In this section you will be able to find a map that identifies some favorite trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking. Also, maps are available at the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Parks Department identifying a larger selection of trails for beginners through advanced. To receive your copy, stop by the Priest Lake Ranger Station, Idaho Parks Department at Indian Creek Campground or Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce Visitors Information Kiosk at Chipmunk Rapids rest area on Highway 57, just south of the Coolin turnoff.

RIVER RAFTING

Exciting float trips through beautiful evergreen solitude are offered on the Priest River as it empties Priest Lake. This, of course depends upon the time of year and river level. Ask the locals for information regarding river rafting.

LIFE ON THE EDGE

Priest Lake's unique landscape is an outdoor adventure's delight, Mountain bikers and hikers enjoy the scenic view at lake level while others meet the challenge of rugged terrain off the beaten track.

HIKING AND BACKPACKING

Priest Lake is a major entryway into the Selkirk Mountain Range, providing access to some of the best hiking and backpacking, including the Idaho State Centennial Trail. Beginner, intermediate and advanced hikers can all find the perfect trail from among the many trail heads that are listed in pamphlets available at the S. Forest Service. Priest Lake Ranger Station, Priest Lake State Park, Indian Creek Bay or, before you reach the lake, at the chamber of commerce information center kiosk at Chipmunk Rapids rest area.

RAISE A GLASS

Priest Lake now boasts its own wine. Bottled by an award-winning vintner, this excellent blend has our own Priest Lake label. It's available at all our area resorts and fine restaurants and stores, You can take a few bottles home to friends.

FLOAT THE THOROFARE

For a leisurely afternoon in the sun, experience a relaxing float down the two-and-half mile scenic river called the Thorofare, connecting Priest Lake to Upper Priest Lake.

LAKE GROWN PRODUCTS

Huckleberry products, including jams, jellies, syrup, barbecue sauce, vinegar, huckleberry chocolate sauce, and more, are all manufactured right here at the lake. Even huckleberry ice cream is available, Believe us, when we say, the berries at Priest Lake produce the most delectable sweets you will ever taste. Pick tip the lake's own selection of cookbooks and huckleberry cookbooks too.

Several factors attribute to the superior quality of the Priest Lake berry. Fertile soil deposits were left behind by retreating glaciers as they melted thousand of years ago. The lake itself helps to moderate the area temperatures by keeping the forests from getting too hot in the summer. Late June, July and early August , are great huckleberry-picking months!

GOLFING

We're just letting you know the Priest Lake Golf Course is one we're very proud of A challenging course set against a dramatic backdrop of mountain and forest views and it is still very playable for those new to the game. Additional information about our spectacular course is included in this guide.

BOFFO BIKING

For the mountain biker, Priest Lake offers acres and acres of sweet off-road riding. For more information on fantastic biking trails, contact the U.S.F.S. office on Hwy. 57, across from the airport or at the Chipmunk Rapids Information Center.

FISHING

Priest Lake is one of northern Idaho’s most productive fisheries. Fishermen consistently catch trophy-size mackinaw. One giant mac, caught, weighed in at 52 pounds, which is still the record for the United States.

For big ones, you’ll usually troll deep with a leaded or wire line, To catch these trophy fish, go with the pros. We recommend hiring the services of one of the lake's several knowledgeable and experienced fishing guides. As one of the guide's research shows, the average lake treat is getting larger and the fish are very healthy. An increasingly successful cutthroat population has been encouraging.

Upper Priest Lake is unique as it represents a truly native population of west slope cutthroat and bull trout, However, the upper lake is restricted to "catch and release" fishing only.

Priest Lake offers an excellent opportunity to catch nice fish in good numbers. There's always the thrill of anticipation, of knowing that a trophy size might be eyeing your bait at any time.

BOATING

In addition to the 20-mile main lake, you will find its two-and-half mile Thorofare and Upper Priest Lake provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy whatever kind of boating activity you like best. Or visit often so you can try them all. Sightseeing, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, tubing, houseboating, paddle boating and cruising are all popular ways to enjoy the water. Also, vou will see windsurfers and sailboats. We have island campgrounds, some with tent sites, picnic tables, outhouses and fire rings.

BOAT LAUNCHES

Public boat launches can be found at several locations (fee charged at some) around the lake. The state has one located at Indian Creek Campground; the U.S. Forest Service has tow located at Kalispell Bay and Reeder Creek. A free public launch is located at Coolin. All resorts have boat launching facilities.

PADDLERS PARADISE

If you want to experience the beauty and solitude of Upper Priest Lake, you've got to paddle the quiet inland waterway called the Thorofare. Canoe and kayak paddlers can stay at any of the established campgrounds at Upper Priest, which lies within the Upper Priest Scenic Area in Kaniksu National Forest.

ROCK CLIMBING

Chimney Rock, northeast of the lake, with its natural accruing escarpments offers the best in sport climbing, Stop by Rock Wear, in the Priest Lake Service Center (milepost 28 on Hwy. 57) and visit with Travis Holycross, our resident climber. He can direct you to great climbing in the area.

HANNA FLATS

Cedar Grove Interpretive Trail
Kids of all ages will enjoy this short level nature walk through a cedar grove that survived a major wild land fire in 1926, wmcb burned over 80,000 acres in the Priest Lake area. The trail and grove are located a mile West of Highway 57 and across from the Priest Lake Ranger Station.

Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars and Granite Falls
Just 14 miles above Nordman, Idaho, there is a unique grove of cedars named for President Theodore Roosevelt. Stand among these grand trees, listen carefully to the sounds made by the breezes or winds as they blow through the branches. And remember, these trees have been standing right there for 800 to 2,000 years.