The Pack River doesn't advertise itself. No outfitter kiosks line its banks. No branded trail maps hang in gas station windows. For 40 miles, it carves through the Selkirk Mountains and empties into Lake Pend Oreille with the kind of quiet authority that rewards those who already know where to look — and frustrates those who don't.
This guide fixes that.
Whether you float the Lower Pack on a July afternoon, slide down granite waterslides in the upper drainage, skin up the headwaters in February, or cast a line into its tributaries during the fall run, the Pack River corridor delivers a density of recreation that most visitors to Sandpoint never discover. The river's two distinct personalities — gentle lower section, rugged upper drainage — create a year-round recreation system that serves families, advanced paddlers, backcountry hunters, and everyone between.
For those who live along the corridor, particularly in the Samuels area where Pack River Road meets Highway 95, this isn't a day trip. It's the backyard.
The Two Rivers: Understanding Upper and Lower Pack
The Pack River is one waterway with two identities, and the dividing line sits roughly where Highway 95 crosses the river near Samuels in Bonner County, Idaho.
Lower Pack River: Family Float Water
The Lower Pack runs from the Highway 95 crossing northeast to the Colburn Culver Bridge, then onward to Lake Pend Oreille. This is flat water. Family water. The kind of river where you lash two inner tubes together, pack a cooler, and let the current set the pace.
The float from the Highway 95 put-in (48°25'16"N, 116°29'57"W) to the Colburn Culver Bridge take-out (48°19'26"N, 116°23'04"W) takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on water levels, with June through October offering the best conditions and July delivering peak flow for a steady, unhurried drift. The full route from Samuels all the way to Lake Pend Oreille extends to 8–12 hours for those who want the full-day experience.
The Lower Pack snakes through wetlands and grasslands before feeding into the northeastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, passing along the Idaho Club — a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course set against the lower river corridor. Motorized watercraft are prohibited above the Highway 200 bridge, which keeps the lower river quiet enough to spot moose wading the shallows, beaver lodges stacked along cutbanks, and osprey working the riffles.
Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education offers guided canoe trips on the Lower Pack with shuttle service — a good option for first-timers who want local knowledge without the logistics.
Upper Pack River: Selkirk Backcountry Gateway
Above Samuels, Pack River Road climbs into the Selkirk backcountry — 17 miles of progressively rougher road (four-wheel drive required for the final stretch) that accesses the river's headwaters drainage. Spring runoff transforms the upper river into serious whitewater classified as Class III–IV by American Whitewater, with significant falls and technical rapids. This is advanced kayaker territory, not a place for casual paddlers to wander into unprepared.
But the upper drainage's real value extends far beyond the water. It's the access corridor to the high Selkirks — alpine lakes, granite peaks, natural swimming holes, and a backcountry network that operates on a completely different scale than anything visible from Highway 95.
Upper vs. Lower at a Glance
| Lower Pack Float | Upper Pack Backcountry | |
|---|---|---|
| Access point | Hwy 95 bridge at Samuels | Pack River Road, 17 miles from Samuels |
| Season | June–October (peak: July) | Year-round (activity varies by season) |
| Difficulty | Easy — family-friendly flat water | Advanced — 4WD access, backcountry skills required |
| Duration | 2–3 hours (standard float) | Full day or multi-day |
| Key activities | Float, fish, paddle, wildlife viewing | Hike, swim, ski, snowmobile, climb |
| Vehicle needed | Any | High clearance / 4WD for upper sections |
Residents of the Samuels corridor sit at the junction of both rivers. A left turn puts you on flat water with the family. A right turn puts you on the road to the Selkirk Crest. That duality defines life along this stretch of North Idaho.
Floating the Lower Pack River
The Lower Pack float is the signature summer experience on this river — and one of the most accessible river trips in the Idaho Panhandle.
Put-In, Take-Out, and Logistics
The Highway 95 put-in near Samuels requires no shuttle service for those who stage a vehicle at the Colburn Culver Bridge takeout, though many locals arrange a pickup. An alternative take-out at Rapid Lightning Road shortens the trip. The Highway 200 bridge marks another access point for those floating the final stretch toward Lake Pend Oreille.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Put-in | Highway 95 bridge near Samuels — 48°25'16"N, 116°29'57"W |
| Standard take-out | Colburn Culver Bridge — 48°19'26"N, 116°23'04"W |
| Alternative take-out | Rapid Lightning Road (shorter float) |
| Extended take-out | Highway 200 bridge (full-day route) |
What to Bring and Expect
Inflatable kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and inner tubes all work. The current is forgiving. Water runs shallow in some stretches — a frisbee doubles as a serviceable paddle for nudging through sandbars and around fallen timber. Sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray are non-negotiable for July floats.
Hazards are mild but real: downed trees create occasional strainers, and log jams require portaging in low-water months. The wildlife along the banks — moose, elk, beaver, osprey — adds to the experience but demands awareness, particularly during moose calving season in spring.
Best months to float the Lower Pack River: June through October. Peak conditions: July.
The Granite Slides and Swimming Holes: Upper Pack River's Hidden Draw
This is the section most guides leave out — and the one people remember longest.
Natural Waterslides and Crystal Pools
The upper drainage of the Pack River, roughly 10–15 miles up Pack River Road from Samuels, reveals a granite-boulder riverbed carved into natural waterslides reaching 15 to 20 feet, with crystal-clear pools deep enough to plunge into. Outdoor Project describes it as "one of the best unconventional hikes in the area" — and that's accurate. The Upper Pack slides don't look like a maintained recreation site. They look like something you stumbled into by accident, which is precisely the appeal.
When to Go and How to Get There
The slides are accessible only when water levels drop — typically July through October — because the same granite chutes that make gentle waterslides in August become dangerous hydraulics during spring runoff. Low to very low water is the safety threshold.
Access requires driving Pack River Road from the Samuels junction (mile marker 486 on Highway 2) approximately 15 miles, then hiking the riverbed upstream. A medium-to-high-clearance vehicle handles the road; the final stretch rewards 4WD. The hike itself follows the riverbed through a progression of pools, slides, and small waterfalls — bring water shoes with grip and expect to get wet.
No competitor page comprehensively covers this experience. OnlyInYourState lists Pack River among Idaho's best natural swimming holes. Nspire Magazine profiles the upper river hike as a destination in its own right. Neither provides the full picture — because the full picture requires knowing the river across seasons, not just visiting once.
Fishing the Pack River
The Pack River supports fishing across its full 50.7-mile length in Bonner County and Boundary County, tracked by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game fishing planner as a managed Idaho Panhandle fishery.
Species and Regulations
The river holds cutthroat trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish across most of its length. The upper drainage also harbors bull trout — a protected species under catch-and-release-only regulations. Bull trout protections are strictly enforced; verify current IDFG regulations before fishing any section of the upper Pack.
The lower river and its tributaries offer more relaxed fishing, with bank access and wade-in spots available from multiple pulloffs along Pack River Road. Forest Service roads paralleling the upper drainage extend fishing access into increasingly remote water.
Best Access and Timing
The lower Pack fishes well from late spring through fall, with evening hatches on long summer days producing reliable dry-fly action. The upper river requires lower water levels — similar to the swimming holes, late summer and early fall offer the best combination of access and fish activity.
Forum reports on Washington Fly Fishing describe the Pack as "a cool little river with some decent fishing" — an understatement that locals appreciate. The Pack doesn't produce trophy fish. It produces the kind of quiet, creek-fishing solitude that Sandpoint Magazine's "Crick Fishing" essay captures well: small water, small fish, large satisfaction.
Backcountry Trailheads: Harrison Lake, Chimney Rock, and the Selkirk Crest
Ten miles upriver from the Highway 95 crossing, the Pack River corridor transitions from river recreation to mountain recreation. This is the first major portal into the Selkirk backcountry.
Harrison Lake
A 2.5-mile trail gaining 1,435 vertical feet to an alpine lake below the Selkirk Crest. Accessible as a strong day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. The trailhead sits at the upper end of Pack River Road — the same road that accesses the swimming holes and dispersed camping. Visit Idaho profiles the Harrison Lake backpack as one of the Selkirk Mountains' signature outings.
Chimney Rock
A free-standing, three-sided granite tower on the Selkirk Crest, visible from Priest Lake and renowned among elite climbers worldwide. The Idaho Conservation League maintains trail information for the approach, and the Idaho Trails Association runs annual maintenance trips on the access trail. Approach routes from the Pack River drainage offer some of the most dramatic ridge walking in the northern Rockies.
Roman Nose Lakes
A cluster of high-country lakes accessible via connecting trails from the upper Pack River corridor, offering backcountry camping in true alpine terrain with limited competition for campsites.
Huckleberries and Dispersed Camping
Huckleberry season hits July and August. The Kaniksu National Forest slopes flanking the upper Pack River drainage produce reliably. Idaho's state fruit grows thick at middle elevations, and locals guard their patches with the same territorial instinct they bring to elk hunting. Load an ATV, ride the forest roads, and fill a bucket.
Dispersed camping along Pack River Road in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests offers primitive riverside sites — free, no reservations, no amenities beyond the river itself. The Dyrt lists multiple Bonner County sites with user reviews. Drive-in and walk-in options both exist, though the access road develops significant washboard and rutted sections the further upriver you push. High-clearance vehicles earn their keep here. Most sites allow stays of 3–14 days depending on location — pack out everything.
Winter in the Drainage: Snowmobiling, Backcountry Skiing, and Silence
Winter doesn't shut the Pack River corridor down. It changes the access method.
Snowmobiling the Upper Pack
The Upper Pack River drainage is one of North Idaho's premier snowmobile zones. The Sandpoint Winter Riders Snowmobile Club identifies the Upper Pack River as a primary riding area, accessed from Upper Pack River Road at Samuels (mile marker 486 on Highway 2), with approximately five miles of road to the unloading parking lot before the real terrain begins.
The Forest Service's updated snowmobile management plan — finalized in 2024 after years of public input — adds approximately 90 miles of groomed trails to the broader North Idaho network, bringing the total to 450 miles. Within the Pack River headwaters specifically, 25,000 acres are open to over-snow vehicles before April 1 each season. Much of this drainage northeast of Sandpoint had been closed since the 1990s, and the reopening of roughly 9,300 acres represents a significant expansion of accessible winter terrain.
Backcountry Skiing
The Selkirk Range offers legitimate ski touring. Mount Roothaan provides an accessible tour with a broad saddle below the peak ideal for overnight camping, while steeper lines exist throughout the headwaters for those willing to earn their turns. The snowpack in the Selkirks typically builds deep enough for reliable touring from December through April — though avalanche awareness, beacon/shovel/probe, and proper safety training are non-negotiable in this terrain.
The Quiet
The winter corridor delivers something harder to quantify: silence at scale. The Pack River drainage in January, with two feet of snow muffling everything and the Selkirks stacked white against a steel sky, offers the kind of solitude that people move to North Idaho to find — and that increasingly few places deliver.
Properties along the Samuels corridor access this winter landscape directly. The snowmobile staging area sits minutes away. The backcountry skiing approaches branch off the same road. And the drive back to a warm house with a wood stove doesn't require navigating mountain passes or interstate traffic.
Wildlife and Conservation: The Pack River Flats
Pack River Flats Wildlife Management Area
Near its mouth at Lake Pend Oreille, the Pack River opens into the Pack River Flats Wildlife Management Area — managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, located nine miles east-northeast of Sandpoint and four miles northwest of Hope. The WMA provides public access for wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing across a wetland complex that functions as critical habitat for waterfowl, raptors, moose, white-tailed deer, and songbird species.
Spring migration brings significant waterfowl concentrations. Fall hunting seasons draw upland bird hunters and waterfowlers who know the area's reputation. Year-round, the WMA offers some of the most reliable wildlife viewing in Bonner County.
Pack River Delta Restoration
The IDFG Pack River Delta restoration project represents an ongoing conservation investment in the river's ecological health — stabilizing the delta where the Pack enters Lake Pend Oreille, improving habitat for native fish and wildlife, and maintaining the water quality that keeps the entire corridor functioning. This work protects the recreation value of the river for decades ahead.
What Lives Here
The broader corridor, from the flats to the Selkirk headwaters, sits within and adjacent to the Kaniksu National Forest — part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests system. Moose browse the willows. Elk move through the upper drainage. Raptors — red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, the occasional goshawk — hunt the meadow edges. Bull trout hold in the cold upper pools. The deer are so common they barely register.
This is what a functioning North Idaho ecosystem looks like when the land hasn't been subdivided into five-acre ranchettes.
Safety and Conditions
The Pack River corridor rewards preparation and punishes complacency. The risks vary by season and section — know them before you go.
Lower Pack River
- Strainers and log jams are the primary hazard on the lower float. Downed trees create sweepers that pin boats and swimmers. Scout ahead at bends, and be prepared to portage during low-water months when deadfall sits closer to the surface.
- Cold water — even in July, the Pack runs cold from snowmelt. Hypothermia is possible with extended immersion. Wear a life jacket, not just carry one.
- No cell service on much of the lower float. Tell someone your plan and expected return time.
Upper Pack River
- Spring runoff (April–June) transforms the upper river into Class III–IV whitewater with significant hydraulics, keeper holes, and falls. This is expert-only water during high flow. The same granite slides that are gentle in August will kill in May.
- Road conditions deteriorate progressively up Pack River Road. The final miles require high clearance; 4WD is recommended. Washboard and rutted sections are standard. Don't attempt it in a sedan.
- Wildlife awareness — moose frequent the corridor year-round, especially the lower wetlands during calving season (May–June). Give them distance. Bears are present in the upper drainage during berry season.
- Avalanche terrain in winter — the Selkirk headwaters are avalanche-prone. Backcountry skiing and snowmobiling require beacon, shovel, probe, and training. Check the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center forecast before entering the backcountry.
General
- No services exist along Pack River Road. Bring water, food, first aid, and a plan. The nearest gas station is at the Samuels junction (Highway 95 / Highway 2).
- Fire restrictions apply in Kaniksu National Forest during summer. Check current fire conditions before campfires at dispersed sites in Bonner County.
Pack River vs. Other North Idaho Rivers
The Pack River is one of several floatable rivers within reach of Sandpoint. Here's how they compare for recreation planning:
| Pack River (Lower) | Priest River | Clark Fork River | St. Joe River | Moyie River | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Sandpoint | 15 min (Samuels) | 30 min north | 45 min east (Clark Fork) | 2+ hours south | 1 hr north (Bonners Ferry) |
| Float difficulty | Easy — flat water | Easy to moderate | Moderate | Easy to moderate (upper) | Moderate to advanced |
| Float duration | 2–3 hours standard | 2–4 hours | 3–6 hours | Half-day to multi-day | 2–4 hours |
| Best season | June–October (peak: July) | June–September | June–September | June–September | May–July (snowmelt dependent) |
| Crowd level | Low | Moderate | Low | Moderate–High (weekends) | Very low |
| Swimming holes | Yes — granite slides (Upper Pack) | Limited | Limited | Yes — multiple | Yes — pools and ledges |
| Winter recreation | Snowmobiling, backcountry skiing | Limited | Limited | Cross-country skiing | Snowmobiling |
| Fishing | Cutthroat, brook, whitefish, bull trout | Cutthroat, rainbow | Cutthroat, bull trout, whitefish | Cutthroat (blue-ribbon) | Cutthroat, brook |
| Backcountry access | Yes — Selkirk Crest, alpine lakes | Priest Lake access | Cabinet Mountains | St. Joe Wilderness | Limited |
| Guided options | SOLE canoe trips | Outfitters available | Limited | Multiple outfitters | Limited |
The Pack River's advantage is density: floating, fishing, swimming holes, backcountry hiking, snowmobiling, and backcountry skiing all accessed from a single road corridor. The St. Joe offers Idaho's premier blue-ribbon cutthroat fishery but requires a 2+ hour drive from the Sandpoint area. Priest River is the closest alternative for a casual float, with put-ins north of Priest River town. Clark Fork River provides a longer float with less infrastructure.
For Samuels-area residents, the Pack River is the default — not because the other rivers aren't worth the drive, but because the Pack requires no drive at all.
Nearby Recreation Worth Knowing
The Pack River corridor doesn't exist in isolation. Within 20–35 minutes of Samuels:
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort — 35 minutes southwest. 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, Idaho's largest ski resort.
- Lake Pend Oreille — Idaho's largest lake, 20 minutes south. Boating, fishing (including world-record Kamloop rainbow trout), swimming at Sandpoint City Beach.
- Round Lake State Park — 12 miles south of Sandpoint. Seven miles of flat trails, lake swimming, camping, and winter ice fishing.
- Downtown Sandpoint — 20 minutes south. Restaurants, breweries, live music, farmers market, independent shops.
- Priest Lake — 45 minutes north. Remote alpine lake with dispersed camping, hiking, and Chimney Rock access from the west side.
The Samuels junction functions as the hub. Every direction leads to something worth doing.
Access and Logistics: Getting to the Pack River
Driving Directions
From Sandpoint: Drive north on Highway 95 approximately 15 minutes to the Pack River crossing near Samuels.
From Coeur d'Alene: Take US-95 North approximately 75 minutes. Turn left at Samuels (the Conoco station at the junction).
From Spokane: Take US-2 East approximately 90 minutes to Samuels at mile marker 486.
Float Logistics (Lower Pack)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Put-in | Highway 95 bridge near Samuels (48°25'16"N, 116°29'57"W) |
| Standard take-out | Colburn Culver Bridge (48°19'26"N, 116°23'04"W) |
| Alternative take-out | Rapid Lightning Road |
| Duration | 2–3 hours (standard) / 8–12 hours (full route to Pend Oreille) |
| Season | June–October (peak: July) |
| Suitable craft | Kayak, canoe, SUP, inner tube |
| Restrictions | No motorized watercraft above Hwy 200 bridge |
Backcountry Access (Upper Pack)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Road | Pack River Road from Samuels, ~17 miles to upper trailheads |
| Turn-off | Mile marker 486 on Highway 2 |
| Vehicle | High clearance required; 4WD recommended for final stretch |
| Key trailheads | Harrison Lake, Chimney Rock approach, Roman Nose Lakes |
| Swimming holes | ~15 miles up Pack River Road; accessible July–October |
Winter Access
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Snowmobile staging | Upper Pack River Road, ~5 miles from Highway 2 |
| Season | December–March (over-snow vehicles permitted before April 1) |
| Groomed trails | Part of North Idaho's 450-mile network |
| Backcountry skiing | Mount Roothaan and Selkirk headwaters, December–April |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you put in to float the Pack River?
The primary put-in for the Lower Pack River float is at the Highway 95 bridge near Samuels, Idaho (48°25'16"N, 116°29'57"W). The standard take-out is the Colburn Culver Bridge. Alternative access points include Rapid Lightning Road and the Highway 200 bridge for those floating the extended route toward Lake Pend Oreille.
How long does it take to float the Pack River?
The standard Lower Pack River float from Highway 95 to Colburn Culver Bridge takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on water levels, with July offering the best flow conditions. The full route from Samuels to Lake Pend Oreille can extend to 8–12 hours.
Can you swim in the Upper Pack River?
Yes. The Upper Pack River features granite boulder pools, natural waterslides reaching 15–20 feet, and crystal-clear swimming holes. These are accessible when water levels drop to low or very low — typically July through October. A high-clearance vehicle is needed to reach the upper drainage via Pack River Road from Samuels, and water shoes with grip are essential for navigating the granite riverbed.
What fish are in the Pack River?
The Pack River supports cutthroat trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish across most of its length. The upper drainage also holds bull trout — a protected species under strict catch-and-release-only regulations. Check current IDFG regulations before fishing any section.
When can you snowmobile on the Pack River?
The Upper Pack River drainage offers 25,000 acres open to over-snow vehicles before April 1 each season. Access the snowmobile staging area from Upper Pack River Road at Samuels, approximately 5 miles from Highway 2. The area connects to North Idaho's 450-mile groomed trail network.
Is the Upper Pack River dangerous?
Spring runoff creates Class III–IV whitewater conditions that are dangerous for inexperienced paddlers. The granite slides and swimming holes are safe only during low water (July–October). The access road is rough and requires high clearance. In winter, avalanche conditions in the Selkirk headwaters demand proper safety equipment and training. Respect the seasons and the terrain, and the upper drainage rewards you. Ignore them, and it won't.
Can you float the Pack River with kids?
Yes. The Lower Pack River float is family-friendly flat water suitable for children who can wear a life jacket. The 2–3 hour standard float from the Highway 95 put-in to Colburn Culver Bridge is manageable for ages 5 and up. Inner tubes, inflatable kayaks, and canoes all work. Pack sunscreen, water, and snacks. SOLE offers guided canoe trips with shuttle service for families who want local expertise. Avoid the Upper Pack with children — spring runoff creates Class III–IV conditions, and the access road requires high clearance.
What other rivers near Sandpoint can you float?
The Priest River (30 minutes north of Sandpoint) offers an easy-to-moderate float with put-ins near Priest River town. The Clark Fork River (45 minutes east) provides a longer 3–6 hour float with lower crowds. The St. Joe River in Benewah County is Idaho's premier blue-ribbon cutthroat fishery but requires a 2+ hour drive south. For casual summer floating closest to the Samuels area, the Lower Pack River remains the most accessible option — the put-in is a 15-minute drive from downtown Sandpoint in Bonner County.
Living on the Pack River Corridor
Most real estate within striking distance of Sandpoint sells on lake views or ski access. The Pack River corridor sells on something rarer: a complete recreation system accessible from a single road, in every season, with no crowds.
The river handles summer. The drainage handles winter. The national forest handles everything in between. And the wildlife management area at the river's mouth adds an ecological richness that no amount of landscaping can replicate.
Sandpoint sits twenty minutes south. Schweitzer Mountain sits thirty-five minutes southwest. Lake Pend Oreille sits even closer. But the Pack River corridor itself — the floating, the fishing, the granite slides, the backcountry skiing, the huckleberries, the alpine lakes, the snowmobile terrain, the silence — that's what makes this stretch of North Idaho function differently than a subdivision with mountain views.
For those exploring property in the Samuels area, the recreation access isn't an amenity. It's the foundation. Everything else — the views, the acreage, the distance from town — means more when the backyard connects to forty miles of river and a quarter-million acres of national forest.
The Pack River corridor rewards proximity. The closer you live, the more you use it. And the more you use it, the harder it becomes to imagine living anywhere else.