Come springtime, the mountains, valleys, and waterways around Sandpoint, Idaho, come alive with wildflowers and wildlife, making it one of the top spring hiking destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Wildflowers burst into bloom in profuse displays, and a wide variety of wildlife is busy rearing their young. The area offers incomparably wild experiences in spring, with trails that wind through granite features, open forests, and wetlands teeming with migrating birds and resident wildlife.
From easy, flat walks suitable for all abilities to strenuous mountain climbs that reward hikers with panoramic views and potential wildlife encounters, the Sandpoint area’s trail system provides diverse opportunities to take it all in. Whether you’re seeking prolific lupine displays, beargrass meadows, or the chance to spot mountain goats, moose, and eagles, these trails offer wonderful discoveries for wildflower and wildlife enthusiasts. Visit the links below for driving directions and other info for each of the hike and wildlife-viewing destinations.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Although wildlife generally avoids humans, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sandpoint offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during spring bird migrations. The 2,774-acre refuge’s wetlands, meadows, riparian, and coniferous forests provide sanctuary primarily for migrating waterfowl. During spring, when birds are moving along the Pacific Flyway, thousands of ducks, geese, and swans may be resting and foraging at the refuge ponds.
Over 300 species of wildlife have been observed here: 22 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 6 species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals, and over 223 bird species. You’ll see waterfowl and raptors such as eagles and osprey, while moose, deer, and even bear frequent the refuge. The refuge has easy and flat hiking trails, wildlife blinds, and a driving route offering multiple ways to experience the wildlife and its beautiful location in the Kootenai River valley.
Mickinnick Trail
One of the most rewarding spring hikes near Sandpoint, the Mickinnick Trail is a challenging route that rises more than 2,000 feet in its 3.5-mile length to the topmost overlook (7 miles roundtrip). Even in the lower, easier reaches, the wildflowers are varied and glorious in spring and early summer. The trail wends through big granite features amid open forests and, in spring and early summer, profuse displays of many different kinds of wildflowers.
The trail ends on a rocky knob commanding a view of Sandpoint, the Long Bridge, the Cabinet Mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille. On warm summer days, the east-facing aspect of the trail makes it more user-friendly in the afternoon.
Scotchman Peak Trail
Looking to spot mountain goats in the wild? The Scotchman Peak Trail, a top-rated challenging hike near Sandpoint, offers a strenuous climb with rewarding wildlife encounters and panoramic lake views. About 30 minutes’ drive east of town, the trail ascends more than 3,700 feet over roughly 4 miles to the highest point in Bonner County at 6,872 feet. A resident herd of mountain goats frequents the peak, affording a good chance of seeing the amazingly sure-footed mountain climbers up close. Hikers are asked to keep a distance of 100 feet for their safety as well as the goats’.
Pine Street Woods
Just over two miles from downtown Sandpoint, Pine Street Woods offers family-friendly hiking trails with prolific lupine blooms in late spring and early summer. More than a dozen trails provide miles of hiking opportunities through this unique place where the numerous off-leash dogs and varied terrain create a welcoming outdoor experience.
Photos courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
Round Lake State Park
Round Lake State Park, located 12 miles south of Sandpoint, features 7 miles of easy hiking trails through towering pines and lakeside wetlands—perfect for birdwatching and springtime wildlife viewing. Visitors often spot wildlife as Canada geese pass over the park’s pine, hemlock, and larch trees and ospreys plunge for perch. Hikers may discover beaver lodges and catch a glimpse of a resident moose, while along the lake in summer, they may hear a chorus of bullfrogs and spot ducks and Red-winged Blackbirds among other birdlife.
Gold Hill Trail
The Gold Hill Trail is a popular 3.7-mile hike near Sandpoint that climbs to sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains, ideal for spring and fall hikes. Most start at the trailhead on Bottle Bay Road, about 8 miles south of Sandpoint, making this mountain hiking at its best in the Pacific Northwest.
Schweitzer Trails
Beginning in June, the beargrass make lavish displays along Schweitzer’s many trails. Schweitzer Mountain Resort features over 20 miles of dedicated hiking trails, with alpine wildflowers and panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille, ideal for summer hiking in North Idaho.
Recommended Schweitzer Hikes:
Nature Trail: This 2.5-mile one-way trail ascends approximately 1,700 feet, leading hikers through forests and meadows to the summit. At the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. Hikers can choose to descend the same way or take the Great Escape Quad chairlift back down.
Picnic Point: Ideal for families and those seeking a moderate hike, this 3-mile round-trip trail offers sweeping vistas with minimal elevation gain.
Additional Hiking Trails in the Sandpoint Area:
- Evans Landing Trail: A moderate 2-mile forested hike to a secluded beach on Lake Pend Oreille—perfect for spring picnics and birdwatching.
- Maiden Rock Trail: A steep and scenic 2-mile trek through deep forest to a hidden cove on Lake Pend Oreille’s western shore.
- Lost Lake & Mineral Point Trail: This 6-mile trail system offers panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Green Monarchs, with loop options ideal for spring wildflower hikes.
- Farragut State Park: Farragut State Park, just 40 minutes from Sandpoint, boasts over 45 miles of scenic hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging forest hikes. Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, it’s a crown jewel of Idaho’s state parks.
You’ll find your perfect spring hike near Sandpoint to soak in the season’s sights, sounds, and serenity. Check out all of the spring trail recommendations and start planning your wildflower and wildlife spring getaway. Combine fine days outside with Sandpoint’s vaunted culinary and entertainment opportunities for a weekend or multi-day visit; discover those, plus an array of lodging choices, at VisitSandpoint.com.
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