Hidden Gems

An RVer's Guide to Idaho Panhandle National Forest

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION

Hidden Gems of the National Forest System

THOR and the National Forest Foundation are bringing you one step closer to the “hidden gems” of the National Forest system. Get tips for RVing at these national forest destinations and why they are some of the RV community’s best-kept secrets.

About Idaho Panhandle National Forest

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are an aggregation of the Coeur d'Alene and portions of the Kaniksu and St. Joe National Forests and comprise about 2.5 million acres of public lands within "the panhandle" of northern Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana.

Situated on the Columbia Plateau between the Cascade and the Bitterroot Mountains, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests offers visitors grand mountain tops, clear lakes and rivers, waterfalls, ancient cedar groves, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities in Idaho’s premier north country.

A flowing river in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
A lookout tower near Bonners Ferry in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

What To Do In the Idaho Panhandle

From the shores of big lakes to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ tapestry of land and water is full of opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping.

There are few drives on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests that aren’t scenic. Consider the paved roads up the St. Joe River (Forest Highway 50) and the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River (Forest Highway 9). State Highway 57 from Priest River to Nordman, US Highways 2 and 95 north of Bonners Ferry and State Highway 200 between Sandpoint and the Montana state line. All of these offer great views of National Forest rivers, lakes, and mountains from the comfort of your vehicle and provide access to the scenic streams, mountain lakes, ridges, and peaks of the Idaho

Other popular attractions in the area include:

Camp at Idaho Panhandle National Forest

List of Campgrounds

History

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests has numerous locations where Forest visitors can step into the past, including several historic ranger stations, rental cabins, and the Shoshone Park Picnic Area.

The Pulaski Tunnel Trail near Wallace is another popular historic destination in the area. The trail’s two-mile course brings hikers to an overlook across the creek from the Pulaski Tunnel where “Big Ed” Pulaski saved all but six of his 45-man firefighting crew in August of 1910.

Fun Facts

  • The Idaho Panhandle is the only home of the endangered woodland caribou in the lower 48 states.
  • More than half of all the surface waters in Idaho are in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
  • The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are one of only two places in the world where you can find Star Garnets.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest

Top Attractions

POINTS OF INTEREST
1
St. Joe River Area
The St. Joe River Area is home to waterways that are part of the National Wild and Scenic River System, blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams, and extensive roadless and primitive areas, making it a pristine getaway for RVers, hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV riders.
2
Coeur d'Alene River Area
Recreational opportunities abound in this area, with trails that allow horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, motorcycling, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Take in the sights of wilderness and waterfalls while embarking on your favorite pastime.
3
English Point Recreation Trails
A wellknown hiking spot and trail system, the English Point Recreation Trails meander through stately trees and along the pristine shores of Hayden Lake.
4
Emerald Creek Garnet Area
The Emerald Creek Garnet Area and India are the only two places in the world where you can find the rare gemstones known as star garnet. These stones cause an optical phenomenon called "asterism" where they display multi-rayed light reflection on the surface, resembling a star. This designated area in the forest allows for safe and environmentally friendly collecting of these stones.
5
Route of the Hiawatha
Revered as one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country, this 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. The Route of the Hiawatha is also known for St. Paul Pass (or "Taft" Tunnel) which is a long dark tunnel spanning 1.66 miles buried under the state line.
6
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
A piece of history, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail tells the story of Ranger Ed Pulaski who saved the lives of all but six of his 45-man crew by herding them into an abandoned mine tunnel during a massive wildfire that scorched three million acres of forest. The trail follows along a cascading creek and leads into a lush green forest, offering a scenic and educational activity.
A family eating at a picnic table by a mountain

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In 2020, THOR and the National Forest Foundation entered a partnership that will plant at least 500,000 trees on National Forest lands. Join us by supporting our National Forests and help improve the health of important public lands for future generations.

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