Local Places Of Interest

Located 5 miles from the town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the refuge hosts more than 230 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 22 species of fish and more scenery than can be absorbed in a day. The refuge lies on 2,774 acres of prime wetlands and meadows. The 4.5-mile auto tour circumnavigates the main ponds, winding past several wildlife photo blinds. The refuge has a system of foot trails as well. Open during the day year-round, you can reach the refuge by taking Riverside Road, on the south bank of the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry. Drive west for 5 miles to the refuge entrance. The office is 2 miles beyond the entrance.

Ross Creek Scenic Area (outside of Troy, Montana)

The turnoff to the Ross Creek Cedars is found a half mile past the south end of Bull Lake off Montana Highway 56 (one mile east of Troy, locally known as Bull Lake Road). This area consists of 100 acres in an ancient grove of Western Red Cedars along Ross Creek. There is a .9-mile self-guided nature trail through the grove. The trail has signs telling of the history of plant and animal life in the grove. The cedars reach 8 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall.

Turner Mountain Ski Area
www.skiturner.com  (Located outside of Libby Montana).
406-293-4317

Open Friday through Sunday, December through April and Christmas Holiday’s (weather permitting) 9am-4pm.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort
www.schweitzer.com (Located outside of Sandpoint, Idaho) 
208-263-9555

Schweitzer Mountain is a very nice ski lodge which offers a hotel, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, Monkey Action Jumping, climbing wall, shopping, dining and many other activities nearby.

Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge

Located between Libby and Troy, Montana on the north side of US Highway 2 at the 21 milepost, is a forest trail that leads from the highway parking lot down to the Kootenai Falls and swinging bridge. It is a nice walk that is not too strenuous. Old Highway 2 Trail – Located between Libby and Troy, Montana on the south side of US Highway 2 at about the 21 milepost is a 2-mile self-guided trail that is part of the old highway from Libby to Troy. It is an easy hike, offers spectacular views of the Kootenai River, and has signs explaining historic and geologic features.