Nestled On The Border Of Idaho And Montana Is A Secluded National Forest With Mountain Lakes And Unique Wildlife

Northern Idaho, also known as the Idaho Panhandle, is famous for its stunning natural scenery, characterized by lakes, mountains, and forests stretching all the way up to Canada. Nestled on the border of Idaho and Montana is Kaniksu National Forest, one of three woodlands within the vast Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This 1.6-million-acre wilderness spans across three states: Washington, Idaho, and Montana. More than half is located in Idaho, making it a key part of the state's northern landscape. 

Kaniksu National Forest was established in 1908 in an effort to revitalize the land, which was damaged by mining and logging in the 1800s. Around this time, Coeur d'Alene National Forest and St. Joe National Forest were also established, forming the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. It's believed that humans have inhabited the region for over 10,000 years. Northern Idaho is also home to ancient cedars, some of which are over 1,000 years old, per BoiseDev. The lush alpine terrain supports a thriving ecosystem and a diverse range of wildlife. Thanks to the area's rich vegetation, wild huckleberry picking and harvesting is also a popular activity.

Kaniksu National Forest is free to visit for the day, but there is a fee to use the campgrounds for those who plan to stay overnight. Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake are two of the region's most popular lakes for water recreation, with nearby campgrounds and several boat ramps for convenience. The region also has many waterfalls for hikers to explore, as well as rivers and streams for anglers. "This is an absolutely beautiful part of Northern Idaho," wrote one Google reviewer. "Kaniksu illustrates the true beauty of the Inland Northwest."

Kaniksu National Forest is known for its ancient lakes, carved by glaciers many thousands of years ago. The most famous example is Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake and a recreational paradise. Surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks, the lake has over 100 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for water recreation. Various parks and campgrounds provide direct access to the water for swimming, sailing, paddling, jet skiing, and more. At the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille is the popular Farragut State Park, which has over 200 campsites and 10 rental cabins.

Other sub-alpine lakes worth visiting within the national forest include Spruce Lake and the Roman Nose Lakes, a chain of three lakes with accessibility features such as wheelchair pads for lakeside fishing. Of course, there's also Priest Lake, which is known as "Idaho's crown jewel," according to the U.S. Forest Service. With close to 80 miles of shoreline, Priest Lake is also among the biggest in the state — visitors can access it by heading to Priest Lake State Park.

Idaho boasts some of the best places to go fishing in the Pacific Northwest, and the lakes in Kaniksu National Forest are no exception. One popular choice is Bead Lake, which has a boat launch and allows both two-pole fishing and ice fishing in the winter. The aforementioned Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake, as well as Coeur d'Alene Lake, are especially abundant with trophy-sized fish. Species include smallmouth bass, salmon, northern pike, and various types of trout. Fishing enthusiasts can also drop a line in the national forest's smaller lakes, rivers, and streams. All anglers above the age of 14 must possess an Idaho fishing license, which can be purchased online.

Many animals call Kaniksu National Forest home, including black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, coyotes, gray wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, and mule deer. The secluded Selkirk Mountains, located within the national forest, are the only known home of woodland caribou in the Lower 48. Bird watchers are in for a treat, as over 260 species have been recorded on eBird, including eagles, ravens, geese, swans, and osprey. Visitors can also keep an eye out for wildlife on the nearby Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway, Idaho's prettiest Panhandle road.

Hiking in Kaniksu National Forest increases your chances of a memorable wildlife encounter. Hikers will find 25 options on AllTrails, ranging from beginner-friendly strolls to challenging treks. The short 0.4-mile Hanna Flats Nature Trail is a great option for bird watchers and those with limited time. There are also several hikes that lead to waterfalls. The Char Falls Trail is just 1 mile roundtrip and features a scenic 50-foot waterfall. There's also the 0.7-mile Copper Falls Trail in the greater Idaho Panhandle National Forest, praised by AllTrails reviewers for its spectacular waterfall views.

For those flying in, Washington's Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the closest international airport to Kaniksu National Forest, located less than two hours away by car. Those not planning to camp in the national forest can find many scenic hotel and lodging options along Lake Pend Orielle or in the city of Bonners Ferry to the north. Renting a car is essential for getting around, and the U.S. Forest Service has several digital maps that are worth downloading to navigate the region more easily.