Bonners Ferry is a small town surrounded by the Selkirk Mountain range on the west and divided by the Kootenai River. Painters should feel safe walking around at night. There are many coffee/food shops a few blocks walking distance from the casino (through a tunnel) along with views of the river and a walking bridge.
If you are wanting to camp/RV, there are a couple places listed below. The casino offers great views from the rooms (if northern facing) with balconies that could be used for painting. It also has a nice restaurant overlooking the river, which we'll use as a meeting place.
The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge will be the focus of the paintout, but folks should be able to find plenty of places to paint if they like. There are good bathroom and water facilities at the entrance. Note, because significant work is underway to restore the original wetlands, we may not be able to drive around the auto tour road. There should still be plenty of scenery to paint.
If spouses enjoy fishing, I can share a few places to go. There is also a golf course just south of town.
https://bonnersferry.id.gov/mirror-lake-golf-course/
Schedule: No real changes for 2026
Meeting Area: Parking lot in front of Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa
Friday May 8th:
-Noon: Meet at Casino parking.
Optional group drive to scout the refuge loop (5 miles driving) and waterfall. There are two more waterfalls nearby if there's more interest.
-8:30 PM: Nocturne at old downtown.
Walk through tunnel just outside of casino entrance for urban painting.
Saturday May 9th:
-Everyone free to paint all day. I will be available to help with directions, etc.
-7:00 PM: Show and tell. Dinner at casino and hopefully a surprise raffle.
Sunday: Free to paint.
Accommodation:
Kootenai River Inn and Casino:
https://www.kootenairiverinn.com/casino/
Idaho Lodge and RV Park: In town, near grocery stores, and 5 minutes south of casino.
https://theidaholodge.com/
North Haven Campground: Nice place 5 minutes north of town and a little more secluded.
https://www.northhavencampground.com/
Also check out other Sports events in Kalispell, Workshops in Kalispell, Meetups in Kalispell.
