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Sandpoint & the Pend Oreille Region

"Should the Railroad be built by this route, this lake will become as famous amoung [sic] tourists as the romantic lakes of Switzerland."

W. Milnor Roberts, surveyor for the Northern Pacific Railroad speaking of Lake Pend Oreille, 1869.

Sandpoint from across Lake Pend Oreille.  Lake Pend Oreille formed thousands of
years ago during the glacial period.  Although it is a natural lake, its level is now
controlled by Albeni Falls dam on the Pend Oreille River. 
Photo by Duane Davis, courtesy of Verna Davis.

   The Pend Oreille region of northern Idaho is rugged and beautiful land, with forested mountains, rushing streams, and pristine lakes.  The largest of these is Lake Pend Oreille, which stretches over 40 miles in length and plunges to depths of more than 1200 feet.  The Clark Fork River flows into the lake from the east while the Pend Oreille River drains the lake to the west, flowing eventually into the Columbia River in British Columbia near the U.S.-Canadian border.  Originally, this region was home to the Kalispel Indians.

    The Albeni Falls dam brought significant change to the Pend Oreille region and the city of Sandpoint.  Nearly fifty years after construction, local residents recall the impact of the dam on their lives and the economy of the area.  Use the salmon icon to the left or the arrow below to learn more about the construction of Albeni Falls Dam and the changes that have shaped the Pend Oreille region into the area it is today.  

• More information about the Kalispel Indians