days Parade. Children's games, food, craft vendors and other activities are planned throughout the weekend. For further information visit us on the web at http://www.cityofhaydenid.us/
July 24-26: Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls - Julyamsh The largest outdoor Pow Wow in the nation. Native American dancers, drummers, arts, crafts and much more Greyhound Park and Events Center 800-523-2464 or www.cdacasino.com
July 25: Sandpoint - Crazy Days Our great sidewalk sale from downtown stores and businesses, sponsored by Downtown Sandpoint. 208-255-1876
July 25-26: Hayden - 1st Annual Hayden Olympic Triathlon Start at Honeysuckle Beach, Swim 1 mile, Bicycle 26 miles around Hayden Lake, 6.2 mile run to finish at Honeysuckle Beach. Sponsored by PURE and the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.
July 31-Sept. 14: Sandpoint - ArtWalk II The second of two exhibits opens with art receptions several locations downtown. Each summer, Pend Oreille Arts Council coordinates Artwalk, an exhibition of art by local and regional artists in 17 locations in downtown Sandpoint. During the opening receptions for Artwalk I and II, locations provide beverages and hors d'oeuvres, and live music in some venues.
Outdoor sculpture will also on display in various locations along the Artwalk. During the summer, the public can pick up an Artwalk brochure at any participating location or at the Chamber of Commerce and take a self-guided walking tour of the displays. Self-guided tours for ArtWalk I through Aug. 4 208-263-6139
Tuesdays: Sandpoint - 10 Trivia Tuesday. A weekly trivia test to win prizes at MickDuff's. From 7-9 pm 312 N. First Ave. Team or individual play 208-255-4351
3rd Wednesdays: Sandpoint - Five Minutes of Fame Open mike night for poets, musicians and singers monthly. No cover and open to all ages. Five Minutes of Fame happens the third Wednesday of each month. 208-263-5911 @ 6:30 pm Cafe Bodega, 504 Oak St. 3rd Wednesday monthly 208-263-5911
Thursdays: Coeur d'Alene - Live music every Thursday night at The Moon Time 1602 Sherman 208-667-2331
Fridays: Hayden Lake - Wine tasting every Friday from 4pm - 7pm at Daanen's Delicatessen, Government & Prairie - Hayden - (208) 772-7371
Fridays & Saturdays: Coeur d'Alene - City Perc Cafe's AFTER HOURS. 7pm - Midnight. Open to all ages! Alcohol Free. Appetizers, desserts, dance music, more. 108 N. 4th Street. 208-665-1354
Saturdays: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Concert Club Live Band every Saturday night at 8 p.m., 213 Appleway (across from Schucks) 208-676-9485
Sundays: Sandpoint - Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon Di Luna's Cafe with the band A Touch of Jazz performing Sundays 2-4 pm 208-263-0846
August 2009
July 31-August 2: Coeur d'Alene - Downtown Street Fair The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association hosts this three day event that features some of the finest arts and crafts in the region, along with food and entertainment on Sherman Ave. Downtown Cd'A, Sherman Ave. 208-667-5986 or www.cdadowntown.com
July 31-August 2: Coeur d'Alene - Taste of the Coeur a'Alene's Featuring over 25 food booths and over 100 artists from across the West with a eclectic collection of fine arts plus arts and crafts. Enjoy the sounds of Jazz, Big Band, Blues and Contemporary music. Cd'A City Park 208-660-2789
July 31-August 2: Coeur d'Alene - Art on the Green A delightful three-day weekend celebration of the arts on the North Idaho College campus, complete with hundreds of booths, children's hands-on art projects, and "clothes line" art collections by local artists.. North Idaho College Campus 208-667-9346 or www.artonthegreen.org
August 1: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Symphony at Art on the Green 4:30 pm North Idaho College. Light classical and other favorites performed by small groups. FREE concert.
August 1: Hayden - Hayden View Triathlon 9am start at Honeysuckle Beach. Sprint Triathlon for Ages 12 and up: ½ Mile Swim, 12.4 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. Sponsored by Precision Fitness, Rosenberger Construction, Oxyfresh, Patano Architects and the Hayden Chamber of Commerce. Register online at www.HaydenViewTri.org
August 1: Hayden - 2nd Annual Race for Children's Health Triathlon for Ages 11 and under: Swim, 2 mile bike ride, and 300 yard run. Start at Honeysuckle Beach. Fun, Food, Free Goodies. Sponsored by "Activities to Benefit Children" (501 c3), Precision Fitness and Hayden Chamber of Commerce. Register online at www.HaydenViewTri.org
August 1: Sandpoint - Long Bridge Swim The 14th annual Long Bridge Swim with hundreds of swimmers compete in a 1.76-mile swim across Lake Pend Oreille www.LongBridgeSwim.com or 265-5412
August 1: Sandpoint - 12th Annual Quilt Show. The Clark Fork Valley Quilters at the Hope Memorial Community Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Quilts, bake sale, raffle, door prizes and workshops. Free admission. 264-5375c
August 1: St. Maries - Boat Club Poker Run St. Maries. Boat Poker run starts on the St. Joe River in St. Maries traveling to the designated stops on Lake Coeur d' Alene then Harrison to turn in your hands. Prizes awarded. Annual event sponsored by the St Joe River Boat Club. 208-245-3563
August 1: Priest Lake - Wine Tasting Artist Reception - Coolin Bay Entree Gallery 5-7 PM
August 1: Bonners Ferry - August 1: Bonners Ferry - Bonners Ferry High School All Class Reunion
August 2: Sandpoint - Schweitzer Mountain Huckleberry Festival 208-255-3081 or 800-831-8810
August 6-16: Sandpoint - Festival at Sandpoint The 26th Annual Festival At Sandpoint, August 7-17, 2008, for music under the stars, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho! Enjoy world-famous musicians, with lineup to be announced in May 208-265-4554
August 6: Post Falls- Post Falls Community Picnic - Q'emiln Park, music by Kelly Hughes Post Falls Community Volunteers
August 8: Sandpoint - 4H Dog Show Bonner County Fairgrounds
August 8: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Triathlon The Scenic Challenge-1.5km swim, 40Km Bike and 10Km run, a true scenic challenge of our beautiful city - Coeur d'Alene. Coeur d'Alene 208-664-3194- ext. 130 or register at www.cdatriathlon.com
August 8: Priest River - Vay Days- Annual Fundraiser for local groups within HooDoo Valley includes parade, BBQ, dunk tank, auction, and car show. 208-263-8180
August 8-9: Bonners Ferry - Bonners Ferry Swish 3 on 3 basketball tournament ~ Brett Brown 208-946-8650 - REGISTRATION FORM Registration forms must be postmarked by July 28,2008. Register early for guaranteed entry.
August 8-9: Sandpoint - Arts & Crafts Fair Presented by POAC This two-day event features over 110 artists and artisans from across the West. The Fair takes place on the lawn at Sandpoint City Beach in mid-August, at the same time as the acclaimed Festival at Sandpoint (evening outdoor concert series). Highlights of the Fair include food, performances, a youth art arena with hands-on activities, and artist demonstrations throughout the weekend. 208-263-6139
August 9: Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene Triathlon & Duathlon Youth Race This race is designed with youngster in mind! This great annual event winds down the weekend for athletes of all ages in the Coeur d'Alene area.
August 13-16: Bonners Ferry - Grease Bonners Ferry Summer Youth Theater, 7:00pm - Thurs, Fri, Sat. 2:00pm Sun. at The Becker Auditorium 208-946-3659 or david.carpenter@mail.bcsd101.com
August 14-16: Post Falls - Outback Steakhouse Tennis Classic The Post Falls Parks & Recreation Department will be partnering with the Outback Steakhouse to provide the largest summer tennis tournament that the area has to offer. The format will be best 2 out of 3 sets with a ten-point tie-break (ads are optional). First match consolation rounds will apply. All formats are subject to weather conditions. Awards will be given to the top two finishers in each division. Play begins on Friday, August 14. The divisions will include U-12 up to 60+ with event areas in novice, intermediate and advanced. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and will enjoy a delicious Outback Steakhouse BBQ on Saturday. www.postfallsidaho.org
August 14-15: Sandpoint - Bonner County Rodeo Bonner County Fairgrounds
August 14-16 & 21-23: Sandpoint - Artists' Studio Tour. Annual self-guided driving tour through North Idaho. www.ArtTourDrive.org
August 15-16: Cataldo - Mountain Man Rendezvous. Old Mission State Park. 208-682-3814
August 15: Priest Lake - Women Helping Women Golf Tournament
August TBA: Priest River - Relay For Life 509-671--.1305
August 15: Kellogg - Silver Mountain BrewsFest! Tickets: 877-230-2193
August 19: Sandpoint - Five Minutes of Fame. Join other blossoming or seasoned poets, musicians and songbirds for monthly open mic night at Cafe Bodega in Foster's Crossing. Sign up to perform from 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Show begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. No cover charge and open to all ages. Five Minutes of Fame happens the third Wednesday of each month. 208-263-5911
August 19: Cataldo - Coeur d'Alene Tribal Pilgrimage and Feast of the Assumption. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe returns to the mission built by their ancestors more than 150 years ago, now Old Mission State Park near Cataldo. The tribe's annual pilgrimage to the cemetery and church is followed by Mass and a dinner accompanied by Native American drumming, singing and dancing. Old Mission State Park 208-682-3814
August 19-22: Bonners Ferry - Boundary County Fair
August 20-23: St. Maries - Benewah County Fair 208-582-2217 www.benewahcountyfair.com
August 22: Harrison - Hot August Nights 6 - 8pm Boarding starts 5:30pm at the Harrison Public Docks. Don't be late-the boat leaves promptly at 6pm MINIMUM AGE IS 21
August 22: Bonners Ferry - Green Festival at the Farmer's Market, weekend of the Fair featuring Local Sustainability. Music powered by the Sun. www.bonnersferryfarmersmarket.org
August 22-23: Coeur d'Alene - Wooden Boat Festival Annual Wooden Boat Festival promises a spotlight on wooden boats with over 80 exhibitors expected. Also view the on-land display of new boats by three area dealers and several watercraft booths. Two fun-filled days of activities, vendors and entertainment! 208-664-3194 ext. 170 or www.cdachamber.com
August 22-23: Sandpoint - Dalia Show Bonner County Fairgrounds
August 25-29: Sandpoint - Bonner County Fair & Rodeo Bonner County Fair and Rodeo includes many events and activities. Includes Rodeo, Freestyle Reining, Team Sorting, Backseat Driving Contest, Baby Contest, Lip Sync/Air band Competitions, Livestock Showing, Static Exhibits, Kids Corral, Educational Programs, free wagon rides and the Demolition Derby will end the Fair week. The Rodeo is The Friday & Saturday prior to the Fair. Interim Events include; Gun & Horn Show, Horsin' Around Expo, Many Horse Shows, Lost in the 50's, Rabbit Show, North Idaho Dahlia Show, Sanctioned Barrel Racing, and Christmas Fair. North Idaho Draft Horse Show, Mud Drags, and Snowmobile Races. The fair has rental stalls for travelers and RV campgrounds. 208-263-8414
August 27: Coeur d'Alene - 2009 Concert Series in Riverstone Park. Thursday nights July through August at the amphitheater. Free. Visit www.artsincda.org for this week's performing artist.
August 28-29-September 1: Wallace - Under the Freeway Flea Market. 753-2911
August 26-30: Coeur d'Alene - North Idaho Fair and Rodeo - New exhibits and attractions, traditional favorites and sensational food await at the fair. Blue ribbon exhibits of arts, crafts, photography, baked goods, flowers and garden produce. Rodeo, motocross and demolition derby. Kootenai County Fairgrounds 208-765-4969
The first question always is: where are we going to celebrate the 4th? What I mean is, will we do the City Beach fireworks put on by the Lion's Club, or maybe we'll try Hope, or Hayden Lake, or Garfield Bay this year. While Sandpoint has what many believe to be the premier display, plus there is the cool factor of being able to walk about downtown and get a beer or a slice, there are a dozen other venues within twenty miles that offer the rocket's red glare all around Lake Pend Oreille and outlying areas.
|
|
| Sandpoint City Beach - Early before July 4th 2009 |
Nope, the decision made, Sandpoint became the choice, but where to park our party? Some people like to take in the pyrotechnics from their boats offshore. From past experience, the tiny gnats have made me appreciate an on-shore location. So, across the water at 41 South is pretty cool, and from a distance, the far away view from off Lefaye's Way and Forever View is awesome. My friend's, Gary and Laura Peitz, had parked their travel van at City Beach and extended the invite, so the final destination was selected.
Going across the Long Bridge is always inspiring with the majestic mountain and lake views, at least when there isn't construction and delays. However, it was especially heartening this year. We now know that our current economic woes were affecting people even to last summer, and combined with the high gas prices, there were fewer boats on the lake, and summer 2008 numbers were way down compared to the previous few years. As I drove across the bridge the numbers of out-of-state license plates was the first good sign. The readily apparent increase of boats on the water was another. In my mind, even though it was early on Independence Day, the beginnings were auspicious.
We had gone to see Jesse Colin Young the night before at the Panida, and had put on the Concert after the concert at Kaye Delanius' home. She was back in town to visit and spruce up her 2nd home here. So, we were moving kind of slow. Even so, downtown was hopping, and there were already several hundred people at City Beach by the time we plopped down around 6pm. Again, the guitars came out and the singing kept the children entertained. Speaking of entertainment, thanks so much to the hilarious drunks at Trinity at the Beach. Trinity did a very good job of serving good drinks fast, but the floor show of the unnamed inebriated fellow was infinitely better than the cocktail.
The first deafening boom of the initial fireworks went up around 9:45pm, though from our vantage point, we could see pretty cool bursts all around the lake, on Sunnyside and Oden Bay, across to Highway 200 leading out to Hope.
|
|
There is always a small delay between the first burst and the proceeding deluge. I was told this is so people can get situated and train their cameras for the onslaught. While last year's fireworks were somewhat disappointing, this year lived up to the great years past.
The oooos and aaahhhs from the crowd was as pleasing as the illuminations. The delighted squeals of the children were added to the crrraccckks and kaaaaboooooms and baaannngggs that were followed by reds and blues and greens. At times when the phosphorus lighted the crowds, reflecting off the water and smoke in the air, every soul on the beach was clearly visible, then the light would die down, and all was dark again. Our eyes, normally adjusting to darkened situations, could not recover in time, and pitch black was the rule, until the next blaze in the sky once again took our collective breaths away.
The crowd has swelled to roughly several thousand right before the beginning of the event, so that leaving was a massive moving of lemming-like humanity. Most had parked some place other than at the beach. Parking at the beach has some convenience, but leaving can take hours, or at least it seems like hours.
|
|
As I drove back home across the Long Bridge the areas all along Lakeshore Drive and Bottle Bay Road had several large fireworks launches, the missiles colliding with open air, showering their umbrellas of pretty pink and white, yellow and stardust. Most surprising was the gigantic display taking place in Sagle right down Highway 95. Seemed just as big as the Sandpoint show, and I almost drove out there to check out that party. Maybe I'll go there next year.
All of this took place under a three quarter full moon. The temperature during the day was in the mid 90s, but cooled down to the 70s but the time the show started. My friend went to the Oregon coast this weekend, and he told me they skipped the fireworks because the fog was so thick. Temps there were in the 40s-50s and the wetness of the fog made life outside just not comfy.
The next day the temperatures had dropped to the high 80s, and the forecast was for high 70s to 80s for the next several days. We who live here sometimes forget to notice the wonderfully temperate weather, and take the striking beauty for granted. As I drove to Dover Bay to host an open house at Marina Town, one of the waterfront developments there, I noted that, with the exception of one Canadian speeder, all the people from Alberta and Washington, Montana and British Columbia, and all other points from afar, drove with that wonderful rubbernecking tourists are known for. They had the right idea. Look at this gorgeous place, this land of mountains and big lakes, rivers and beautiful landscapes. I saw over a dozen cases of allowing the random car to move into traffic, stopping for the multitude of pedestrians and cyclists. Good manners have been the rule this weekend. People take on the mantel of kindness and courtesy here in Sandpoint, regardless of big-city attitudes left behind. On the 4th, children asked "please" and said "after you," and "thank you, sir." This is paradise for so many more reasons than startling scenery.
Loved being in Sandpoint this weekend, and as I write this report, sitting on a balcony on the Pend Oreille, as boat after boat cruises by, I can think of no better place in the world to be than Sandpoint and North Idaho.
Sandpoint, North Idaho, & Eastern Washington
Wineries & Wine Bars
First, Gary Lirette is the author of the book Passion for Wine published by Hastings House. So, wine holds a special place in this writer's life. While there are many great areas of wine production in the world, it is our opinion that neighboring Washington State makes the best wine on the planet. Travel the awe-inspiring landscape of Northern Idaho and its narrow, far-north "Panhandle" and you will find a loop of 16 wineries; four of the wineries are located Idaho's borders, the other 12 are in Washington. Political boundaries are insignificant in this area, since all lie near the two-state border in the far northwest of Idaho, and the far northeast of Washington.
Ignore the border for a fabulous wine-touring opportunity that combines fine wine tasting with extraordinary travel through the rolling wheat fields of The Palouse, the beautiful and popular lakes areas of Coeur d'Alene Lake and Lake Pend Oreille just east of Spokane, WA. This may be one of the most spectacularly beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest!
Scenic highways abound in Idaho's Panhandle, leading visitors to viewpoints, through river canyons and rolling wheat fields as far as the eye can see. Other roads run alongside Idaho's largest, deepest and arguably, most beautiful lake -- Coeur d'Alene. The lake's namesake, the City of Coeur d'Alene, is a popular visitor's destination and home to Coeur d'Alene Cellars and nearby TimberRock Winery in Post Fallsl. Lake Pend d'Oreille, to the north, is a visual treat in its own right, featuring the quaint town of Sandpoint at its northern end... another popular travel destination and the location Idaho's northernmost winery... Pend d'Oreille Winery.
Wineries
Camas Prairie Winery in Moscow, ID
Tasting Room & Wine Bar
Tues - Sat: 12 noon - 6:30 pm
Coeur d'Alene Cellars in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Tues - Sat: 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Otherwise by appointment. Please call.
208-664-2336
Pend d'Oreille Winery in Sandpoint, ID
Mon - Thurs: 10 - 6
Fri & Sat: 10 - 7
Sun: 11 - 5
TimberRock Winery in Post Falls, ID
Please call for an appointment.
208-777-9669
Other Wine Shops, Wine Bars, and Tasting Rooms
Barrel Room No. 6
Coeur d'Alene Cellars Tasting Room, too
503 Sherman Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID
208-664-9632
Enoteca The Wine Shop Inc.
(10 minutes from Coeur d'Alene & Spokane, WA)
112 E. Seltice Way, Ste. Post Falls, ID 83854
208-457-9885
Moscow Food Co-op
221 E. 3rd
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-8537
Old Post Office Wine Cellar
& Wine Gallery - A Wine Shop, Deli & Wine Bar
245 SE Paradise
Pullman, WA 99163
(Just east of Post Falls, ID)
509-338-WINE (9463)
Pend Oreille Pasta & Wine (Specialty Grocer)
476534 Hwy 95 N
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-263-1352
Wine Company of Moscow
113 E. Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
208-882-6502
Sandpoint Wine Bars
Enoteca at Ivano's Ristorante
Pretty nice wine bar in the restaurant. As their commercials say, have a taste, buy a glass, bottle, or case.
102 South First Street
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
(208) 263-0211
Coldwater Creek
Really don't like the new digs as much as the old wine bar at the Cedar Street Bridge. It was homey, warm, and typically North Idaho with big, overstuffed leather couches and chairs. Plus, they are a little overpriced, and maybe a bit snobby. The new large upstairs wine bar is more antisceptic than. They have an ever-changing wine list, hors d‘oeuvres, a large fireplace and a great atmosphere. Love their artichoke dip. They also have live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
311 First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-1912
Dulce (Currently closed, but we hope it opens again)
Dulce is a nice addition to the Sand Creek Grill. While it can be simply for relaxing before or after your meal, it does just fine on its own. They pair wines with appetizers or sushi, and have a pretty nice assortment of desserts and coffee's. Sit by the fire, relax, and enjoy. Super nice..
105 South First Avenue
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 255-5736
Cafe Trinity (Eclectic Southern & New Orleans Cuisine)
Okay, loved it when Chef Gabe used to be there. Before that he was chef at Beyond Hope when we lived on the Hope Peninsula. Then he became the instructor for the local Culinary program, that I helped start. So I kinda like him personally. But now he has left to work at Chimney Rock up on Schweitzer. Their menu features Southern-inspired food, such as gumbo, éttoufé and Po'Boy sandwiches, as well as steaks and fresh seafood. Well, I am from New Orleans, and they do it well. First year they were open they were Sandpoint's best new restaurant. Now they have kept some of that Southern flair, but have tempered their menu to Tapas, with Sushi from Oiishi. Whether you are having dinner on their nice deck overlooking Sand Creek, or sitting at the dining bar and exhibition kitchen, you will enjoy a taste of the South in beautiful North Idaho. Serving lunch and dinner..
At City Beach in the Best Western
Sandpoint, ID 83864
208-255-7558
http://www.cafetrinitysandpoint.com/
Three Glasses (Incredible Concert Events)
Once a superlative wine bar and restaurant in the cellar area behind First Street, this venue is the lovingly portrayed efforts of John and Darcy Peters, my neighbors from the Hope Peninsula. Now they feature great bands every weekend, plus other popular events.
202 1/2 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-0230
Stage Right
A nice little excursion right next to the Panida Theatre on First Street in Sandpoint. Offering primarily Northwest wine, Stage Right replace Wine Sellers by the Lake. Besides having divans and sofas, offering perhaps one of the most comfortable places to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, they also have live music and comedy on certain nights. This is the place to go before and/or after a show at the Panida, but also one of a great bevy of new and existing wine bars in Sandpoint.
302 N 1st Ave
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(208) 265-8116
As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com
So, mountain bikers and hikers have long known how totally outrageous North Idaho is for the sports for some time. But in 2005, when the NORBA National Championship was held at Schweitzer Mountain, the rest of the world found out our little secret. There are so many great runs and trails, it is hard to quantify. However, we will try to do just that in this web. Hiking in and around Sandpoint and North Idaho can vary from simple flat trails, to full-fledged mountain and rock climbing that could satisfy even the most X-treme athletes. Mountain biking in Sandpoint and the surrounding North Idaho area is much the same, with challenging verticals, to flat, easy trails. So read on my young peddler or mountain stumper, and gain the energy of North Idaho trail knowledge.
Priest Lake is awesome - You can get permission to leave your car at Elkin's Resort. Go North toward Beaver Creek. Shoreline trail head is 8 miles of beautiful single track one way. When in doubt, go right (opposite coming south). It's faster to come back on single track than road. Bring your camera - views are awesome, and plan to take a dip at one of the secluded beaches along the way. This is also a fantastic area for snowmobiling during winter months.
Schweitzer Mountain - Schweitzer Mountain was home to the NORBA National Championship in 2005. A phenomenal ski resort during winter, you can hop the ski lift during summer and never hit all the trails in a week.
Lookout Pass in Wallace - Take I-90 from Coeur d'Alene to Exit at the ski area, ride the railroad grade into Montana, follow to Avery. Approx 26 miles and max 2% grade. Excellent family ride (bring water!). Lookout Ski Area has maps and info on miles of great rides in the area.
Silver Mountain - Ride the gondola up the mountain for miles of trails. Rough - not recommended for light duty bikes or hybrids. Check Silver Mountain for evening events all summer to end your day.
Sandpoint has had the Long Bridge as a bike path for many years; the 2-mile long level bike ride begins on one end at the Old Power House. Now the path includes four miles on the south end in Sagle flowing gentle hills following Highway 95. On the other side a second bicycle path begins at Larch and Fifth in Sandpoint, going two miles west to Dover. Like many bike and walking paths it was built on old railroad tracks. There is another ½ mile that extends from Larch to Boyer then west E. Mountain View Drive and then down to Sand Creek, where riders can cross the Popsicle Bridge over Sand Creek. This network of bike paths was developed by North Idaho Bikeways, a group that formed in 1994. Click to see a map of the trails.
Besides the ones mentioned above, there are many, many roads and trails for bikers and hikers in and around Sandpoint, Bonner County, and North Idaho. We are surrounded by state and national forestlands in the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, and there is a secret trail not far from my house that I only divulge the location to my closest friends. Since I want to keep those two secret, here are a few good ones, but if you look just a bit you can find dozens more.
The Farragut State Park trail map shows 32 miles of marked singletrack. However, if you ride all the trails (marked and unmarked) your bike computer will indicate 54 miles if you try not to ride the same trail. Some of the single track runs along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Be sure and pick up a trail map at the park entrance to ensure you ride all the singletracks.
Farragut State Park: North Perimeter - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.
Farragut State Park: Northside Loop - Four miles east of US Hwy 95 between Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. This ride is an intro to an area of the park most folks never see; if you go off on to any of the splits, you'll find surprises and connections to all sorts of things. Farragut is also an old (World War II-era) naval base, and to this day, nearby Bayview harbors a naval research facility; there are ample opportunities for exploring and learning about the history of this unique area. There's swimming and overnight camping, too. The trail has 3.2 miles pavement, 4.3 miles forest road/doubletrack, and 3 miles singletrack.
Green Bay: Mineral Point Loop - Cool, challenging singletrack follows the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille for much of the ride. Located 12 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Tread: 2.7 miles of gravel road, 4.3 miles of singletrack. Basically an easy ride where you can start and finish at Garfield Bay along Lake Pend Oreille, with a swimming beach, marina and dining opportunities at the Captain's Table, or a stop during the ride at the fine, undeveloped Green Bay cobblestone beach.
Gold Hill Trail - One of Sandpoint's most popular trails, Gold Hill lies just east of Contest Point on Bottle Bay Road, south of Sandpoint. All of the items that are hazards (switchbacks, berry vines, punji stumps) also make this one of the finest, most pure mountain bike trails. The difficulty is sustained and technical, but not impossible. It's a real climb, but never a grunt, and it's predominately singletrack, almost completely in the forest. This is a ride to work at and to perfect, for most. It can also be connected to larger loops coming down Forest Road 2642 through Garfield or Green Bay. The trail has 8.4 miles singletrack and 3.4 miles forest road.
Schweitzer Mountain trails - As mentioned above, this was home to sanctioned regional and national mountain bike races, including the NORBA National race series, Schweitzer's great trail system has something for every level of rider. There are brutal climbs and technical rock descents, like the exhilarating Butt Slide Rock and Moffit's Edge. Intermediate rides for mortals exist too, mixing woods, ridges and crumbling granite on swooping, leisurely rides. And on almost all rides, you'll get those big, in-your-face views of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountain ranges. Below are just a few ride options; check the trail map to see more. You'll also be able to get more local knowledge and a hard-copy map once you arrive at the mountain village, which is 11 miles from Sandpoint.
Here are the rest of the trails:
Bike Trips and Trails in North Idaho
North Idaho Biking is where you'll find biking trails, bicycle stuff, fat-tire mountain biking, cycling, biking tours, bike rentals, the Route of the Hiawatha, the Centennial Trail, the Rails to Trails, and biking thru dark tunnels, high trestles and along and over beautiful rivers for miles and miles! Have fun and be safe. Take your bike or rent a bike.
Route of the Hiawatha at Lookout Pass 744-1301 - This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha bike route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Biking through 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between North Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass, or "Taft" Tunnel, which burrows for 1.66 miles under the North Idaho Montana state line. One of the greatest places to go biking in the whole world
Silver Mountain 783-1111 800-204-6428
Centennial Trail - The Centennial Trail runs from the Washington State line to Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This beautiful trail is primarily of Class I separated and paved trail with some segments of Class II trail. The trail has numerous rest areas, scenic views and historical interpretative signs to add to the satisfaction of one of the most scenic biking trail systems in North Idaho country.
Biking Tours and Mountain Biking
I-90, Exit 0, Mullan, North Idaho
744-1301 (888) 512-0764
THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA BIKE TRAIL - The Route of the Hiawatha trail is the pearl of all rail-to-trail projects in the
country. Over 15 miles of railroad track has been converted into a beautiful biking and walking trail with a downhill grade. There are ten tunnels and seven trestle bridges up to 230 feet high. The 1.7 mile long St. Paul Pass tunnel is a best part of the trail. Start your ride at Lookout Pass Ski Area where mountain bike rentals, including helmets and lights, and an optional return shuttle service are available. Fees go toward maintaining the trail, constructed as part of the "Rails to Trails" program, which converts unused railways to trails.
Nearest City: Wallace, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, 12 miles East of Wallace- I-90 Exit 0
Directions: Lookout Pass Ski Area, I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes - 72 miles from Mullan to Plummer through the historic Silver Valley, into the Chain Lake Region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, through Heyburn State Park, and the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. It starts at I-90 exit 68, Mullan business district see MAP There are twenty trailheads between Mullan and Plummer for access to the 72-mile trail. Check out this article about it.
408 Spokane Street, Post Falls
773-0539
Q'EMILN RIVERSIDE PARK AND BIKE TRAILS - The Q'emiln (pronounced Ka-mee-lin) Park is a 78.5 acre city park located on the south bank of the Spokane River with a sandy beach, boat launch, and group picnic facilities. Forty acres of hiking trails established by the Bureau of Land Management and Washington Water Power Co. wind through four miles of the Spokane River gorge near the town of Post Falls. This is an excellent place to view wildlife and have a picnic.
Nearest City: Post Falls, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, W. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: 12201 W. Parkway Dr., at S. end of Spokane St. bridge
Fernan Office 769-3000
2502 Sherman Ave Coeur d'Alene
BERNARD PEAK LOOP MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 18.5 mile loop on gravel road, single and double track, with views of the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From I-90 in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, head north on Highway 95 to Athol Idaho. At the light in Athol Idaho go east or right on Highway 54 for 4 miles and you will come to the navigation circle. Head south here on Goodhope Road for about a mile to Twete Road. At Twete Road take a left and drive past the gravel pit to the end of the road and the trailhead.
NOTE: If you want to just downhill it and drive to the top you can by continuing south on Goodhope Road for 1 more mile (2 miles total) to Bunco Road. Take a left on Bunco Road and travel 2 more miles to the entrance into the National Forest and the end of the pavement. There's a big parking lot here for snowmobiles in the winter, just head past it and up the hill on FSR #332. At the top of the hill (~4.2 miles) you will come to a side road FSR #2707. Take a left and follow it up the hill making sure to stay to the left at the forks up ahead (~.25 miles). It's about 2 miles to the top, but make sure you stay to the left on the way up. The road is rough and the vegetation is thick, so don't go up the last section if you like the paint job on your car.
MT. COEUR D'ALENE MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOP - This mountain bike trail near Coeur d'Alene is an 8.1 mile loop on a gravel road with outstanding views of the lake and the Coeur d'Alene area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane
Directions: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive east on Interstate 90 to Exit 22 (Wolf Lodge Bay). Drive south on Idaho Highway 97 for 2-1/2 miles to Beauty Creek Road No. 438. You'll pass the trailhead for Mineral Ridge; go a bit further. Take a left (east) on Road 438 for 3/4 mile to the Beauty Creek Campground and trailhead.
Canfield Mountain BIKE Trail 1562 - The Canfield Mountain Trail System has more than 32 trail miles in the system. It was designed for motorized trail bikes and mountain bikes, however it is open for all uses (i.e. hiking, etc...) except for ATV's. The trail system was designed, so that the entire network can be accessed from an old logging road FS Road #1562. The trails are a mix of logging roads and single-track and range from 0% to 35% grades. The trails are marked with numbers and there are maps at trail junctions, indicating where you are in the system.
Nearest City: Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho
Location: North Idaho, E. of Spokane
Directions: From the Nettleton Gulch Parking Lot to the highest point in the trial system (West Canfield Butte, 4162ft.), you can travel approximately 4 miles and 2000ft. in elevation gain. Trails can be smooth, well-groomed logging roads or steep single track with ruts, loose rocks, roots, drop-offs and other obstacles. Single-track trails receive annual maintenance in the Spring, but because of the motorcycle use, they're usually pretty rough (which makes for some fun downhill). Also, for you pet owners, dogs are allowed on the trail system.
SOUTH FORK COEUR D'ALENE RIVER BIKE TRAILS - About twenty trails in the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River area between Kellogg and the Montana border are described in a brochure from the Forest Service. Trails range from easy to difficult and take hikers to alpine lakes or through former railroad tunnels. Contact the forest service to get a copy of the brochure and inquire about current trail conditions.
Nearest City: Cataldo
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: Obtain map from CDA River Ranger District.
1700 Hwy. 6
Potlatch, Idaho
BEASON MEADOWS BIKE TRAIL #228 - This mountain bike trail near Potlatch passes through a variety of vegetation as it climbs from the stream bottom, crosses draws, a drier ridge top and then descends back to the stream environment. The first mile is located is part of a national recreation trail system near the Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Bald Mountain Lookout. The junction is located adjacent to East Fork Meadow Creek. Trailhead facilities include five parking spaces and an interpretive sign explaining the trail system.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Idaho
Directions: The trailhead is located in Giant White Pine Campground. The trail ends at Trail #228's junction with Trail 224-B. Giant White Pine Campground is located on the White Pine Drive Scenic Route and has a small campground and trail access. North on Highway 95 to the Potlatch "Y". Turn right on State Route 6 through Potlatch, Princeton, and Harvard. A couple of miles past Harvard pass the sign for Laird Park and continue on Route 6 to White Pine Drive.
CHELSEY CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #19 - From its start the Chesley Creek Trail follows the main watershed divide between Big Creek, Meadow Creek, and Prospect Creek. The trail head is located adjacent to Chesley Creek Road #1960. The trail terminus is at the intersection of the trail and Big Creek Road #370.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: Chesley Creek Road #1960. The legal description would be NW Sec. 5, T42N, R3W. Access #2: Adjacent to the Big Creek Road #370 near Prospect Peak.
CLEVELAND GULCH MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #333 - This 2.5 mile trail begins along the North Fork of the Palouse River Road and intersects with Strychnine Ridge Trail near Little Bald Mountain. The trail is steep and crosses Cleveland Gulch several times along its lower segment. Several panoramic views of the Upper Palouse drainage will open to your view as you hike along this trail. The trailhead is located at the mouth of Cleveland Gulch. Trail Terminus is at the junction of trail #333 and Strychnine Ridge Trail #319
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: Mouth of Cleveland Gulch on the Old North Fork Palouse River Road. Access #2: Trail's junction with Strychnine Ridge Trail #319.
MIZPAH CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL #345 - Mizpah Creek Trail is one of the steepest trails on the Palouse and opens up to a panoramic view at several points along the route after the hiker has gained elevation. Huckleberry picking is a favorite pastime near the Slate Creek terminus. Deer, elk, and bear frequent this area in summer. The trail begins at the end of Mizpah Mine Road #345 along Mizpah Creek. The trail ends at its intersection with Baby Grand Road #1433.
Nearest City: Potlatch
Location: North Central Idaho, at Laird Park Recreation Area
Directions: Access #1: End of the Old Mizpah Mine Road, an old access route from the Palouse River Road #447 to an old mine site. Access #2: Baby Grand Road #1433
1500 Hwy. 2 Sandpoint
263-5111
STRONG CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - Awesome views are in store from this trail in the Idaho panhandle. For mountain bikers, this ridge top single track trail is one of the premier rides in the area. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, near Sandpoint
Directions: From Sandpoint take Idaho Hwy. 200 east to Hope.
SANDPOINT DUFORT ROAD LOOP BIKE PATH AND TRAIL - This scenic bike path takes you along the Pend Oreille River. The roads on this route are well traveled and heavy mixed traffic will be encountered. A small stretch of Lakeshore Drive has a gravel surface. The sloughs along the river provide excellent opportunities to view water fowl. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, S. of Sandpoint
Directions: Take the bike path across the long bridge and turn left (across Hwy. 95) onto Lakeshore Drive, past Springy Point campground and residential areas into open farmland along the Pend Oreille River and the Morton Slough Game Preserve Turn left onto Dufort R
GREEN BAY-MINERAL POINT MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike and hiking trail is a 7-mile loop of trail and road riding that follows the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, 12 miles SE of Sandpoint
Directions: Park at Garfield Bay and ride up Green Bay cutoff Road. Take a right on Green Bay Service road (next to the red firehouse) and ride to the Lost Lake Loop trail, do that and then pop back out to the Mineral Point trail head. Ride the single track to the Green Bay parking lot and then up the steep access road and back to Garfield Bay.
JERU CREEK ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE ROAD - If combined with Pack River Road, this mountain bike trail near Sandpoint is a 16.8 mile ride north of Sandpoint for intermediate and advanced levels. Once on the ridge, there are great views of the Selkirk Crest and the Pack River valley. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, North of Sandpoint
Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north 13 miles to Pack river Road 231. Turn left and go 8 miles to Jeru Creek Road 293.
JOHNSON CABIN-GRANITE CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Lake Pend Oreille is a 16 mile round trip ride on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille for both intermediate and advanced levels. Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, East of Sandpoint
Directions: From Clark Fork take Johnson Creek Road 278 and follow 16 miles to the trailhead for Johnson Cabin Trail # 606
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT - Explore alpine meadows or the rugged mountain terrain by mountain bike on trails at Schweitzer Mountain. A vast trail system offers something for every ability level. Colorful hillsides explode with wildflowers and nearby Lake Pend Oreille becomes a valley of sparkling, sunlit glass. The high speed quad chairlift runs daily and lift tickets are available at the Plaza Cafe. Bike rentals are available at the Alpine Shop located in the Schweitzer Village.
10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. Sandpoint
263-9555 (800) 831-8810
Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: North Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Sandpoint take Hwy. 95 north approx. 2 miles to the Schweitzer Road and turn left. Take this road to Boyer Avenue. Turn right onto Boyer and follow the signs to Schweitzer - 9 miles
610 Bunker Ave Kellogg
783-1111
SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS - The gondola takes you to the top, where can ride 30+ miles of everything from rolling single track over varying terrain. While there are trails suited for a variety of levels, intermediate to advanced level skills are recommended. All trails lead back the Gondola Village -- where you can jump on for another lap.
Nearest City: Kellogg
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola
SILVER MOUNTAIN-BIG CREEK BANZAI BIKING TRAIL - This mountain bike trail near Silver Mountain Ski Resort is 14.8 miles, one way, on a variety of track types from paved road to gravel road to single and double track. Trail is shared with horseback riders and hikers.
Nearest City: Kellogg
Location: North Idaho, E. of Coeur d'Alene
Directions: From Kellogg, take the Silver Mountain gondola
13550 E. Hwy. 54 Athol
683-2425
FARRAGUT STATE PARK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS - There are two mountain bike trails in Farragut State Park. The Shoreline Trail, along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille is 3.5 miles, one way, on wide-track single track and a paved pathway. The Northside Loop is 4.7 miles of single trackpassing through grasslands and timber.
Nearest City: Athol
Location: North Idaho, 20 miles North of Coeur d'Alene
32203 Hwy 57 Priest River
443-2512
PRIEST LAKE LAKESHORE TRAIL #294 - This is a popular and well used trail in this area. It is an easy hike and parallels Priest Lake and is crossed by 5 streams. Many views of the lake are offered. This trail passes through dog hair stands of timber and also through hillsides of brush. There are numerous campsites along the trail offering beaches, isolation and wind protection. Nearest City: Priest Lake
Location: North Idaho, North of Priest River, Idaho
Directions: Go to Nordman. East on Forest Rd. 1339. North to end of pavement, right to Beaver Creek boat launch.
Trail has two main access points: # 1, Road 2512 above Granite Creek, # 2, Tule Bay at the Beaver Creek boat launch. Trail also has spurs to Rd
UPPER PRIEST LAKE NAVIGATION TRAIL - This excellent mountain bike trail near Priest Lake is up to 9.4 miles, one way, on single track in the old growth forest next to Upper Priest Lake. Riders share the trail with hikers and joggers. A few dispersed campsites exist along the trail with developed campgrounds located at the north end of Upper Priest Lake (Navigation campground) and the south end of the lake (Plowboy Campground). Contact the Forest Service for a brochure on mountain bike trails in the Idaho panhandle.
Nearest City: Priest Lake
Location: North Idaho, 10 mi. N. of Nordman MAP
Directions: N. on Hwy. 57 to Nordman, east on Forest Road 1339. North to Beaver Creek campground (12 miles). Trail has two main trailheads - one off Road 1341 at Beaver Creek Campground, the other is located on Road 1013 a mile past Hughes Meadows turnoff. Trail can be reached via Plowboy Trail 295
Looking for a cool bike ride? Try the Chafe 150, June 13, 2009
Another great local club is the Pend Oreille Pedalers Bicycle Club
Hiking & Climbing
The Centennial Trail, a 23 mile paved trail from Spokane, Washington through Coeur d'Alene, is ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride. Q'emlin Park, known for its natural climbing walls, also offers 14 miles of marked trails, as well as a city beach, public boat launch, and shady picnic facilities. Just two blocks from I-90 Exit 5 is Falls Park, where you can venture onto a platform overlooking a narrow canyon and view the Post Falls dam, with its dramatic 40 foot roaring waterfall. Also at the park, enjoy interpretive trails, a playground, picnic facilities and a stocked fishing pond for the kids, with wheelchair access. North Idaho is a region known for its secluded mountain lakes, clear blue streams and excellent fishing hotspots. If you are looking for a wilderness adventure, stop at the trailhead and hike up into the mountains to fish the cool waters of a mountain lake. The clear air and challenging terrain make for a truly rewarding experience. You can use a fly rod and/or regular tackle while fishing most of these lakes.
North Idaho is world-famous for huckleberries, succulent berries that can be found ripening at the 3,000 to 4,000 foot elevation beginning in mid-July. As summer progresses, huckleberries ripen at higher and higher elevations, and are still available for picking even after Labor Day. Huckleberries are great for making pies, desserts, and jellies, and are found in a variety of forms at the local restaurants if the harvest has been good. Hundreds of acres of National Forest weave through the mountains of North Idaho, providing the perfect growing environment for these wild delicacies. To find your own huckleberry patch, contact a Forest Service ranger station or the Idaho Department of Land for tips on getting started.
WALKING JAUNTS
The Pedestrian Long Bridge is perfect for a walk or bike ride; reach the bridge via the bike path on the south edge of the city limits. You can always expect dazzling views of the lake and Selkirk Mountains. Other possibilities are Travers Park on the 1900 block of West Pine Street, and City Beach downtown, where the city keeps bike paths open for walking and bicycling. The paved path to Dover along Highway 2 is another fine path for bicyclists or walkers. For a bit more adventure along the lake side right from downtown, follow the rough road on the north side of the City Breakwater, which leads past the city water treatment plant on north and east two miles to Ponderay. This road is only an unmaintained track, but offers solitude along the lake.
How About Snowshoe Hiking?
Strapping on a pair of snow shoes and making first tracks in fresh snow on a sunny winter day is as good as it gets for North Idaho outdoor recreation. If you're a novice or enjoying an outing with younger family members, the Centennial Trail is ideal. Park at the trailhead on Northwest Blvd. at I-90 Exit 11 in Coeur d'Alene and hike a flat trail along the Spokane River, through Coeur d'Alene City Park along the lake. Another popular route is beginning at Silver Beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene Road -I-90 Exit 15 at Sherman Avenue, with parking and year 'round restroom facilities and an stunning view with no changes in elevation.
Another trail in Coeur d'Alene is Tubbs Hill. It's short loop trail (3.2 miles) accessible from downtown that winds through a 120-acre natural park jutting out from the shore of Lake Coeur d' Alene. Start your hike at the south end of 3rd Street by the Coeur d'Alene Resort. Tubbs Hill is also accessible from 11th Street.
Falls Park in Post Falls is right in town, perfect for when you have a few hours to enjoy snowshoeing, maybe not an entire day. Exit 5 off of I-90, south a block to 4th Ave. and west two blocks. The park has family friendly trails and scenic overlook platforms to best view the wide open gates of the hydroelectric plant at the Spokane River falls.
For more advanced snowshoers, the following offer a backcountry hike. The winter wonderland scenery of North Idaho makes it worth your while. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Gold Hill-2 miles south of Sandpoint on US 95. turn east on Bottle Bay Road, 4.8 miles to the trailhead located on the right.
Length-3.7 miles one-way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-3400 feet
Elevation gain/loss-1200 feet
Panoramic views
Trail to Chimney Rock-a popular climbing destination. Getting to the trailhead in winter may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. From Sandpoint-north on US 95, 13 miles to Pack River Road -turn west onto Road 231, then 16 miles to West Branch Road 2653. Turn left and then a half mile to trailhead at bridge.
Length- 5 miles one way
Difficulty-last 2.5 miles are most difficult
Highest elevation- 6720 feet
Elevation gain/loss 1820 feet
The first 2.5 miles are along an old road, the last 2.5 miles are somewhat steep.
Moose Lake-from Sandpoint head east on Hwy 200 then 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road, turn left onto Road 275 then 16 miles to Lighting Creek Road 419, turn left and then 1.5 miles to Moose Creek Road 1022, turn right and 2 miles to the trailhead. This is also a trailhead for Blacktail Lake Trail 24 and Lake Estelle Trail 36.
Length- 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-6160 feet
Gain/loss-1240 feet
Depending upon snow conditions, accessibility may be limited to the backcountry areas. There are no restrictions to snowmobiles for both Moose Lake and Chimney Rock.
As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com
 |
|
|
This Sandpoint real estate agent believes knowing your community is the most important thing, & as host for many years of the N Idaho Business & N Idaho Arts radio shows, I have that knowledge.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
