Sandpoint, ID

One day last spring, while out driving around aimlessly as our infant daughter napped in her carseat, my husband and I came across Dover City Beach. We didn’t get out to explore it, but from the car it looked intriguing. We thought we’d check it out during the summer. Fast forward one year, and I finally returned to get a closer look!

In honor of Mother’s Day and wanting to spend a little one-on-one time with my daughter (now a toddler), I drove over there yesterday, and my daughter and I hit the trail. What a delightful afternoon we spent! I was expecting to find just a bit of grassy area and a sandy beach, but Dover City Beach is so much more than that — there is a really cool trail system that meanders through wetlands, perfect for pointing out water fowl for my young Audobon.

I was pleased that we happened to be the only people there, making us feel like we were truly out in wilderness…and yet only minutes from Dover and Sandpoint. The solitude and quietness was just what I was searching for – I don’t remember noting any “city sounds” at all! We listened to birds chirping, observed geese eating, and watched a blue heron in flight. I pointed out to my daughter a killdeer, which was apparently scolding us for being to close to it’s nest. We followed the trail through the park, out over waterways, and through woods. My daughter delighted in finding rocks and pinecones and ladybugs. I was simply delighted to find such a beautiful spot less than five minutes from my home.

The trail we walked on started out paved, then turned to gravel, then to wooden and concrete surfaces on the bridges, and finally a dirt spoor. It was wide enough, and level enough, that I believe a stroller would do just fine, as would bikes with kiddie trailers. I’m not sure, however, how a wheelchair would do. We came across a few benches along the way, which gave us an opportunity to sit and ponder the beauty we are surrounded by.

In the park area, by the actual beach, there were plenty of picnic tables and shade trees. I also noticed a very nice looking restroom building, however it was closed for the winter season (but there was a water fountain there!). Parking seems to be somewhat limited, so I would suggest riding over on a bike, especially in the summer when it’s sure to be a hoppin’ place. [Sidenote: I think it would be easy to follow the Dover Trail – whether on foot or bike --out of Sandpoint, cut across the highway in Dover, and then head down to the beach.] And it looks like dogs are allowed, as there was a doggie-clean up station.

I’m pretty excited about heading over there again soon, to share with my husband, and explore the trails even more. And once the water level rises up a bit, I think this would be a great place to do some bird-watching, which is something I would like to get into.

Directions to Dover City Beach: Head west on Hwy 2 from Sandpoint. When you get to Dover, turn left onto 4th street. Make an immediate right onto Railroad Ave. Turn left onto Dover Bay Parkway, then a right onto Lakeshore Ave. Follow the road all the way to the end, where Dover City Hall is located. The beginning of the trail starts there. (The road out there is fairly well marked; follow signs for Dover Bay, then follow the blue signs for Dover City Hall & City Beach).