Ah, North Idaho. A land of purple mountains majesty, and high above the fruited plains that roll gently further south, Idaho’s Panhandle is truly something special. But of all the cities nestled in the trees and dotting the lakefronts, only one is about as far north as you can get: Moyie Springs.
While sitting just shy of Canada’s border isn’t reason alone to visit (or settle down in) this cozy community, there’s a whole lot of natural beauty surrounding this overlooked haven that shouldn’t be missed.
Tucked away just a few miles from the Canada-Idaho border, Moyie Springs doesn’t get nearly the same attention as its rough and tumble counterpart: Bonners Ferry.
GoogleMaps Only the village of Good Grief, Idaho is farther north. But this itty bitty unincorporated community doesn’t see a lot of visitors.
But the community’s namesake river canyon and bridge are certainly worthy of attention.
https://flic.kr/p/6HGRiC Just a few feet shy of Idaho’s tallest bridge - the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls - a peek into the Moyie River Canyon offers a strikingly different view than the rugged, sagebrush crevice that makes up the Snake River Canyon. Instead of miles of rocky ledges and desert plant-life with Shoshone Falls as a focal point, the Moyie River Canyon is a tree-lined gorge that is absolutely breathtaking.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The overlook sits at 464 feet - just 22 feet shy of its Perrine Bridge sister.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr You’ll be able to catch some stunning views of the Moyie River Valley, Purcell, and Selkirk Mountains. But be sure to get off the main road and into the trees for the best views!
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
But instead of Shoshone Falls’ powerful display, this region is home to the exhilarating Moyie Springs and Copper Creek Falls.
Trent Yarnell In fact, the Moyie Springs falls have the highest water runoff of any other cascade in the state under 100 feet. How’s that for impressive?
But like nearly every treasured North Idaho community, Moyie Springs is surrounded by water.
Jim Roper/GoogleMaps The Panhandle may very well be the Waterworld of the US.
The international Kootenai River winds alongside the community.
Eric Viclund/GoogleMaps You can read more about this incredible “River Through Two Countries” here.
While parts of this gorgeous waterway are glasslike, others bring rafters from both sides of the border to challenge their skills.
Eric Viklund/GoogleMaps
Flickr The whitewater around the Eileen Dam is a local favorite.
But above all, this itty bitty town of less than 1000 residents just might be one of the most beautiful places on earth, wouldn’t you say?
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
GoogleMaps
While so much isolation isn’t for everyone, there are dozens of reasons to visit this Panhandled community! The bountiful nature is just the start.
GoogleMaps
Only the village of Good Grief, Idaho is farther north. But this itty bitty unincorporated community doesn’t see a lot of visitors.
Just a few feet shy of Idaho’s tallest bridge - the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls - a peek into the Moyie River Canyon offers a strikingly different view than the rugged, sagebrush crevice that makes up the Snake River Canyon. Instead of miles of rocky ledges and desert plant-life with Shoshone Falls as a focal point, the Moyie River Canyon is a tree-lined gorge that is absolutely breathtaking.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
You’ll be able to catch some stunning views of the Moyie River Valley, Purcell, and Selkirk Mountains. But be sure to get off the main road and into the trees for the best views!
Trent Yarnell
In fact, the Moyie Springs falls have the highest water runoff of any other cascade in the state under 100 feet. How’s that for impressive?
Jim Roper/GoogleMaps
The Panhandle may very well be the Waterworld of the US.
Eric Viclund/GoogleMaps
You can read more about this incredible “River Through Two Countries” here.
Eric Viklund/GoogleMaps
Flickr
The whitewater around the Eileen Dam is a local favorite.
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
One epic way to explore Idaho’s northern region? Take this incredible international road trip.
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