Priest Lake Vacation Guide: Resorts, Huckleberries & the Thorofare

About Priest Lake

Priest Lake sits in the far northwestern corner of the Idaho Panhandle, close to both the Washington border and the Canadian border, and is generally regarded as one of the least developed of Idaho's larger lakes. It is roughly 19 miles long, ringed by the Selkirk Mountains, and known for exceptionally clear water and long stretches of forested, largely undeveloped shoreline, a contrast to more built-up lakes elsewhere in the Panhandle. The lake's setting, dense conifer forest running down to rocky beaches and quiet bays, gives it a wilder, more remote character than Lake Coeur d'Alene or Lake Pend Oreille, even though it is only a few hours' drive from Spokane.

The nearest towns are Coolin, near the lake's southern end, and Nordman, farther north and closer to the lake's undeveloped upper reaches; neither is more than a small cluster of services, and visitors should expect a rural, low-amenity destination rather than a resort town in the mold of Coeur d'Alene or McCall. That relative remoteness is central to Priest Lake's appeal for travelers seeking quiet, nature-focused recreation over nightlife or shopping.

Upper Priest Lake & the Thorofare

One of Priest Lake's defining features is the Thorofare, a natural channel roughly two and a half miles long that connects the main lake to Upper Priest Lake, a smaller, roadless lake to the north. Because Upper Priest Lake has no road access, the Thorofare, paddled by canoe or kayak, is effectively the only practical way to reach it, and the paddle itself, through marshy, wildlife-rich water bordered by forest, is considered one of the highlights of a Priest Lake visit.

Upper Priest Lake and the surrounding area are managed with additional protections given their undeveloped character, and visitors typically find the upper lake far quieter than the main body of Priest Lake, with minimal motorized boat traffic. The combination of the Thorofare paddle and a stop at Upper Priest Lake is often described as a full-day outing and is one of the primary reasons paddlers specifically seek out Priest Lake over other Panhandle lakes.

Resorts on the lake

Priest Lake's resorts are notable for their longevity, several having operated continuously since the first half of the twentieth century. Hill's Resort, on Luby Bay on the lake's west side, has operated since 1946 and remains one of the best-known lodging options on the lake, offering cabins and a restaurant on the water. Elkins Resort, near Nordman, is generally cited as the oldest resort on the lake, dating to 1932, and similarly offers waterfront cabins in a quiet, forested setting.

Blue Diamond Marina, at Cavanaugh Bay, functions as a marina and resort combination serving boaters on the lake's eastern side, while Cavanaugh Bay Resort nearby is known for being accessible by boat or floatplane in addition to road, with a restaurant and marina that cater to visitors arriving directly across the water. Collectively, these properties define the lodging options at Priest Lake far more than any large chain hotel, and travelers should expect a cabin-and-marina style of accommodation rather than a conventional resort hotel.

Fishing, huckleberries & hiking

Priest Lake has a strong reputation among anglers for mackinaw, also known as lake trout, a cold-water species that thrives in the lake's deep, clear water; a former United States record lake trout was caught at Priest Lake in 1971, and the lake is still regarded as one of the better mackinaw fisheries in the country. Kokanee and cutthroat trout round out the lake's principal sport fisheries, and anglers should check current Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations, since rules and seasons can change.

Wild huckleberries are one of the region's signature summer attractions, typically ripening from roughly July into August in the forests around the lake; picking wild huckleberries along area trails and roadsides is a popular, low-cost activity, though pickers should be mindful of bears, which are also drawn to the same berries. On land, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars, a stand of old-growth western red cedar accessible by a short interpretive trail, and Granite Falls, a hike to a waterfall in the surrounding forest, are among the better-known day-hike destinations. Longer hikes climb into the Selkirk Mountains toward viewpoints looking out at Chimney Rock, a distinctive granite spire that is a landmark for hikers and climbers in the range. The Priest Lake Golf Course provides an on-land recreation option for visitors staying at lakeside resorts.

Boating and paddling on the main lake itself remain popular alongside these land-based activities. Priest Lake's clear water and generally quieter boat traffic, compared with lakes closer to Idaho's larger cities, make it a favorite for sailing, canoeing, and kayaking as well as motorized boating, and several public and resort boat launches around the lake give access to both the open water and the many smaller bays along its shoreline.

Winter at Priest Lake

Winter is a major draw at Priest Lake in its own right, not simply an off-season lull. The area maintains an extensive network of groomed snowmobile trails, generally described as running into the hundreds of miles when connected to the broader regional trail system, drawing snowmobilers from across the Inland Northwest. Cross-country skiing is also popular on groomed and backcountry routes around the lake, and the same forested terrain that makes for good summer hiking becomes quiet, snow-covered ski touring country in winter.

Because Priest Lake lacks a downhill ski resort of its own, winter visitors are generally there specifically for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or simply the solitude of a frozen, snow-covered lake, rather than lift-served skiing; travelers wanting downhill skiing typically combine a Priest Lake stay with a trip to Schweitzer Mountain Resort or Silver Mountain Resort elsewhere in the Panhandle.

Getting there & when to go

Priest Lake is roughly two hours by car from Spokane, Washington, the nearest major airport, via a drive that passes through smaller Panhandle towns before reaching the lake's more remote setting. There is no direct highway hugging the entire shoreline the way there is at Lake Coeur d'Alene, and much of the lake's character comes precisely from that relative inaccessibility.

Summer, particularly July and August, is the most popular season, coinciding with warm swimming weather, the huckleberry harvest, and the best paddling conditions on the Thorofare. Winter draws a distinct crowd centered on snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Spring and fall are quieter shoulder seasons with fewer services open, since a number of the lake's small resorts and restaurants operate on a seasonal schedule; travelers planning a visit outside peak summer or winter should confirm which resorts and businesses are open before making the drive.

For travelers weighing Priest Lake against Idaho's other major lakes, the comparison generally comes down to development and pace. Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille both offer larger towns, more dining and lodging choices, and easier road access, while Priest Lake trades those conveniences for clearer water, quieter shorelines, and closer access to genuinely roadless backcountry at Upper Priest Lake. That tradeoff makes it especially well suited to travelers whose priority is fishing, paddling, and forest scenery over restaurants and nightlife.

Frequently Asked Questions