Auto Tour
Map by John King (Click to Enlarge)
By John King
This auto tour through the Idaho Panhandle covers 220 miles and takes five to six hours to drive without stops. The trek heads north from Spokane along US-2 before turning east into the Gem State, then strikes north to Priest Lake on Idaho Highway 57. Upon returning to Priest River, the tour continues east to Sandpoint on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. After a scenic side trip to Schweitzer Mountain and/or the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, the tour turns south on US-95 to Coeur d’Alene and then west to close the loop in Spokane.
Because of COVID-19, please take recommended safety precautions if you are planning a future trip.
This auto tour begins in Spokane and goes through Mead, Newport and more.
Reaching Priest Lake offers the choice between two side trips.
If you drive the Idaho Panhandle, you should not miss touring Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain.
Coeur d’Alene is the largest city in the panhandle and a must-visit destination year-round.
Post Falls and more on the return trip.