From Lake Pend Oreille To The Clearwater, 6 Idaho Day Trips Worth A Winter Weekend

The U.S. Navy tests quiet submarine designs in a North Idaho lake.

That’s right, a landlocked state with no ocean has a lake deep enough to play stand-in for the sea.

I love that kind of surprise, and the northern half of Idaho is full of them. One stop on this list was once a massive World War II training station.

Another runs a free kids’ ski school with roots going back to the 1930s.

Winter makes these places even better. Crowds thin out, snow covers the trails, and a short drive can land you on a lake, a summit, or a frozen fishing hole.

I picked six spots that run from big lake country down toward the Clearwater. Each one gives you a different reason to grab your boots and go.

So which one are you saving for the next snowy Saturday?

1. Schweitzer

Few ski hills get to show off a lake this big from the chairlift. Schweitzer sits in the Selkirk Mountains above Sandpoint, and Lake Pend Oreille spreads out below its runs.

The resort covers roughly 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, which puts it among the largest ski areas in Idaho. Modern, fast lifts move people up the mountain, so you spend more time sliding and less time standing.

Not a skier? You’ve still got options here.

The resort offers tubing, Nordic trails, and snowshoe routes for folks who prefer a slower pace.

Lunch with a view is part of the deal. Sky House sits up high on the mountain, and the windows frame the kind of scenery people drive hours to see.

Families tend to find plenty to do. The resort leans kid-friendly, with activities beyond the slopes and a laid-back dining scene in the village.

Tired legs? A spa on site gives you a soft landing after a long day outside.

Then Sandpoint is just down the hill, with its downtown shops and restaurants waiting.

Snow conditions change fast in the Panhandle. Check the resort’s updates before driving up, especially on a big storm weekend.

Address: 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864

2. Farragut State Park, Athol, ID

Sailors once trained for war on the shores of a lake nowhere near an ocean. During World War II, this ground held Farragut Naval Training Station, one of the largest naval training centers in the country.

Today the park wraps around the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille. The lake runs more than 1,100 feet deep, which is why the Navy still uses it for acoustic research.

History buffs should head for the museum. It sits in the old brig, the station’s former jail, and tells the story of the base and the people who passed through.

Winter changes the park’s whole personality. Trails used for hiking and biking in summer turn into routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow arrives.

Dogs are welcome, and the trail system includes kid-friendly hikes. That makes it an easy pick for families who want fresh air without a big mountain climb.

Disc golf fans will spot courses here too, along with picnic areas and a playground. Some amenities slow down in the cold months, so check with the park before you go.

A state park pass or day-use fee applies for vehicles. Plan on a few dollars and plenty of lake views.

Address: 13550 ID-54, Athol, ID 83801

3. Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg, ID

Your ski day starts with a gondola ride that feels like a scenic tour. Silver Mountain’s gondola climbs from Kellogg up the mountain for roughly 3.1 miles, among the longest in North America.

The base village sits right in the Silver Valley, a short hop off Interstate 90. That setup makes it simple to park, gear up, and float up the hill.

Beginners get some love here. The slopes include forgiving terrain for new skiers, while snow tubing gives non-skiers their own reason to come along.

Here’s the twist that sets it apart in winter. The resort has an indoor water park, so you can trade snow pants for swimsuits on the same trip.

Staying the night? Condo-style rooms come with full kitchens, and many have balconies facing the mountains.

It’s a smart setup for families or groups splitting a weekend.

Restaurants and shops round out the village. You can grab a meal without driving anywhere after a long day on the slopes.

Fridays get busier, while Sunday mornings tend to be quieter. Plan around that if you’d rather share the gondola with fewer people.

Address: 602 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837

4. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, Mullan, ID

Ski here and you’re riding right along the Idaho-Montana state line. Lookout Pass sits at Exit 0 on Interstate 90, about as far east as North Idaho goes.

The ski area dates to the 1930s, making it one of the long-running hills in the region. Its historic lodge gives the base a rustic, old-school mountain feel.

Got kids who want to learn? Lookout is famous for free ski lessons for children, a tradition that stretches back generations.

That program alone makes it a favorite for families and school groups. Learning to ski without a big lesson bill is a rare treat these days.

The mountain sits in the Bitterroot Range and usually catches plenty of snow. Groomed runs and terrain parks give you a mix that suits beginners and more confident riders.

The vibe stays local and low-key. You’ll find a restaurant on site, free parking, and staff who keep things friendly.

Weekend mornings can get busy, so buying tickets ahead of time is a good move. Then pair your trip with a stop in Wallace, just down the road in the Silver Valley.

Address: I-90 Exit 0, Mullan, ID 83846

5. Tubbs Hill, Coeur d’Alene, ID

A wild, piney hill sits right next to downtown, and nobody built condos on it. Tubbs Hill is a 120-acre natural park in the heart of Coeur d’Alene.

You can walk from shops and restaurants straight onto the trail. That kind of easy access is a big reason it lands on this list.

The main loop runs about 2.2 miles around the hill. It hugs the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene, with big water views along the way.

Want more of a workout? Side trails head up toward the summit, and some stretches get steep.

The payoff is a wide look at the lake and the city below.

Winter brings a quieter side to the trail. Snow and ice can make the rocky sections slick, so traction cleats are worth tossing in your bag.

Dogs are allowed, and the shorter routes work for kids. Native plants and trees keep the place feeling far from town, even though it isn’t.

Since it’s free and close to downtown, it fits nicely into a bigger day. Hike in the morning, then wander the lakefront after.

Address: 208 S 3rd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

6. Winchester Lake State Park, Winchester, ID

Down near the Clearwater, a small lake freezes over and turns into a fishing spot you can stand on. Winchester Lake State Park sits at the edge of the Camas Prairie, south of Lewiston.

Ice fishing is the big winter draw here. The lake is stocked with trout, so anglers bundle up and drill in once the ice is safe.

Gas-powered motors aren’t allowed on the lake. That keeps things quiet year-round, and the calm carries right into the snowy months.

Trails loop around the water through pine forest. You can snowshoe or walk them while watching for wildlife along the shore.

Want to stay over? The park has yurts with heaters, which means you can sleep in the woods without camping in a tent.

Book ahead, since a heated yurt in winter is a hot ticket.

Picnic areas, a playground, and kid-friendly hikes make it an easy family pick when the weather warms. Dogs are welcome too.

Office hours here are limited, especially on weekends. Check ice and road conditions before you head out on the Highway 95 drive.

Address: 1786 Forrest Rd, Winchester, ID 83555