Visitor Center - Sandpoint Ranger District
Small Forest Service logo.


Go to the IPNF
Visitor Center for a full listing of sections and topics on this website.


Search our site
Search the USFS
Ask a question
Make a comment

WELCOME TO THE SANDPOINT RANGER DISTRICT

A photo of Whiskey Rock Bay on Lake Pend Oreille from the Whiskey Rock Bay Campground.
Whiskey Rock Bay on Lake Pend Oreille is the location of one of many scenic campgrounds on the Sandpoint Ranger District.

The Village of Sandpoint was incorporated on February 7, 1901.

On January 15, 1907 the Village of Sandpoint became the City of Sandpoint. The April, 1907 election moved the City onto a mayor/council form of government - the same form of government we have today.

Bonner County was originally part of Kootenai County, but separated from this larger unit on March 18, 1907. Eight years later, on January 23, 1915, the county was reduced to its present size when the northern half separated to form Boundary County. Sandpoint has been the county seat of Bonner County since 1907.

The Kalispel, Kutenai and other native peoples were the first inhabitants of this area. They lived along the waterways and utilized the area's abundant natural resources for survival.

Sandpoint is famous for having recreational activities for every season. Some of our Forest opportunities range from, camping, fishing, hunting, berry picking, trail hikes, nature walks, horseback riding, bike riding, ATV/OHV trails, skiing. More information about the city of Sandpoint and Bonner County is available at www.sandpointonline.com and www.scenariousa.com/id/bonner/.

Visually the Sandpoint area is hard to beat. Framed by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, Sandpoint is located on the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake. Travelers driving Highway 95 across the Long Bridge into Sandpoint have often reported a feeling of "coming home."

Lake Pend Oreille:
  • Summer lake level - 2065 feet
  • Winter lake level - 2051 feet
Elevation of Sandpoint:
  • Town - 2194 feet
  • Lake - 2064 feet

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Latest Sandpoint Ranger District News Releases...
"Prescribed Burning" Planned on Priest Lake, Sandpoint & Bonners Ferry Ranger Districts
The Priest Lake, Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry Ranger Districts are planning several prescribed burns this fall to reduce hazardous forest fuels, prepare areas for tree planting, and improve wildlife forage.
September 22, 2009

Sandpoint Ranger District Opens Gates To Firewood Cutters
Sandpoint Ranger District officials will open several gated roads to personal use firewood gathering in late July 2009.
July 29, 2009

Lightning Creek Drainage Temporarily Closed To Motor Vehicles
Forest Service officials will implement a temporary closure for motorized vehicle access in the Lightning Creek drainage from May through November 15, 2009, during road and bridge construction.
May 1, 2009

...news releases for the entire IPNF are available here


Sandpoint Ranger District
1500 Hwy 2, Suite 110
Sandpoint, ID, 83864-9509
(208) 263-5111
FAX: (208) 265-6670

Office hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (winter); 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (summer)

Located on State Highway 2, Federal Building, 1500 Suite 2, Sandpoint


Top of the page
Last updated: 09/23/09




Idaho Panhandle National Forests / USDA Forest Service