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

Road signs on the side of the road near Priest River, Idaho. — Byway signs near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A metal sign of the outline of Idaho that reads "Priest Lake State Park Indian Creek Unit," with a forest in the background. — Priest Lake State Park Sign, Priest Lake State Park, Coolin. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

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

a woman points to a map at the Albeni Falls Dam Visitors Center. — Albeni Falls Dam Visitors Center, Oldtown. 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.

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

three women playing horseshoes. — Riley Creek Recreation Area near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three women walk across a street under a colorful sign that reads Sand Creek. — Town of Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

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

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

a person and a dog sit in a boat at sunset, fishing. — Fishing on Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

aerial view of Schweitzer Mountain. — Schweitzer, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

aerial view of people swimming in Priest River. — Priest River Recreation Area near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River. — Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River near Oldtown. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Pend Oreille River in Newport. — Pend Oreille River in Oldtown. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Dover Bay Resort. — Dover Bay Resort near Dover. 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.

Aerial view of Indian Creek Bay at Priest Lake, surrounded by forest in Priest Lake State Park. — Indian Creek Bay, Priest Lake State Park, Coolin. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of three women sitting on a dock overlooking Priest River. — Priest River Recreation Area near Priest River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three women paddling a red canoe across tree-lined Priest Lake at Priest Lake State Park. — Indian Creek Bay, Priest Lake State Park, Coolin. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Lookout view of Lake Pend Oreille from the mountains. — Lake Pend Oreille view from Schweitzer near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Sandpoint along the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage. — City of Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Night sky with galaxies and stars over Lake Pend Oreille. — Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

River flowing through Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area. — Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area near Clark Fork. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage

Encompassing the southern leg of the International Selkirk Loop, the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage follows the northern shore of the Pend Oreille River and passes scenic forests and farms. Expect to see a variety of wildlife, birds of prey and waterfowl depending on the season. Along the byway, learn how Ice Age and the Great Missoula Floods shaped northern Idaho.

Length

29.9 miles
48.2 km

Time

40 minutes

Region

Northern Idaho

When to Visit

Year-round

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: The byway begins at the Washington state line and follows U.S. Highway 2 to Sandpoint.

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

Full Services in: Oldtown; Priest River and Sandpoint

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Nearby Adventures

During the summer, take advantage of the river’s gently flowing waters and swim, boat or paddle along this water trail. In winter, enjoy snow sports, ice fishing and skiing at Schweitzer.