Bonner County, Idaho

Bonner County is a scenic northern Idaho destination known for its lakes, mountains, forests, and small-town character. Sandpoint, the county seat, sits along the shores of massive Lake Pend Oreille and has developed a reputation for its artsy atmosphere, outdoor lifestyle, and surprisingly strong food scene.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders during winter and mountain bikers and hikers in summer. Across the county, historic timber towns sit alongside upscale lakefront homes, creating a unique mix where longtime loggers and newer tech workers can often be found sharing the same local hangouts.

The scenery is spectacular, with dense forests, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped mountain peaks surrounding the area. The remote backcountry is home to wildlife including grizzly bears, while huckleberry picking remains a beloved summer tradition. Winters can be long and gray, but locals embrace the season and make the most of year-round outdoor recreation.

CategoryDetails
County NameBonner County
County SeatSandpoint
EtymologyNamed after Edwin Bonner, an early settler and stagecoach driver in the area.
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesSandpoint, Ponderay, Priest River, Clark Fork, Bonners Ferry, and more
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Route 95, Idaho State Highway 200, Idaho State Highway 41
FIPS Code16-017
Total Area1,923 square miles (land: 1,735 sq mi; water: 188 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties Pend Oreille County, Washington (Northwest), Boundary County (North), Lincoln County, Montana (East), Sanders County, Montana (Southeast), Shoshone County (Southeast), Kootenai County (South), Spokane County, Washington (Southwest)
Time ZonePacific Time Zone
StateIdaho
Coordinates48.3° N, 116.5° W
Major LandmarksLake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Cabinet Mountains, Sandpoint City Beach
Population48,000
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