International Selkirk Loop

Explore part of the interntional selkirk loop

Length

27 Miles | 43 KM

Drive Time

1 Hour

Recommended Stay

2 Days

Regions

Eastern

explore the INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK Loop in Washington

The Washington section follows State Routes 20 and 31 between Newport and the Canadian border

The International Selkirk Loop is North America’s only multi-national scenic loop. The full loop runs for 280 miles through the stunning landscapes of Washington State, Canada, and Idaho. Washington’s section spans about 84 miles and includes the North Pend Oreille (pronounced pond-er-ay) Scenic Byway. With its less-traveled roads and expansive outdoor beauty, this scenic drive is perfect for discovering wildlife and hidden gems. North of Spokane, hike through vast forests, enjoy river views, and stop by small towns. Visitors can learn about local history, hit the trail, and even explore one of the state’s longest limestone caves.

Time Your Trip: The Washington portion of the International Selkirk Loop can be visited year-round.

Courtesy of Tri-County Economic Development District

River view along the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway — Courtesy of Tri-County Economic Development District

Exterior of the Tiger Store — Courtesy of Tri-County Economic Development District

A welcome to Pend Oreille County sign along a scenic byway — Courtesy of Tri-County Economic Development District

discover destinations

Newport
Set along the Idaho border, Newport serves as the starting point for the Washington segment of the International Selkirk Loop. Browse local shops or stop by the Pend Oreille County Historical Society & Museum. Nature lovers can stroll riverside parks or explore nearby trails and waterways.

Usk & the Kalispel Tribe of Indians Reservation
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians reservation lies along the Pend Oreille River near Usk. As you travel LeClerc Road, you may spot the tribe’s bison herd grazing in the distance. The tribe also operates the Kalispel Casino. Visitors traveling through the area are moving through ancestral lands that remain central to Kalispel culture. From Usk, visitors can take a side trip to 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort and the communities of Chewelah and Colville.

Tiger
Located at the junction of highways 20 and 31, Tiger is the start of the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Open seasonally, the Tiger Historical Center and Museum is housed in a 1913 former store and post office. Today, it’s the only building that remains of this community.

Ione
With roots in the lumber industry, this small community offers off-the-beaten-path adventure. Watch for wildlife at Big Meadow Lake, hike along Sullivan Lake in Colville National Forest, or view the Box Canyon Dam from a scenic overlook.

Metaline Falls
Once a mining town, Metaline Falls historic charm shines through with the Washington Hotel and Cutter Theater. Surrounded by forests, river views, and waterfalls, there are many ways to explore the outdoors.

Crawford State Park Heritage Site
This day-use park offers a perfect spot for hiking and picnicking. Make reservations to tour Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park Heritage Site. The cave is one of Washington’s longest limestone caves and offers the chance to see stalactites and stalagmites up close.

Idaho and British Columbia
In British Columbia, the International Selkirk Loop travels through Creston before following Kootenay Lake. The return toward the U.S. climbs through forested terrain and mountain passes, rounding out the loop with expansive vistas. The Idaho portion centers around the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake. Along the route, travelers can visit Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Priest River, and more.