Hope began in 1882 with the coming of the railroadHope began in 1882 with the coming of the railroad

HOPE, IDAHO

began in 1882 with the coming of the railroad

 

Picture perfect sunsets and expansive lake views dotted with islands, is how most people remember Hope. Just 12 miles from Sandpoint, on the North shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Hope found its beginning with the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad which has since settled into two unique cities. Hope and East Hope and the name I love Beyond Hope on the Sam Owen Game preserve on the Hope peninsula.  In the early days the Northern Pacific Railroad built Highland House in Hope as a luxury hotel for the use of Easterners. The hotel had three stories and was well publicized as a place of recreation and relaxation. The hotels first most famous and distinguished visitor to stay was General William Sherman, of Civil War fame.  On the second floor is room number ten. This and two adjoining rooms were made to be used by Teddy Roosevelt as his private suite when he visited the area.

In the height of its time, Hope was a bustling town of 3000. Quite a bit of the labor to make the railroad were Chinese, brought over under 25 year contracts, Once the railroad was finished many made their home in Hope. The Historic Hotel Hope, was built by Joseph M. Jeannot in 1897 and still watches over Lake Pend Oreille. In the basement are the tunnels that once allowed guests to go to the railway station. Hotel Hope has seem many faces over the years, including Teddy Roosevelt, Bing Crosby, J.P. Morgan, and Gary Cooper.  Meandering through the hotel you will get a real  since of the vintage time past with its historical construction all around.  On the first level the saloon is like walking back in time; as it looks much like it did in the early 1900’s.

Today the town isn’t nearly as full, but you can get a great meal on the floating restaurant or rent a boat at the Hope Marina. Just beyond the marina on the peninsula is the Sam Owen Campground, with over 80 campsites, a wonderful beach, and boat ramp, Sam Owen ranks as one of North Idaho’s finest settings. You will want to drive slow through the area as hundreds of whitetail deer make this preserve their home. In the fall and winter Bald Eagles are often seen watching the water for their next meal.

Several islands can be seen from Hope’s shores the largest being Warren Island which is to the right, Cottage Island is center and Pearl Island left.  Boating around these islands you take in their beauty, with the eagles soaring above, which nest on Pearl Island (the locals call it Eagle island.)  Enjoy the day whether fishing, water skiing or just relaxing on Hope shores picnicking.