9. Clark Fork to Canada
CLARK FORK TO CANADA – 102 miles
There are only a handful of dirt road options in this narrow strip of land between Washington and Idaho so expect a bit of pavement which may be welcome at this point in your journey.
Just out of Clark Fork you’ll head up Lightning Creek Road into Kaniksu National Forest. Be sure to stop at Char Falls which are just a few paces from the parking area and well worth the photo opportunity. Lunch Peak Fire Lookout is also on the way and highly recommended. The route then descends to the shore of Lake Pend Oreille and bypasses the city of Sand Point. If you haven’t visited this lakeside resort city before, consider a detour to check it out.
The optional Roman Nose ALT Harder is fairly tame but there’s one short tough section on the ascent up to Ruby Pass. It’s worth the challenge to get to see the Roman Nose Lakes and walk the boardwalk there. On this long optional side trip there are views of Roman Nose, Bottleneck Peak, and other massive granite mountains in Kaniksu National Forest.
Soon you’ll alternate between dirt and pavement on your ride north along the banks of the Kootenai River and past the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. It’s not long until you reach the north end of the Idaho BDR at the small town of Porthill, Idaho near the Canadian Border crossing.
9. Clark Fork to Canada
CLARK FORK TO CANADA – 102 miles
There are only a handful of dirt road options in this narrow strip of land between Washington and Idaho so expect a bit of pavement which may be welcome at this point in your journey.
Just out of Clark Fork you’ll head up Lightning Creek Road into Kaniksu National Forest. Be sure to stop at Char Falls which are just a few paces from the parking area and well worth the photo opportunity. Lunch Peak Fire Lookout is also on the way and highly recommended. The route then descends to the shore of Lake Pend Oreille and bypasses the city of Sand Point. If you haven’t visited this lakeside resort city before, consider a detour to check it out.
The optional Roman Nose ALT Harder is fairly tame but there’s one short tough section on the ascent up to Ruby Pass. It’s worth the challenge to get to see the Roman Nose Lakes and walk the boardwalk there. On this long optional side trip there are views of Roman Nose, Bottleneck Peak, and other massive granite mountains in Kaniksu National Forest.
Soon you’ll alternate between dirt and pavement on your ride north along the banks of the Kootenai River and past the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. It’s not long until you reach the north end of the Idaho BDR at the small town of Porthill, Idaho near the Canadian Border crossing.
Bonners Ferry - Food, Gas, Lodging
Char Falls
Char Falls Take a refreshing and peaceful break from the route with the next stop at Char Falls. To reach the waterfall, park in the nearby parking lot and follow the sounds of rushing water to Lightning Creek. It’s an easy walk out to the falls, and well worth it to take in the setting. This special spot is part of Idaho Panhandle National Forests, and other than the sounds of nearby wildlife, remote enough not to be crowded. The stunning 50-foot waterfall is a good place to rest and take a break, or to take some photos of Northern Idaho’s unspoiled, natural scenery. Visitors can hike around all over the rocks near the falls, but be careful as going over the waterfall wouldn’t end well. Visit Website »
Clark Fork - Food, Gas, Lodging
Clark Fork – Food, Gas, Lodging For those running low on fuel, food and supplies, Clark Fork is the perfect place to stock up for the last section of the route. The town may be small in size, but it’s big in terms of adventures. It’s located where the 310 mile long Clark Fork River empties into Lake Pend Oreille not far from Sandpoint, Idaho. This is a good place to meet up with other riders and outdoor adventurists making their way through Northern Idaho. Close to the Montana border and approaching the Canadian border, Clark Fork is also a good place for fishing, hunting or a starting point for exploring the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness Area. Take a little time to visit the town’s restaurants and the delicious Clark Fork Pantry bakery. The town also offers lodging and fuel to finish the route. Visit Website »
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Enjoy one of the final experiences on the Idaho BDR as the north end of the route follows the west side of the Kootenai River (sometimes spelled Kootenay River) and delivers riders to Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. While there are many places to see birds along the river, Auto Tour Road loop beginning at the visitor center makes it easy to look out over the wetlands. The summer season often means spotting bald eagles, geese and ducks, but the refuge is home to hundreds of different species of wildlife throughout the year. It’s free to visit, and riders can also choose to park and go one of the site’s four hiking trails. Visit Website »
Lunch Peak Lookout 6412’
IDBDR POI
Porthill - Food & Gas
IDBDR POI
Roman Nose Boardwalk
Roman Nose CG
Unpaved Road
Ruby Pass 5400'
Sandpoint - Food, Gas, Lodging
Upper Pack River - Food & Gas
ID9 - Clark Fork to Canada
ID9 ALT Harder - Roman Nose
ID9 EXT - Lunch Peak Lookout Tower
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