Selkirk Orchards Loop and CDA Scenic Byway

We had a string of perfect weather, so we decided to take a couple of scenic driving tour loops. Monday heading north into British Columbia we traveled around the Selkirk Orchards Galore Super Side Trip. Tuesday we drove the Lake Coeur d' Alene Scenic Byway which took us south around this beautiful lake.

 

Selkirk Orchards Galore Super Side Trip

This 50 mile side trip off the Selkirk Loop starts north of Bonner's Ferry. We stopped at the Moyie Crossings National Forest Picnic area just south of Good Grief, Idaho. This beautiful park sits atop a hill overlooking the Moyie River.

The sculptures and picnic grounds were donated by
Pacific Gas in return for gas line
right of way.

Just before we crossed the border into Canada, we took an interesting one mile loop trail which included the Copper Falls Overlook. Copper Creek plunges 150 feet over a cliff, forming the Copper Creek Falls. It is one of the tallest falls in Idaho. The falls freeze solid every winter and offers ice climbers a great opportunity to practice their skills.

Copper Creek Falls

The trail meanders back and forth across creeks.

After viewing some beautiful scenery from the car, we stopped in Creston, BC, hoping to buy some fresh strawberries. They had already sold out for the day, so we bought some fresh asparagus instead. It is still early in the year, maybe next time.

Lake Coeur D'Alene Scenic Byway
Beginning at the junction of Interstate 90 and Idaho 97, the route travels south along the eastern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and ends at Idaho 3, where it meets the White Pine Scenic Byway. Almost the entire 35 mile byway hugs the cliffs along the edge of the lake, allowing great viewing of the lake and elite lakefront homes. We watched a number of Western Grebes on their nests near the Thompson Lake Idaho Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Overlooking a small arm of the lake.
I-90 bridge in the distance.