There’s so much incredible scenery around Idaho that you really don’t ever have to leave the state when you’re in the mood for adventure. However, it doesn’t hurt to roam outside of our borders every once in awhile! The International Selkirk Loop allows you to explore the beauty that extends beyond the Gem State and it makes for one of the most scenic road trips that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Comprised of a loop that extends through Idaho, Canada, and Washington, you’ll quickly find that there’s never a dull moment on this drive. This is not only one of the best scenic dives in Idaho, Washington, and Canada, but one of the best in the whole world!
Prepare for a truly memorable adventure when you embark on the International Selkirk Loop that stretches through parts of Idaho, Washington, AND British Columbia. There’s something awesome to be discovered at every turn!
International Selkirk Loop/Facebook
Comprised of 280 miles of pure scenic beauty, the International Selkirk Loop is unlike any other scenic drive in the state. As North America’s only multi-national scenic drive, you’ll need your passport if you wish to accomplish the whole thing.
Gopher-Vol_Fan/TripAdvisor
You could spend days upon days discovering everything on this scenic loop, and you’ll find that there’s never a dull moment throughout the entire journey. From crystal clear rivers and lakes to snow-capped peaks, there’s no way you’ll be bored with so much beauty to be seen.
cmh2315fl/Flickr You’ll be able to enjoy some of the prettiest places in Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia on this drive!
The Selkirk Loop officially begins on U.S. Route 2 on the Idaho-Washington border. From here, the highway extends through gorgeous North Idaho scenery and towns like Priest River and Sandpoint.
Jasperdo/Flickr
A memorable section of the highway takes you along the shores of Idaho’s largest body of water, Lake Pend Oreille, before turning north towards the small community of Colburn and past the seemingly endless Kaniksu National Forest. You’ll see some of the best views in Idaho on this section of the drive.
Stan Peterson/Flickr
Bonners Ferry is one of the last Idaho communities you’ll pass through on your way to the Canadian border. Situated along the Kootenai River, the small town of 2,543 residents boasts a spectacular setting that’s rich with natural beauty.
Tyler M Yates/Flickr
You’ll enter British Columbia at the town of Porthill. Be sure to read up on the documents you’ll need to cross the border. From here, the highway continues to follow the river through idyllic scenery. This part of the drive is pretty remote, but you’ll pass by the lovely community of Creston.
waferboard/Flickr
One of the highlights of this multi-national drive is the ferry crossing across Kootenay Lake. As the longest free ferry ride in the world, the voyage across the lake is definitely something to remember! The views from over the lake don’t hurt, either.
Gopher-Vol_Fan/TripAdvisor
There are multiple ways to experience the loop for yourself, and the official website boasts tons of travel information so you can customize the journey to your liking. Whether you set off to accomplish the entire loop or just a small section, your experience is bound to be something to remember.
Gopher-Vol_Fan/TripAdvisor If you find yourself asking, “Where are the best scenic drives near me?” then this is one that you absolutely cannot miss.
Have you accomplished the International Selkirk Loop yet? If not, you’ll want to be sure to add it to your bucket list! Don’t forget to tell us about your favorite scenic drive in Idaho in the comments below – and after you tackle the International Selkirk Loop, let us know if you agree with our assessment that it is one of the best scenic drives in Idaho, Washington, and Canada overall!
International Selkirk Loop/Facebook
Gopher-Vol_Fan/TripAdvisor
cmh2315fl/Flickr
You’ll be able to enjoy some of the prettiest places in Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia on this drive!
Jasperdo/Flickr
Stan Peterson/Flickr
Tyler M Yates/Flickr
waferboard/Flickr
If you find yourself asking, “Where are the best scenic drives near me?” then this is one that you absolutely cannot miss.
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Address: International Selkirk Loop, WA-31, Ione, WA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in Idaho April 08, 2022 Christy What is the best time of year to drive the International Selkirk Loop? This scenic drive is great in all seasons but you’ll likely enjoy it more during the warmer months when you don’t have to worry about ice and snow. Although the roads on this loop are maintained all year-round, it does snow heavily in this part of the country during the winter so you’ll have to be more careful during the winter. This loop is great in the summer because you can stop and enjoy many recreational activities like hiking, boating, biking, birding, and more, but many people like it best during the autumn when the leaves on the trees are changing - it’s a colorful wonderland! Are there places to stay along this scenic drive? Absolutely! The 280-mile loop passes through dozens of towns in both states and in British Columbia. These towns offer lodging in hotels, vacation rentals, cabins, bed and breakfasts, cottages, and more. The towns of Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Priest River in Idaho and Newport in Washington are popular with tourists, and you also might enjoy Creston or Nelson in British Columbia. There are also many opportunities for camping throughout this area so bring your camper or a tent and you can enjoy the great outdoors twenty-four hours a day. How should I prepare for the border crossings? Because this is an international loop, you’ll have to cross over into Canada and then back into the United States again. These border crossings are not very busy and you won’t have to wait very long except in rare cases. Be sure to have your passport with you and ready and you may be asked to exit the car for a brief search, but in many cases the border patrol agents will just wave you through without hesitation. If you’re driving a rental car or rented camper, be sure yo have your paperwork on hand in case they ask to see it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in Idaho
April 08, 2022
Christy
What is the best time of year to drive the International Selkirk Loop? This scenic drive is great in all seasons but you’ll likely enjoy it more during the warmer months when you don’t have to worry about ice and snow. Although the roads on this loop are maintained all year-round, it does snow heavily in this part of the country during the winter so you’ll have to be more careful during the winter. This loop is great in the summer because you can stop and enjoy many recreational activities like hiking, boating, biking, birding, and more, but many people like it best during the autumn when the leaves on the trees are changing - it’s a colorful wonderland! Are there places to stay along this scenic drive? Absolutely! The 280-mile loop passes through dozens of towns in both states and in British Columbia. These towns offer lodging in hotels, vacation rentals, cabins, bed and breakfasts, cottages, and more. The towns of Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Priest River in Idaho and Newport in Washington are popular with tourists, and you also might enjoy Creston or Nelson in British Columbia. There are also many opportunities for camping throughout this area so bring your camper or a tent and you can enjoy the great outdoors twenty-four hours a day. How should I prepare for the border crossings? Because this is an international loop, you’ll have to cross over into Canada and then back into the United States again. These border crossings are not very busy and you won’t have to wait very long except in rare cases. Be sure to have your passport with you and ready and you may be asked to exit the car for a brief search, but in many cases the border patrol agents will just wave you through without hesitation. If you’re driving a rental car or rented camper, be sure yo have your paperwork on hand in case they ask to see it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
This scenic drive is great in all seasons but you’ll likely enjoy it more during the warmer months when you don’t have to worry about ice and snow. Although the roads on this loop are maintained all year-round, it does snow heavily in this part of the country during the winter so you’ll have to be more careful during the winter. This loop is great in the summer because you can stop and enjoy many recreational activities like hiking, boating, biking, birding, and more, but many people like it best during the autumn when the leaves on the trees are changing - it’s a colorful wonderland!
Are there places to stay along this scenic drive?
Absolutely! The 280-mile loop passes through dozens of towns in both states and in British Columbia. These towns offer lodging in hotels, vacation rentals, cabins, bed and breakfasts, cottages, and more. The towns of Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, and Priest River in Idaho and Newport in Washington are popular with tourists, and you also might enjoy Creston or Nelson in British Columbia. There are also many opportunities for camping throughout this area so bring your camper or a tent and you can enjoy the great outdoors twenty-four hours a day.
How should I prepare for the border crossings?
Because this is an international loop, you’ll have to cross over into Canada and then back into the United States again. These border crossings are not very busy and you won’t have to wait very long except in rare cases. Be sure to have your passport with you and ready and you may be asked to exit the car for a brief search, but in many cases the border patrol agents will just wave you through without hesitation. If you’re driving a rental car or rented camper, be sure yo have your paperwork on hand in case they ask to see it.
