International Selkirk Loop

A couple stops to pose after snowmobiling in the Selkirks.

Snowmobilers can catch a bird's eye view of Priest Lake on the many trails in the Selkirk Mountains.

Snowmobilers ride their sleds on a forest trail on a snowy day. Beautiful snow-covered trees can be seen in the distance.

A snowmobiler pauses to catch the views found when snowmobiling in the Selkirk Mountains. Snow covered mountains are in the distance.

The light green of the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort contrasts with dark green pines and the blue of the mountains and a shimmering lake.

Home to protected wildlife, this deep forested landscape seems to stretch on forever.

Historic buildings and a relaxed atmosphere invite sidewalk strolling on this pleasant day in Nelson.

The Osprey makes a regular trip across the waters of Kootenay Lake.

The waters of the PeeWee falls cascade over a sheer cliff into Pend Oreille River.

Fall foliage contrasts with the deep blues and dark greens of Pend Oreille River and the surrounding conifers.

Waves crash on the shore of Albeni Cove on the Pend Oreille River.

Mountains make a black silouhette against a brightly painted sky as the sun sets at Priest River.

Woodland caribou (rangifer tarandus), such as the one seen here in the Selkirk Mountains, are the most endangered mammal in the lower 48 states.

Two motocyclists zoom along the The International Selkirk Loop. The Loop was named 'The West's Best New Scenic Drive' (Sunset Magazine) and motorcyclists love its uncrowded highways.

Snowmobilers enjoy the powder on a trail overlooking beautiful Priest Lake, Idaho. The International Selkirk Loop offers hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, along with thousands of acres of ungroomed powder playground.

Warm pinks are reflected in the waters of Cavanaugh Bay, framed by the dark silhouette of trees. The bay is located on Priest Lake, Idaho's "Crown Jewel."

A fisherman tries his luck at one of the many crystal clear lakes and rivers along the International Selkirk Loop known for their excellent fishing. Anglers find monster rainbow trout, mackinaw, dolly varden, cutthroat and kokanee.

Visitors participate in a workshop at the Pend Oreille Valley Lavendar Festival in mid-July. The festival celebrates locally-grown lavender on a 100-year-old homestead near Cusick, Washington.

The majestic SS Moyie, seen here, was built in 1898 and served communities along the Kootenai River and Kootenay Lake for almost 60 years. It is now North America's oldest restored sternwheeler, and is open daily throughout the summer for tours at its dock in Kaslo, BC.

Golfers play amid bright autumn colors at Hidden Lakes Golf Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho.

Mountain bikers take in a panoramic view of Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the largest ski and summer resort in the Inland Northwest. Scenic chairlift rides and mountain biking trails offer summer fun.

The Kootenay Lake free ferry is located at the northern end of the International Selkirk Loop. Two ferry boats are part of the Canadian Highway System, and provide a scenic 35-minute ride across the Lake. The ferries run about every one to one and a half hours, and can carry any size vehicle or RV.

Nelson is located on the west arm shore of Kootenay Lake. Named the number one small arts town in Canada and number four in North America, its storybook charm comes to life in its vibrant downtown. Historic Baker Street is lined with shops and sidewalk cafes, and offers guided walking tours to more than 350 heritage buildings. Nelson is the hub of all things outdoors because of its lakeside location, surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the Selkirk Mountains. Other highlights include Lakeside Park, the Nelson Museum, David Thompson Cultural Centre, Aquatic Centre, and nearby electric tramway.

Two cyclists take a break to enjoy the beauty of Kootenay Lake.

Bikers stop for a snap-shot in Bonners Ferry.

A road biker zooms past Priest Lake, a crystal-blue highlight near the International Selkirk Loop.

A Ski Patrol member pauses to take in the view of Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint, Idaho, from a steep mountainside at Schweitzer Ski Resort.

A skier carves his way down the snowy slopes of Schweitzer Ski Resort under a clear blue sky.

A brightly garbed skier glides down a well-groomed run at 49 Degrees North ski resort.

A pleasant summer day invites Sandpoint visitors to play in the cool waters of Lake Pend Oreille.

The town of Bonners Ferry lies between dense conifer forests and the waters of Kootenai River.

International Selkirk Loop community signs like this one are used for wayfinding at the entrances to Loop communities. Loop logo signs also are used at major highway junctions and key locations for traveler guidance.

The Pend Oreille County Historical Museum and Newport/Oldtown Chamber of Commerce are located in an historic train deport adjacent to Centennial Plaza in downtown Newport.

Moose wade in shallow waters at the 2,774-acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, located five miles west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The refuge provides resting and feeding habitat for many birds and other animals like these moose.

Two hikers enjoy a breathtaking view high in the wild Selkirk Mountains. The mountains offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails for all levels of ability. Some trails provide interpretation, and even wheelchair access. The International Selkirk Loop route includes many access points to trailheads in Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, where visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery with no crowds - unless you count the wildlife!

White waters rush over rugged stone at Pee Wee Falls. The thundering, 200-foot high falls are a highlight of a visit to Boundary Dam in northeastern Washington.

Mountains and sky are reflected in the pristine waters of Sullivan Lake. Located east of Metaline Falls, Washington, the lake offers fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking trails with interpretation and stunning views of both the lake and Selkirk Mountains.

A hiker takes a break on a high clifftop over looking the Roman Nose Lakes. High mountain lakes in the magnificent Selkirk Mountains, the Roman Nose Lakes are a great place for hiking, picnicking and rustic camping.

Boaters enjoy a day on Crawford Bay which lies at the northernmost point of the International Selkirk Loop. The beautiful bay is a haven for recreationists, with stunning views of nearby Kokanee Glacier. The town of Crawford Bay, BC, features art galleries and craft shops specializing in ancient and timeless traditions like broom making and glass blowing.

2,000 year old cedar trees dwarf three enthusiastic mountain bikers. Aside from the magnificent ancient cedar trees, hiking and mountain biking in the Selkirk Mountains offers opportunities to see sparkling waterfalls, high mountain lakes and prolific wildlife. In late summer, famous huckleberries are plentiful, and mushroom hunters find 450 varieties in the Selkirks.

Valhalla Drinnon Lake is located north of Nelson, BC in Valhalla Provincial Park. Access is by water taxi across Slocan Lake to a trail at lake level, or via the village of Slocan and then on rough gravel roads into the interior of the park. This is a place for serious backcountry adventures.

River Pigs, the name for logging wranglers who floated logs down the rivers to the sawmills, unjam a log jam near Priest River and recapture stray logs for processing in this historic black and white photo.