5 Things To Do in Bonners Ferry Idaho (and a BONUS Place to Stay!)

Bonners Ferry, Idaho is located at the top of Idaho’s panhandle on the border of Canada and is in a world of its own. Surrounded by the gorgeous Selkirk Mountains, this town is full of outdoor beauty, good food and drinks, and amazing hospitality, living up to it’s nickname “Idaho’s Most Friendly Town”. With less than 24 hours to spend here, we got quite the sample of what this place has to offer! Here are 5 things to do in Bonners Ferry Idaho.

1.HIKE TO COPPER CREEK FALLS

Copper Creek Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire state of Idaho. The trail itself is an easy 1.4 miles out-and-back with an elevation gain of 274 feet. It’s a really well maintained trail and suitable for all ages and skill levels. This hike can easily be done in an hour or two and the views are incredible! You can also do a little boulder hopping at the bottom to reach the base of the falls and get a glimpse looking up at its towering mass to “drink it all in”.

2. KOOTENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge was originally established back in 1964 as a refuge for migrating birds and waterfowl. Today, it’s home to over 220 different species including deer, elk, moose, bear, and loads of birds. The refuge spans over 2,774 acres and is a beautiful place to take in some nature and wildlife. It’s also free and open to the public year-round. In the winter, you can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing here and in the summer, there are a range of activities from hunting, to fishing, to wildlife viewing and hiking. There are four main trails that run through the uplands, wetlands, and forest areas. One trail that is a must-see, is the Myrtle Falls Trail.

3. HIKE TO MYRTLE FALLS

Within the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is another one of Idaho’s impressive natural beauties, Myrtle Falls. Cascading almost 100 feet down, the observation point is a great lookout to enjoy the falls from. Another easy hike, this 1.1 mile out-and-back trail only has an elevation gain of 200 feet with some serious payoffs. I also heard a rumor that in the summertime you can follow the creek up to the base of the falls to swim in. We managed to hike to both Copper Creek Falls and Myrtle Falls in a few short hours, and I can’t recommend them enough.

4. GRAB LUNCH AND EXPLORE THE SHOPS AT THE GATHERING PLACE

Located off Highway 95, Sharon’s Country Store has everything from fresh produce and dairy, to toys and knick knacks, to homemade Amish rocking chairs. It’s the store that keeps on going! As you enter through the barn doors, the store winds and winds around with something new to see at every turn. In the summertime, local farmers supply the 3-Mile Produce Stand with the freshest of what’s in season. But it’s the Bread Basket that is the real gem here! When you walk in you’re greeted with the fresh smells of homemade breads and locally roasted coffee. We grabbed sandwiches here for lunch on their fresh bread, and treated ourselves to some “fry pie” desserts. This is definitely a Gathering Place everyone should try!

5. ENJOY A LOCAL BEER AND STELLAR FOOD AT THE KOOTENAI RIVER BREWING COMPANY

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a sucker for a good local brewery, and Kootenai River Brewing Company did NOT disappoint! The first thing I noticed walking in, are the incredible mountain views from the windows! In the summertime they have a patio out back to take it all in on. The next thing I noticed was the amazing hospitality. Our server Kimberly was wonderful! She made us feel right at home, suggested different types of beer, and even gave us a tour to see inside the brewery.

But that best part was the divine food! Chef Michael Carmean (who’s also Kimberly’s dad!) blew us away with one amazing dinner! From the beer cheese soup and fried green beens that are your typical pub fare, to the fresh Alaskan Salmon that rivaled the finest of restaurants, they really offered a range for all taste buds. Kimberly explained to us that the owner and his son were avid fly fishers and the salmon had been brought it fresh THAT DAY from Alaska!

The Brewery really did feel like a family establishment that welcomed us in for a home cooked meal. And yes, the beer was fantastic as well!

BONUS: A UNIQUE BED AND BREAKFAST TO STAY AT

If you’re staying in Bonners Ferry overnight, you’ve got to check out the Northside School Bed and Breakfast. Dating back to 1914, this converted school house is full of quaint rooms, chalkboards and desk seating, as well as board games and rocking chairs. In the hallways, you’ll find old artifacts and school photos and each room has a different theme. When we checked in, we were greeted with fresh warm cookies and in the morning, a wonderful homemade breakfast. As we enjoyed our meal, the 3 generations of the Duarte family shared stories with us of the school’s history and how their family runs this incredible B&B.

Bonners Ferry truly lives up to it’s name of being Idaho’s most friendly town. Everywhere we went, we were taken in by the community and treated as family. With its stunning natural beauty, quaint historic small town, and wonderful hospitality, this is an Idaho destination that must be experienced to be appreciated. Watch the full episode below and click here to learn more about Bonners Ferry and North Idaho.

*THIS BLOG AND VIDEO WERE SPONSORED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM IDAHO TOURISM.