The Selkirk Loop is North America’s only Multi-National Scenic Loop, it encircles the breathtaking Selkirk Mountains in northeast Washington, north Idaho and southeast British Columbia . . . The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile international scenic byway that winds around the Selkirk Mountains through Idaho and Washington in the U.S., and British Columbia in Canada. The roadway meanders alongside crystal clear lakes and rivers leading riders to quaint towns bursting with color and local flavor. The Loop is one of the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies. To add more incredible miles of majestic mountains and beauty – 507 to be exact, there are six "Super Side Trips," loops that offshoot from the main loop. Allow at least 3-4 days to Tour, but if you have more time a week would be best to explore the side roads and all the great riding this area has to offer.  Best time to go Spring, Summer and Fall. To continue on the Loop at Kootenay Bay, one must use the ferry. The trip across takes about 40 minutes, and is the longest free ferry crossing in North America.

SUPER SIDE TRIPS The International Selkirk Loop has an additional six regions to explore called "Super Side Trips".  These additional six areas  will take you from the main route and loop you back again, taking in new sights, communities and attractions.   If you were to explore each of these you would add a total of 507 miles / 817 km to your trip.  The main Loop's route in Idaho, Washington and British Columbia totals 280 miles. You should allow a minimun of a half day to one extra day for each of the Super Side Trips.  The main Loop route can be comfortably ridden in 2 days. Washington Super Side Trips: Flowery Trail - Little Pend Oreille: 80 mi / 129 km    Motorcycling write up Idaho Super Side Trips: Lake Pend Oreille - Kootenai River: 112 mi / 180 km  If you take this side trip be sure to check out Kootenai Falls located adjacent to Hwy 2 between Libby and Troy.La llKootenai Falls on the Kootenai River, adjacent to U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy, is a scenic attraction not to be missed. Kootenai Falls on the Kootenai River, adjacent to U.S. Highway 2 between Libby and Troy, is a scenic attraction not to be missed. , one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest   , on   e of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest, one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the northwest  South Lakes: 60 mi / 98 km Idaho / British Columbia Super Side Trip: Orchards Galore: 50 mi / 80 km British Columbia Super Side Trips: North Kootenay Lake - Silvery Slocan: 110 mi / 177 km   Kaslo is part of this side trip route that takes you to Nelson. Between Kaslo and Nelson you cruise one of the prettiest sections of the whole journey, Highway 31A and Route 6, noted for being two of the best motorcycling roads in Canada. If you like to ride the twisties this section cannot be missed!   Rivers, Dams & Mines: 95 mi / 153 km OTHER SIDE TRIPS WASHINGTON STATE Check out Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park.  Gardner Cave is situated between Metaline and Metaline Falls near the Canadian border in the northeastern corner of the state. Also in the area is Boundry Dam  IDAHO Take a detour north from Priest River on Hwy 57, 25 miles to Priest Lake. With over 72 miles of shoreline, Priest Lake is famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. There are USFS campgrounds, resorts and marinas available on both sides of the lake. Return on the same route to Priest River, turning east (left) back onto Hwy 2. East of Priest River is the US Army Corps of Engineers Campground called Priest River Mudhole. Seven miles further east in Laclede is another facility operated by the Corps. Riley Creek Recreation Area including a campground. One mile further look for the Seneacquoteen historic marker, on the right side of the roadway marks the Indian Campground and river crossing where the old Indian Trail to British Columbia joined the wagon road from Walla Walla, WA. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market in Sandpoint, Idaho. Spanning 400 feet across Sand Creek in downtown Sandpoint, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is heralded as the only marketplace on a bridge in the United States BRITISH COLUMBIA Crawford Bay is small in size but big in artistic talent. In a population of about 350, there are several working studios within easy walking distance. Hear the clang of the blacksmith’s anvil, listen to the rhythm of traditional wooden handlooms, or browse studios that include copper enamelling, pottery, glass blowing, antique broom making, and jewellery.  Don't miss the unique “Glass House”, just south of Crawford Bay at 11341 Hwy 3A in Boswell. It was built entirely of embalming fluid bottles (about half a million of them) by a mortician and is a fine example of modern, liveable art. Tours available from May to October. Ainsworth Hot Springs  3609 Hwy 31 Ainsworth Hot Springs,  British Columbia   Horseshoe shaped cave, where the darkness, mineral deposits and humidity combine for an unique hot springs experience. Besides the hot springs pool and caves, the resort offers first-class accommodations, a lounge and superb dining.  Kaslo village itself is home to several important historic and heritage sites including the SS Moyie, the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. This restored heritage village is the home of the S.S. Moyie, the world’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler, beautifully restored to the way it looked in the 1890s.  Nelson,  Known for its long association with the silver mining industry,and provincial parks, it is also the main centre for most artisans and craftsmen in the Kootenay Region.You can easily while away a morning enjoying the shops and galleries of Baker Street. For the town's best vista, drive to Gyro Park--a fun collection of gardens and play areas--and hike down through the forest to a promontory overlooking Nelson and the West Arm below.

MOTORCYCLE FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA Wedgwood Manor Bed & Breakfast  Crawford Bay, BC Kokanee Creek Provential Park Nelson, BC  Tent Sites, Showers  Open May 1 - September 30 The Lakeview   Gray Creek, BC  Tent Sites, Laundry, Showers, Store    Motorcycle Friendly The Valhalla Inn  New Denver, BC  This is a great place to stay and experience some other great BC roads.  They offer a discount to bikers and have mapped out 5 day trips starting in New Denver and taking you over some of the best motorcycle roads in BC. True Blue Lodge    Kaslo, BC  the large courtyard is perfect to secure your motorcycle out of view and close to you.   IDAHO Farragut State Park 13550 E. Hwy 54 Athol, Idaho  Located along the South Lakes Super Side Trip section of the Selkirk Loop. This state park has 4 campgrounds. Log Inn Bonners Ferry, Idaho    WASHINGTON Blue Moose Cabins  Kettle Falls, Washington Circle Motel  Metaline Falls, Washington     RESOURCES Selkirk Loop Organization  This site offers lots of great information and you can order a travel guide to plan your trip. Drive the Top 10 The Selkirk Loop is one of the top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies.  Explore this site to extend your tour and ride some of the other scenic routes in the Northern Rockies. Mile by Mile article on the Northeast Washington section of the Selkirk Loop Mile by Mile Article on the Northern Idaho part of the Selkirk Loop Mile by Mile  Article on the British Columbia section of the Selkirk Loop Idaho's Panhandle River Passage   The Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage begins at the Washington state line and follows the northern shore of the Pend Oreille River through Oldtown, Priest River, and ends in Sandpoint. This byway is the southern leg of the International Selkirk Loop. Washington State DOT  Information for the 73 miles of the Selkirk Loop that that goes through Washington State.   International Border Crossing United States & Canada     ENTERING CANADA Individuals entering Canada: American citizens need ID that proves two things: Citizenship and identity by way of a photo. Passports will be required as of June 1, 2009 to reenter the US. The following pieces of identification will serve as satisfactory proof of American citizenship to enter Canada: US Passport, or Birth Certificate (photocopies must be notarized), or certificate of naturalization or citizenship AND photo ID such as a drivers license. There are fruit, vegetable, alcohol and firearms restrictions.  Click here for more Canada Customs Info Returning to Canada w/Purchases/Goods/Gifts: Individuals returning to Canada after 24-hours can claim up to $50 CDN worth of goods without duty; $400 after 48 hrs; $750 after 7-days. ENTERING UNITED STATES Individuals entering US: As of June 1, 2009 only Passports or WHTI-compliant documents will be acceptable for entering the United States. WHTI-compliant documents are: US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXUS Card, or FAST Card. Prior to June 1, 2009 a photo ID plus Birth Certificate are accepted. US Customs Info: www.cbp.gov or www.passportinfo.com   Returning to US w/Purchases/Goods/Gifts: Individuals returning to US in a 30-day period may bring $800/person of approved items and 1-litre (33.8 fl. oz) alcohol per person without paying duty. Locally grown fruit from Creston, BC allowed. To learn what items are restricted go to www.cbp.gov   Minors traveling with people who are not their parents: (applies for Canada & US entries): Must have written authorization from parents along with phone numbers and ID such as notarized copy of birth certificate. As of June 1, 2009 US & Canadian citizens under the age of 16 need only present a birth certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card, or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy. Traveling with pets: Dog & Cat owners may generally travel with healthy pets with current rabies vaccination certificate within the past 36 months. For more general information: See the Go Northwest Border Information site. For the final word check out the official Canada Border Services Agency and US Border & Customs Protection websites. If you have specific concerns please call one the border station numbers listed below:   Border Crossing Stations on the Loop State Crossing Route Telephone# Opens Closes To Washington Crossings Frontier Hwy 25 N (509) 446-4421 Open 24 hours Paterson Metaline Hwy 31 (509) 446-4421 8:00 am midnight Nelway Idaho Crossings Eastport Hwy 95 N (208) 267-3966 Open 24 hours Kingsgate Porthill Hwy 1 N (208) 267-5309 7:00 am 11:00 pm Rykerts British Columbia Crossings Kingsgate Hwy 95 (250) 424-5391 Open 24 hours Eastport Nelway Hwy 6 (250) 357-9940 8:00 am midnight Metaline Paterson Hwy 22 (250) 362-7341 Open 24 hours Frontier Rykerts Hwy 21 (250) 428-2575 8:00 am midnight Porthill   You'll also want to check with your motorcycle insurance company about being covered in Canada should you need to file a claim for an incident that happens there. Most insurance company will issue a Canadian non-resident motor vehicle liability insurance card.     ARTICLES AND RIDE REPORTS WRN  Women Riders Now  Touring the Selkirk Loop : The Ultimate Motorcycling Girlfriend Getaway Thunder Press  10 women, 2 countries, 4 days  Discovering the Northwest’s long lakes   Quickthrottle   Amazing Rides IronWorks   Flattracking the International Selkirk Loop Motorcycle Itinerary via Spokane   Motorcycle Itinerary via Calgary   If you have ridden the Selkirk Loop and have suggestions for places to visit, and motorcycle friendly places to stay or pictures you'd like to share, then please contact me and I'll update this article. leah@touringdepot.com