Guidebook for Keystone Mountain Retreat
Parks & Nature
Where else can you find a sandy beach in the mountains as the city park? The north end is affectionately known as "Mother's Beach" as it is a popular place for young children with it's long, shallow slope. Follow the paved path to the east end, where my sons spent hours cannonballing off the dock. The south end is smaller and deeper, with another place for jumping off the dock. Watch for the pirate. He beaches his boat and offers treasure from a chest.
My husband and I also like to go later in the day just to relax when it is cooler and the beach is not as busy. Our favorite bench is on the east side, where we watch sailboats and listen to the waves against the shores. So peaceful!
63 locals recommend
Sandpoint City Beach Park
58 Bridge St Where else can you find a sandy beach in the mountains as the city park? The north end is affectionately known as "Mother's Beach" as it is a popular place for young children with it's long, shallow slope. Follow the paved path to the east end, where my sons spent hours cannonballing off the dock. The south end is smaller and deeper, with another place for jumping off the dock. Watch for the pirate. He beaches his boat and offers treasure from a chest.
My husband and I also like to go later in the day just to relax when it is cooler and the beach is not as busy. Our favorite bench is on the east side, where we watch sailboats and listen to the waves against the shores. So peaceful!
Take a half hour (23 mile) scenic drive along the eastern side of Lake Pend Oreille to get to this great spot. Go to the day use picnic area side for a picnic lunch in the trees, a little history of early settlers, and then on to the shallow swimming are on the lake. Kids love the relatively warm water and parents love that the water stays under four feet for most of the swimming area. Bring snorkel gear, tubes, and beach wear. The smooth rocks are clear beneath the sparkling water. Sometimes you'll see fish by the posts that mark the end of the swim area. There is a minimal $8-10 fee for day use.
Sam Owen Campground
Hope Peninsula RoadTake a half hour (23 mile) scenic drive along the eastern side of Lake Pend Oreille to get to this great spot. Go to the day use picnic area side for a picnic lunch in the trees, a little history of early settlers, and then on to the shallow swimming are on the lake. Kids love the relatively warm water and parents love that the water stays under four feet for most of the swimming area. Bring snorkel gear, tubes, and beach wear. The smooth rocks are clear beneath the sparkling water. Sometimes you'll see fish by the posts that mark the end of the swim area. There is a minimal $8-10 fee for day use.
An amazing trail with overlooks of Lake Pend Oreille is just 12 minutes (8 miles) away. The 3.5 mile trail up the mountainside is challenging at times, but worth the effort. You can choose to stop half way at the first overlook. Popular with the locals, you will likely meet other hikers coming and going.
32 locals recommend
Mickinnick Trail Head 13
Woodland DriveAn amazing trail with overlooks of Lake Pend Oreille is just 12 minutes (8 miles) away. The 3.5 mile trail up the mountainside is challenging at times, but worth the effort. You can choose to stop half way at the first overlook. Popular with the locals, you will likely meet other hikers coming and going.
This quiet trail winds through big trees to a beautiful waterfall view that my family loves. The trail is well maintained. Its not far from another waterfall, Myrtle Creek Falls, next to the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge.
9 locals recommend
Snow Creek Falls Trailhead
Snow Creek RoadThis quiet trail winds through big trees to a beautiful waterfall view that my family loves. The trail is well maintained. Its not far from another waterfall, Myrtle Creek Falls, next to the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge.
Close to Myrtle Creek Falls and Snow Creek Falls, this Wildlife Refuge is worth driving through. We have seen deer, swans, geese there and occasionally bigger game.
15 locals recommend
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
287 West Side RdClose to Myrtle Creek Falls and Snow Creek Falls, this Wildlife Refuge is worth driving through. We have seen deer, swans, geese there and occasionally bigger game.
The lake is so beautiful! Enjoy the City Beach in downtown Sandpoint, or drive one of the most beautiful stretches of road in America as you travel from Sandpoint to Clark Fork via Hwy 200.
37 locals recommend
Lake Pend Oreille
The lake is so beautiful! Enjoy the City Beach in downtown Sandpoint, or drive one of the most beautiful stretches of road in America as you travel from Sandpoint to Clark Fork via Hwy 200.
Entertainment & Activities
Ski and snowboard in the winter! In the summer take the lift to the top for amazing views of Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint. Take your mountain bike up on the lift and ride down the trails. It's just half an hour away, (17 miles).
24 locals recommend
Selkirk Lodge @ Schweitzer Mountain Resort
10000 Schweitzer Mountain RdSki and snowboard in the winter! In the summer take the lift to the top for amazing views of Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint. Take your mountain bike up on the lift and ride down the trails. It's just half an hour away, (17 miles).
The kids will love the waterslides and rollercoasters at Silverwood Amusement Park, about 45 minutes (38 miles) to the south.
308 locals recommend
Silverwood Theme Park
27843 US-95The kids will love the waterslides and rollercoasters at Silverwood Amusement Park, about 45 minutes (38 miles) to the south.
Shopping
Just walking through this cabin-themed store is an unforgettable experience! Unique rustic furniture, accessories, pottery and art are everywhere.
Northwest Handmade Furniture
308 N First AveJust walking through this cabin-themed store is an unforgettable experience! Unique rustic furniture, accessories, pottery and art are everywhere.
Sharon's Hallmark Shop
306 N First AveA good choice for souvenirs, this is the best Hallmark I've ever been in.
Food Scene
This is the place we frequent more often than any other. The carne asada burrito and fish burrito are our favorites. For dessert, try fried ice cream. My husband and I love sharing fried huckleberry ice cream with huckleberry sauce but the you could choose vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce instead. The huckleberry is made from real berries and the taste shines through. Check which days the magician might perform at your table... Outside seating is available.
8 locals recommend
Jalapeños
314 N 2nd AveThis is the place we frequent more often than any other. The carne asada burrito and fish burrito are our favorites. For dessert, try fried ice cream. My husband and I love sharing fried huckleberry ice cream with huckleberry sauce but the you could choose vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce instead. The huckleberry is made from real berries and the taste shines through. Check which days the magician might perform at your table... Outside seating is available.
You'll want to sample the unusual variety of homemade ice cream before making a decision. My personal favorite is Sasquatch, followed closely by Orange Chocolate Freckle in a warm waffle cone. New flavors pop up all the time.
24 locals recommend
Panhandle Cone & Coffee
216 N First AveYou'll want to sample the unusual variety of homemade ice cream before making a decision. My personal favorite is Sasquatch, followed closely by Orange Chocolate Freckle in a warm waffle cone. New flavors pop up all the time.
We love to sit outside on the deck that overlooks the city beach, as we did on our honeymoon. Coconut shrimp with huckleberry sauce is my favorite, followed by the Spring Mix Salad with cherries and goat cheese. The Corn & Crawfish Chowder is amazing. YUM!
46 locals recommend
Trinity At City Beach
58 Bridge StWe love to sit outside on the deck that overlooks the city beach, as we did on our honeymoon. Coconut shrimp with huckleberry sauce is my favorite, followed by the Spring Mix Salad with cherries and goat cheese. The Corn & Crawfish Chowder is amazing. YUM!
The sandwiches with a little kick are my favorite here, especially the Capistrano and the San Miguel. Ask for a sample of their homemade soups. And don't pass by the desserts featured at the bar. We prefer to sit outside on the deck overlooking the marina. Only open until 4:00 pm, so come for lunch or breakfast!
20 locals recommend
Spuds Waterfront Grill
102 N First AveThe sandwiches with a little kick are my favorite here, especially the Capistrano and the San Miguel. Ask for a sample of their homemade soups. And don't pass by the desserts featured at the bar. We prefer to sit outside on the deck overlooking the marina. Only open until 4:00 pm, so come for lunch or breakfast!
Best Mexican food for breakfast and lunch!! My favorites are the breakfast burritos and the fish burrito. Joel's started as a take-out only spot, but is so popular they expanded to a seating area inside and outside as well. Only open until 4:00.
37 locals recommend
Joel's
229 Church StBest Mexican food for breakfast and lunch!! My favorites are the breakfast burritos and the fish burrito. Joel's started as a take-out only spot, but is so popular they expanded to a seating area inside and outside as well. Only open until 4:00.
There is an entire glass case of fresh pies to choose from! It's hard for me to decide between chocolate peanut butter pie and berry pie. I like a slice with my Hawaiian panini sandwich. The homemade soups are always good, too.
15 locals recommend
Pie Hut
502 Church StThere is an entire glass case of fresh pies to choose from! It's hard for me to decide between chocolate peanut butter pie and berry pie. I like a slice with my Hawaiian panini sandwich. The homemade soups are always good, too.
Gourmet hamburgers, quality fish & chips, and the brownie in a skillet our some of our favorites to enjoy at this lodge themed sports bar.
16 locals recommend
Sweet Lou's Restaurant and Bar
477272 US-95Gourmet hamburgers, quality fish & chips, and the brownie in a skillet our some of our favorites to enjoy at this lodge themed sports bar.
A surprising view of the lake and mountains is an unexpected benefit of dining at the Blue Heron. Outdoor seating is available when the weather allows. Go right through the gas station to the dining area. The Friday night Fish and Chips special is amazing! Added bonus: only 10 minutes from our home.
9 locals recommend
Samuels Store & Blue Heron Cafe
486260 US-95A surprising view of the lake and mountains is an unexpected benefit of dining at the Blue Heron. Outdoor seating is available when the weather allows. Go right through the gas station to the dining area. The Friday night Fish and Chips special is amazing! Added bonus: only 10 minutes from our home.
Enjoy the best sandwiches and baked goods at this Mennonite Bakery. Whenever we pass through Clark Fork, we always stop in.
7 locals recommend
Clark Fork Pantry
204 W 4th AveEnjoy the best sandwiches and baked goods at this Mennonite Bakery. Whenever we pass through Clark Fork, we always stop in.
Essentials
Everyone meets at the Super Wal-Mart in Ponderay where you can get everything you need! You'll meet folks of all kinds: beach goers, backwoodsmen, tourists, skiiers, etc. Plus its only 11 minutes away (8 miles)
Walmart Supercenter
476999 US-95Everyone meets at the Super Wal-Mart in Ponderay where you can get everything you need! You'll meet folks of all kinds: beach goers, backwoodsmen, tourists, skiiers, etc. Plus its only 11 minutes away (8 miles)
Just 5 minutes north on Hwy 95 is the closest spot for coffee, gas, convenience store, and even The Blue Heron restaurant with seating in a beautiful setting out back.
9 locals recommend
Samuels Store & Blue Heron Cafe
486260 US-95Just 5 minutes north on Hwy 95 is the closest spot for coffee, gas, convenience store, and even The Blue Heron restaurant with seating in a beautiful setting out back.
With a large organic section, Wood's Meats, fresh produce, a bakery, and a small town feel, this grocery store is a great choice for a quick stop to get a few items.
20 locals recommend
Yoke's Fresh Market - Sandpoint
212 Bonner Mall WayWith a large organic section, Wood's Meats, fresh produce, a bakery, and a small town feel, this grocery store is a great choice for a quick stop to get a few items.
Everything Else
In August, I love taking family and friends to pick ripe blueberries that hang like clusters of grapes. The first rule is "Eat all you want" as you pick. In under an hour you'll have plenty for fresh eating and blueberry jam. Affordable at about $3.25/lb and so, so good.
Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm
488 Shingle Mill RdIn August, I love taking family and friends to pick ripe blueberries that hang like clusters of grapes. The first rule is "Eat all you want" as you pick. In under an hour you'll have plenty for fresh eating and blueberry jam. Affordable at about $3.25/lb and so, so good.
Fall is the time to plan a stop at Hickey Farms. Navigate the corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, play games, visit the cows, and more fun especially for families with children.
Hickey Farms
674 Hickey RdFall is the time to plan a stop at Hickey Farms. Navigate the corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, play games, visit the cows, and more fun especially for families with children.