birding

BirdersMapoie_Western_MeadowlarkWelcome to a prime vacation destination for birders! Lying within the Pacific Flyway, the major north-south route of travel for migratory birds in the Americas, the International Selkirk Loop offers bird watchers an extra incentive to visit and make a vacation of it.

The Loop is a 450 km/280 mile National Scenic Byway and All-American Road that encircles the Selkirk Mountains, a frontal range of the Rocky Mountains in northeast Washington, northern Idaho and southeast British Columbia.

Following river and lake valleys through these snow-capped granitic peaks, the Selkirk Loop hosts more than three dozen identified birding sites to explore, including three national refuges, with over 250 species of birds.

Here are special resources for birders:

  • Take a virtual tour of our 40 identified birding sites. Click for our virtual birding map.
  • Get it in print. Our “Birder’s Guide to the International Selkirk Loop” is an excellent map and guide, printed large format in full color on waterproof paper. It includes descriptions of all biriding sites, GPS coordinates, facility information and more, for only $7.95. Click to order it.
  • Check out our companion website with more information and maps for your Two Nation Birding Vacation.
  • Get a checklist. Size up the species you can see around the Loop with our free Birding Species Checklist. Click to download it.
  • Get a common species list. The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge — one of three around the Loop — provides a common species list. Click to download it.
  • Read an article about birding on the Selkirk Loop in Birdwatchers Digest. Click to read it.

While our rich birdlife is a prime attraction for birders, a birding vacation on the International Selkirk Loop offers many other varied eco-tourism and cultural experiences.

oie_Great_Blue_HeronAs you travel around the Loop you’ll discover a variety of beautiful mountain and valley landscapes and ecosystems — from rolling grasslands to towering mountain peaks and alpine vistas, to lush valley bottoms girded by pristine rivers and streams, to renowned wetlands and dense green forests. You can explore all of these ecosystems, each providing unique habitat for a variety of bird and wildlife species.

A Code of Birding Ethics:

  • Respect private property; do not trespass.
  • Stay on trails and avoid disturbing habitat.
  • Observe and photograph birds without disturbing them.
  • Never chase or flush birds.
  • Walk slowly and stay concealed.
  • Do not use recordings to attract birds.
  • Share birding ethics by word and example.

Please explore this website to learn more about the International Selkirk Loop … and learn more about why a visit to the Loop can make such a terrific “Two-Nation Birding Vacation.“

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Bonners Ferry USA

Nestled amidst the Selkirk Mountains, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl such as Canada geese, mallards, pintails, and teal. The Refuge has a 4.5 mile auto tour route, and walking trails. One trail is just a short …

Lake Pend Oreille Cruises

Sandpoint USA

Experience the breathtaking scenery of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. Offering history tours, eagle watching, dinner cruises, private charters, and more on the Shawnodese. Jet boat tours & rentals.  Find us at City Beach in downtown Sandpoint.

The Coop B&B

Ione

Quality overnight accommodations.  Birders’ paradise in a secluded forest setting on the west bank of the Pend Oreille River surrounded with abundant wildlife.  Private two king-size bedroom suite cabin perfect for two couples traveling the Loop together, plus two bedroom suites in main house. The Coop is located: 76 Rooster Row Lane, Cusick, WA 99119 …

Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society

Creston Canada

The Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre offers wetland education and awareness programs at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area  – a 17,000 acre internationally recognized wetland habitat. The Centre is open seasonally from May to October offering guided canoe and walking tours and special events and programs. The Kootenay- Columbia Discovery Centre Society works to promote environmental …

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Colville USA

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for 206 species of birds, 58 mammal, 8 reptile, and 6 amphibian species on 40,200 acres of mountainous, mixed conifer forest. Recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, birding, photography, bicycling, camping, hunting and fishing. Enjoy our new 11 mile auto tour route, open mid April through the end …

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Creston Canada

The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is a 17,000 acre internationally recognized Ramsar site and home to close to 400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish species.  There are over 30 kilometres of dike trails that are open year round with two observation towers to visit. Recreational activities such as hiking, biking, bird …