Exploring the Beauty of Lake Pend Oreille and the Iconic BNSF Bridge

Lake Pend Oreille

Tucked into the Idaho Panhandle, Lake Pend Oreille is more than just the state’s largest lake; it’s a place where wilderness, wildlife, and history all converge.

Stretching 148 square miles and plunging to 1,158 feet deep, it’s not only one of the deepest lakes in the nation but also one of the most striking.

Encircled by the northern Rockies and forests of pine, cedar, fir, and aspen, the lake feels like a wild sanctuary, one shared by osprey, bald eagles, moose, and even the occasional wandering bear.

"One of the more unusual sights? Bayview’s floating village, a community of homes resting right on the water since 1910."

In Sandpoint and the nearby towns of Bayview and Hope, the lake becomes a playground. Boat launches dot the shoreline, kayaks and sailboats glide across its surface, and visitors find quiet moments on beaches and in parks.

Bayview's Floating Village

Bayview Idaho Floating Homes

One of the more unusual sights? Bayview’s floating village, a community of homes resting right on the water since 1910.

Lake Pend Oreille also holds secrets beneath its waves. Formed by Ice Age glaciers, its depth has made it a testing ground for U.S. Navy sonar and submarine prototypes since World War II. Today, the acoustic research continues quietly below the surface, making a swim here feel even more intriguing.

"This specialized craft allows crews to access shallow and icy waters in case of emergencies, protecting both people and the lake itself."

BNSF Bridge, Sandpoint, Idaho

Above the water, safety and stewardship remain priorities. BNSF Railway, whose trains cross the lake near Sandpoint, recently added a custom Diamondback airboat to its hazmat response program.

This specialized craft enables crews to access shallow and icy waters in the event of emergencies, thereby protecting both people and the lake itself. With growth in northern Idaho, a second rail bridge is also in the works, ensuring goods move safely and efficiently across the country.

Whether you come for the fishing, birdwatching, or just to soak in the mountain views, Lake Pend Oreille offers more than a scenic stop; it’s a reminder of how nature, community, and history all flow together in Idaho’s wild north.