The exterior of the Bonners Ferry Visitor Center surrounded by blooming flowers and green trees. — Bonners Ferry Visitor Center, Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Signage at the entrance of Bonners Ferry. — Welcome signage in Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

One sign marking the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway and a second sign next to it marking the International Selkirk Loop. — Signage marking the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway and the International Selkirk Loop along the dual route. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A scenic shot of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in spring. — Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Myrtle Falls flowing surrounded by lush green forest. — Myrtle Falls, near Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A scenic shot of the Kootenai River at dusk. — Kootenai River, near Porthill. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Signage welcoming visitors to the United States and Idaho besides an informational sign about the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway. — Welcoming signage at the international border stop to enter Idaho from Canada, near Porthill. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

The interior of the Boundary County Historical Museum displaying an exhibit of preserved items. — Inside the Boundary County Historical museum, Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Freshly poured beer in pint glass sitting under beer tap — Kootenai River Brewing Company, Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

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

A scenic shot from Schweitzer Mountain overlooking the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. — Schweitzer Mountain, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A group of three people walk across a bridge in downtown Sandpoint. — Downtown Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sailboat on Lake Pend Orielle. — Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial shot of Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille. — Overlooking the town of Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway

Part of the International Selkirk Loop, the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway begins in Sandpoint’s scenic downtown, located on the shores of Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. With the dramatic backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains, the route follows the “Wild Horse Trail,” which was crucial for the Kootenai Tribe and settlers alike as this area of northern Idaho grew through the gold rush era. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the byway as you make your way through the McArthur Lake Wildlife Corridor toward the historic gold-mining town of Bonners Ferry and the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge before ending at Porthill, the international border stop to enter Canada.

Length

35.9 miles
57.8 km

Time

1 hour,
9 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 Direction: This byway begins on U.S. 95 in downtown Sandpoint and follows it north through Bonners Ferry to the junction of U.S. 95 and Idaho 1, then proceeds north on Idaho 1 to the international border at Porthill.

Full Services in: Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Nearby Adventures

The Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway showcases year-round outdoor recreation in the Selkirk Mountains and offers a wealth of historical stops to explore.