An aerial shot the Kootenai River running through the town of Bonners Ferry. — The Kootenai River running through Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Looking down a stream surrounded by an evergreen forest in the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. — Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, near Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A person stands on a bridge on the Myrtle Falls Trail overlooking a stream in a lush forested area. — Myrtle Falls Trail, near Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

View of Dover Bay Resort on the Pend Oreille River. — Dover Bay Resort on the Pend Oreille River, Dover. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

three women walk along a pathway overlooking a river. — Albeni Falls Dam Visitors Center near Oldtown. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three women look at graffiti art in Graffiti Alley in Sandpoint. — Graffiti Alley, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three women wading in Priest River with a bridge and trees in the background. — Priest River Recreation Area, near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A doe and her fawn stand in a field nearby the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway. — A doe and fawn along the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Welcome sign to the town of Dover. — Town of Dover. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Exterior of a stone visitors center at Albeni Falls Dam. — Albeni Falls Dam Visitors Center, Oldtown. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Bison grazing in a field with trees and mountains in the background. — Bison near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of a river running through the town of Priest River, with tree covered mountains in the distance. — The town of Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A man plein air painting in a field of tall grass in front of a body of water at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. — Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, near Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

International Selkirk Loop – Idaho Portion

The International Selkirk Loop—North America’s only multinational scenic drive—is a 280-mile journey around the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho, Washington and British Columbia. With nearly the entire Idaho portion following crystal-clear rivers and lakeshores, the International Selkirk Loop is a road trip of a lifetime.

Length

89.2 miles
144 km

Time

1 hour, 49 minutes

Region

Northern

When to Visit

Year-round

Portions of the route may be closed in the winter.

International Selkirk Loop – Idaho Portion

Discover Idaho’s Portion of the International Selkirk Loop

The International Selkirk Loop connects two Idaho scenic byways—Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway and Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you in Idaho, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: From Oldtown, head north on U.S. Route 2 through Sandpoint towards Bonners Ferry. Continue north on U.S. Route 95, take the left fork onto the 1 to the Canadian border and cross the Idaho-Canada border in Porthill.

Road Conditions: Check conditions before traveling in the winter. The road can be icy.

Full Services in: Oldtown, Priest River, Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial Services: When gas and a few other facilities are available

Nearby Adventures

Known as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the Northern Rockies, the International Selkirk Loop is a haven for hiking, biking, off-roading, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.