Situated in Idaho’s Panhandle, this pristine lake offers the perfect backdrop for an adventure that combines paddling—be it kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding—with the experience of camping.
Explore secluded coves, hidden beaches, and remote islands at your own pace, fully embracing the natural rhythm of this northwest setting.
This post will provide you with a guide to planning your paddle-packing adventure at Priest Lake.
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About Priest Lake
Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake, nestled in the northernmost corner of Idaho’s Panhandle, are jewels of natural beauty.
Priest Lake, the lower of the two, spans over 19 miles and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, making it a haven for boaters, swimmers, and anglers.
The lake is surrounded by lush forests and the rugged Selkirk Mountains, providing countless trails for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts.
A short and scenic boat ride or hike north leads adventurers to Upper Priest Lake, a more secluded and tranquil area accessible only by foot or water.
This upper lake is part of a designated Scenic Area, ensuring its pristine condition is preserved.
It’s a paradise for those who seek solitude and nature, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife watching in a setting that feels untouched.
Priest Lake map
Priest Lake weather
Priest Lake, Idaho, enjoys a distinct four-season climate that adds to the area’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Summers at Priest Lake are warm and inviting, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s F (24-29°C), creating perfect conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking.
The lake’s elevation and surrounding forests also provide cool evenings, ideal for campfires and stargazing.
Fall brings a display of colors with cooler temperatures, making it a favorite time for kayaking and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lake.
Winters are cold and snowy, transforming the area into a winter wonderland suited for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Temperatures often dip below freezing.
In spring, the snow melts, and temperatures gradually warm. This offers a peaceful setting for early-season paddlers and hikers.
Getting to Priest Lake
From Spokane, WA:
- Start on I-90 E toward Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- Take Exit 12 for US-95 N toward Sandpoint.
- Continue on US-95 N for about 36 miles.
- Turn right onto ID-53 E in Rathdrum and follow for 12 miles.
- Merge onto US-2 E toward Sandpoint.
- In Sandpoint, take the ID-200 E exit toward US-95 N/Bonners Ferry/Canada.
- Merge onto US-95 N and follow for about 25 miles.
- Turn left onto ID-57 N in Priest River.
- Follow ID-57 N for about 30 miles to reach Priest Lake.
From Coeur d’Alene, ID:
- Take US-95 N toward Sandpoint.
- Follow the same directions as above from US-95 N.
From Missoula, MT:
- Start on I-90 W toward Coeur d’Alene.
- Take Exit 43 for ID-200 W toward Sandpoint.
- Continue on ID-200 W into Sandpoint.
- In Sandpoint, turn left onto US-95 N.
- Follow the directions above from US-95 N to Priest Lake.
Tips for travelers
- Check road conditions:
Checking road conditions and weather forecasts is crucial, especially during winter, when routes may be affected by snow. - Enjoy the scenery:
The drive to Priest Lake is scenic, with forests, mountains, and waterways. Plan for stops to enjoy the views. - Fuel up:
Make sure to fuel up in larger towns like Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint, as gas stations are more sparse in the rural areas closer to Priest Lake.
Priest Lake is a remote paradise, and part of its charm lies in the journey to get there. Whether you’re coming from Montana, Washington, or elsewhere in Idaho, the drive is part of the adventure, offering stunning landscapes.
Things to do at Priest Lake
Priest Lake, nestled in Idaho’s Panhandle region, offers a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Boating
- Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddle Boarding
- Hiking
- Swimming
Camping
Priest Lake has several campgrounds dotted around the lake. These spots require a reservation. Plan ahead, several months in advance, to make sure to get a spot.
Fishing
You can fish at Priest Lake. For more details on permitting and boat launches, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.
Boating
Boating on Priest Lake opens up a world of exploration and relaxation. With miles of shoreline and hidden coves, boaters can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake at their own pace.
Whether you’re into speed boating, sailing, or leisurely cruising, the expansive waters of Priest Lake provide the perfect backdrop for a day filled with adventure and tranquility.
Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddle Boarding
For those who prefer a quieter approach to water sports, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on Priest Lake offer an intimate way to explore the lake’s serene waters.
Glide across the glassy surface at sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience, navigating through coves and along the shoreline, all while surrounded by the breathtaking panorama of the Idaho wilderness.
Hiking
Priest Lake is surrounded by lush forests and rugged mountains, offering hikers a variety of trails that range from easy walks to challenging treks.
Swimming
With its clear, refreshing waters, Priest Lake is a swimmer’s delight. The lake’s numerous beaches provide the perfect setting for a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Families, in particular, will enjoy the gentle slopes of sandy beaches leading into the water, making it safe for swimmers of all ages.
Diving into the cool waters of Priest Lake is a refreshing way to enjoy the warm summer days, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Idaho’s wilderness.
Paddle packing Upper Priest Lake, Idaho
Do you need a permit?
Camping at Upper Priest Lake, Idaho, is first come, first serve. Most designated campgrounds have several spots available, and most are marked with a number.
Do I need a bear can or a bear bag?
Each of the campgrounds has a designated bear locker to store your food and other smelly things. These bear lockers are there to serve all of the camp spots, so be aware you will need to share the space.
Where should I launch my watercraft?
The best place we found to launch was down a short path from a temporary parking area. We inflated our paddle boards, set up the kayak, carry everything down to this beach, and launch from there.
You will either need someone to drop you off or have a member of your party park the car at the overnight parking area and then walk back to the launching point.
The coordinates to our launch point suggestion:
48.73558077277596, -116.85710627336505
Where should I park my car?
When we were driving around the Beaver Creek Campground, we found an unmarked parking lot that didn’t have any “no overnight parking” signs.
This is where we parked, and we didn’t have any trouble. If you are searching on the map its the Navigation Trailhead #291 parking lot.
The coordinates to our suggested overnight parking spot:
48.73942248186548, -116.86290716498686
Be sure to keep an eye out for “no overnight parking” signs, as sometimes signage changes.
Notes on paddling to Upper Priest Lake
Lake and wind
On our three-day trip, we discovered that afternoons can be very windy and choppy on the water.
Our paddle through the Thorofare was calm and relaxed, but as soon as we reached Upper Priest Lake, we found the water had become very choppy and windy.
This is when our package of Oreos took a swim—sad day.
On our second day on the lake, we paddled from our camp spot at Plowboy Campground all the way up to the other end of the lake to Trapper Creek Campground to explore.
The paddle up the lake was calm and relaxing.
The trip back in the afternoon was a mad paddle to try to make any forward progress. We ended up crossing the northern end of the lake to try paddling along the western shore back to Plowboy Campground.
This helped us get out of some of the wind, but it was still a constant paddle in order to not get pushed backward.
While we had hoped the wind would push us back to camp in the same direction it had been blowing the day before, we did not experience this.
It blew in the opposite direction we anticipated.
The wind, like the weather, can be unpredictable.
Visiting different campgrounds
Each campground offers a different view of the lake.
We enjoyed paddling to Trapper Creek and looking toward the south to see the length of the lake spread before us.
The north and south ends have marshy areas with lake grasses and open areas, while the west and east banks are densely treed and have some spots of rocky walls rising up out of the water.
Boats on Upper Priest Lake
In my travel research I found some mixed information on motorboats.
But the majority said motorboats are allowed up the Thorofare and in Upper Priest Lake.
Boats should not cause a wake.
We found that many motorboats disregarded this rule, so be prepared for a wake.
Upper Priest Lake campgrounds
Each campground area has a bear locker to store food.
There are no toilets in any of the campgrounds.
Geisinger campground
Number of camp spots: 5
Description of campground:
As you paddle out of the Thoroughfare onto Upper Priest Lake you’ll come upon Geisinger Campground off on the right.
This area is the most open of all the campsite areas.
With a full view up the length of the lake it’s a great spot to enjoy views of the lake. As the first campground past the Thoroughfare, it has a steady stream of watercraft going past.
It may be the most crowded due to easy access.
Plowboy campground
Number of camp spots: 4
Description of campground:
Plowboy is the second closest campground to the Thoroughfare. When you come out onto Upper Priest Lake you will paddle along the shore to the left.
The camp spots in this campground are situated right next to the water.
There is a small beach to land and store your watercraft. Just be sure to pull them up high enough to avoid them getting carried off if the water starts getting choppy.
The area is treed and shaded during the evening with a side view of the sunrise coming over the hills on the right.
There are a few firepits built into the campspots.
Navigation campground
Number of camp spots: 4
Description of campground:
Located on the northwest end of the lake, Navigation Campground is one of the furthest campgrounds from the Thoroughfare.
We did not explore these sites, just paddled past.
It appeared well-covered with trees, giving privacy and a break from the wind. It is tucked around a curve and has a limited view of the lake.
Trapper Creek campground
Number of camp spots: 2
Description of campground:
Trapper Creek campground is on the north end of the lake, the furthest campground from the Thoroughfare.
There is a wide, open beach here that presents a beautiful clear view of the lake. The campgrounds are tucked up amongst the trees a bit away from the beach.
When we were visiting we paddled up to Trapper Creek Campground and found it beautiful and sunny until the weather changed and it got very windy.
Packing list
For a paddle trip to Upper Priest Lake, you will need the camping essentials.
As backpackers, we transferred most of our backpacking gear to the paddle trip pack.
Below are some items specific to paddle-packing and the Idaho area that made our trip better:
- Bug spray
The mosquitos are lively, don’t forget your bug spray. Maddie brought the one we are linking to, and it worked great! - Dry bags
Whether stowing your supplies in a kayak or strapping it to the top of your paddle board, having sturdy dry bags will make your trip much more enjoyable when things go for an unexpected dip, it starts to rain, or you hit rough water. We are big fans of dry bedding. - Clothing layers
Having a variety of layers with you, from a swimsuit to a puffy down jacket, will ensure you stay warm, can get wet, and have what you need. - Sunscreen
Paddling often means you are directly exposed to the sun. Wearing a rash guard, sunscreen, sunhat, and other sun protection is advisable. A sunburn on day one of your paddle trip can make the remaining days miserable.
