Welcome to Boundary County and Bonners Ferry

 Bonners Ferry was formally established in 1893, along the south bank of the Kootenai River, nestled between two mountain ranges, the Selkirks and the Purcell’s. Meandering through this valley is the beautiful Kootenai River and scattered along the valley and bench land were a few ranches and homesteads. Numerous mines were developed in the nearby Selkirk mountains, such as the Continental Mine.

In the 20th century with the lumber industry and farming lands growing rapidly, they became the most important industry in the area.  The gold rush phenomenon sprang up all over the north and Bonners Ferry became a boomtown.   The Kootenai Tribe’s historic path to fishing grounds at Lake Pend Oreille and Kootenai River became quite well traveled when thousands of prospectors traveled the path to find gold in Wild Horse Creek, 120 miles to the north of Bonners Ferry Idaho in British Columbia.

In 1864 a man by the name of Edwin Bonner constructed a ferry where the trail crossed the Kootenai River. The Norwegian-built steamer, “Midge” launched in 1883 and carried passengers and freight for the next 25 years. After the turn of the century, The Kootenai River coined the term the Nile of the north and Bonners Ferry became a lumber town, Sporting one of the world’s largest mills. In 1892 The Great Northern Railway was built, followed by the Spokane International and the Kootenai Valley lines, bringing many more travelers to the area.

Today Bonners Ferry is Rich in history, wildlife and splendid beauty. The Bonners Ferry Museum will in

rich your mind with photos, relics of times past. Roman Nose Lakes offers a trail system well-traveled and easy for hikers leading them into the heart of some of the most beautiful terrain in the Selkirks. Nested beneath the towering presence of 7,260-ft Roman Nose Peak, the trailhead leads hikers access to three different lakes and the potential for an off-trail adventure with incredibly awesome views of the Selkirk Crest from the top of the peak.   Three beautiful hikes include spectacular waterfalls in an area of pristine scenery, you will enjoy Copper Falls, Snow Creek Falls, Myrtle Creek falls trails.

In 2005 The Kootenai Tribal council opened the award-winning Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa on the shores of the Kootenai River.  Take in the scenic views of the Kootenai River, while enjoying the fine dining in the Springs Restaurant and Lounge.