Priest Lake

Idaho’s Crown Jewel. By Jessica Herbig.

Priest Lake is often referred to as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel.” National Geographic calls it both “stunning” and “remote.” Both descriptions are accurate, and for the fall camper, Priest Lake has a variety of activities to keep you busy, keep you going, and keep you outdoors as long as possible!

Camping

Priest Lake is a state park managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation. As such, there are amenities such as designated camping spots, water and some shower units available. There are also a limited number of cabins situated around Priest Lake that require a reservation. Most of the campsites are situated in such a way that you feel like you are the only people in the forest at any given time, until you venture down to one of the beaches where everyone gathers in late summer to catch the last of the hot summer rays. When the sun dips down, it starts to get chilly in the fall, so a campfire helps ward off the chill. Who doesn’t love a cast iron dinner and s’mores over the fire?

Rock Climbing

Chimney Rock at Priest Lake is a feat unto itself. You can see Chimney Rock from the lake, and it’s the most talked about climb in the Priest Lake area. You can access the climb via the Mount Roothaan trailhead. Plan on a full day to hike in, make the climb, and hike back out. It’s not a good idea to get stuck out there after dark unless you’re prepared. From the trailhead it’s about a two-hour hike to the base of Chimney Rock and approximately a three to four hour climb.

Another good area to climb that is a little more accessible is Granite Pass. It’s about 20 minutes from Priest Lake on Hwy 57 north of Nordman. You can climb right out of the car and have your choice of 50-foot cliffs. This climb has some chain anchors in place, but plan on bringing set gear if you want to climb off route. This climbing location has the longest climbing route in the Selkirk Mountains, named the Lion Tamer by Alaskan Ace climbing guide Charlie Sassara. Only a few climbers have ventured this route.

Hiking

The Priest Lake Ranger District maintains a trail system on federal lands along Priest and Upper Priest Lake. They’re mostly well marked, but a trails booklet can be picked up for free at the Priest Lake Ranger District office.

The Beach Trail, which follows the west shoreline, is an easy hike that is great for families. It meanders for approximately six miles, starting at the Outlet Bay Campground and ending at the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. This trail is open to foot traffic only.

For a slightly more strenuous climb, check out the Mount Roothaan/Chimney Rock Trail on the east side of the lake. It caps out at 7,300 ft. with amazing panoramic views of Priest Lake. It takes a little under four hours and starts at the Horton Ridge trailhead at 5,100 ft. Bring your good hiking boots for this one. The last part is a one-half mile you’ll share with the mountain goats. It’s rocky and steep.

Fishing

Fall fishing ranges from trophy size Mackinaw out of Priest Lake, to brookies out of the streams surrounding the Priest basin. It’s catch-and-release fishing for westslope cutthroat out of Upper Priest Lake to protect the bull trout population, so check fishing guidelines before you settle your line in. Fishing during the fall months is great, as the fish rise closer to the surface as the air temperature cools the water. The Idaho state record Mackinaw was caught out of Priest Lake in 1971.

Priest Lake embodies what fall in our area is all about. We embrace an outdoor lifestyle, making the most of the outdoors while its pleasant to be outside. Check out Priest Lake. It’s a great place to squeeze in some more memories before winter sets in!

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