MOYIE SPRINGS AND RIVER

The Moyie River Canyon Bridge is a structural steel truss cantilever bridge at mile marker 70 on U.S. Route 2 spanning the Moyie River near Bonners Ferry. It was constructed in 1965 and it is 1,223-foot (373 m) long and 424 feet (129 m) high. The current bridge replaced an obsolete bridge built in 1923, directly downstream from the municipally owned Moyie Dam.

Logging has been an important part of the livelihood for the area residence since the early 1850’s. The Moyie Mill established in 1929, processed Douglas Fir, Western Larch, Grand Fir, Western Hemlock, Lodgepole Pine, Englemann Spruce, and Sub-Alpine Fir.

The bridge is the second highest in Idaho, exceeded only by the 476-foot (145 m) high Perrine Bridge

Moyie Springs is situated at the confluence of the Kootenai and Moyie Rivers. Long ago the springs found here provided water for weary travelers. Later timber provided jobs for the rail line installed. Today, Moyie Springs still has Riley Creek Lumber Mill in operation and is a small bedroom community 7 miles east of Bonners Ferry.

The Kootenai people lived along the Kootenai River in Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. They were hunter-gatherers, and salmon was an important staple to their diets. They had permanent winter villages of cone-shaped houses made from wooden poles and rush mats.

Moyie Springs and Moyie River has provided recreational experiences for all families to enjoy.  If you are an avid hunter or fisherman or just looking for a relaxing and enjoyable adventure this is the place.