Priest Lake is an easy place to visit...an unspoiled natural wonderland, uncrowded and unhurried. You'll discover a magnificent 23,000 acre azure lake nestled beneath the majestic Selkirk Mountains  without question, one of the most beautiful wilderness areas you'll ever see.

Priest Lake's breathtaking scenery is limited only by the horizon. This spectacular backdrop coupled with the myriad of available recreational opportunities make Priest Lake an unforgettable experience. You'll discover fantastic boating, fishing, hiking, camping, snowmobiling, hunting, cross-country skiing, etc... at Priest Lake, along with an abundance of Priest Lake hospitality.

Priest Lake is truly Sensational in all Seasons. You will arrive a visitor but will be welcomed, treated, and treasured as friend.

Priest Lake lies at an elevation of 2,500', and is located in the "Panhandle" of North Idaho, 80 miles north of Spokane, Washington, and 30 miles south of the Canadian border. The lake is 25 miles long and is connected to Upper Priest Lake by a scenic, slow moving 2.5 mile long thoroughfare. Priest Lake is surrounded by 80 miles of shoreline with sandy beaches and has seven islands. The lake lies in the Selkirk Mountain Range, an offset of the Rockies, which rise above the east shore to 7,656 feet. Priest Lake is a small unincorporated community of about 500 permanent residents and increases to as many as 2,500 in the summer.

Unique to Priest Lake is the extensive amount of public lands, ensuring the natural beauty for generations.

QUICK FACTS

Priest Lake Basin Area: 592 square miles

Public Lands: 523, 000 acres (combined USFS and Idaho State Lands)

Population: Estimated 750 year-round residents / estimated 3,200 including seasonal residents

Elevation: 2,438 feet at lake level to 7,600+ feet in surrounding mountains

Nearest Cities: Priest River, ID (30 miles / 1,860 population), Sandpoint, ID (50 miles / 7,920 population)

Lake Size: Lower Priest Lake: 23,300 surface acres / 72 miles of shoreline / 19 miles long / maximum width 4.5 miles / maximum depth 369 feet

Upper Priest Lake: 1,338 surface acres / 8 miles of shoreline / 3.3 miles long /maximum width 1 mile / maximum depth 112 feet

Lodging Facilities: 9 resorts / 159 units, 2 B&B's / 9 rooms, 6 private RV parks / 125 spaces

Public Campgrounds, USFS - 14 campgrounds / 264 sites

Priest Lake State Park - 3 campgrounds / 151 sites

Dining

15 restaurants ranging from simple fare to award-winning gourmet establishments

Public Recreation Facilities

Priest Lake State Park (camping, hiking, beach, boating, water sports, swimming, picnic, summer nature programs, nordic sports)

Priest Lake Ranger District (camping, hiking, beach, boating, water sports, swimming, picnic, summer nature programs, nordic sports)

The Nordic Center at Priest Lake (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing)

Priest Lake Golf Club (18-hole, par 72 championship course)

Priest Lake Snowmobile Trail System (400+ miles of groomed trails)

Info source: Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce