5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shore

August 19, 2021

Biking, Camping, Destinations, Get Out There, Hiking, Lifestyle, Travel, Watersports

While visiting or camping in a national forest on the west side of Priest Lake, there are many activities and destinations that are accessible by foot, boat, or bike.

1. Visit Upper Priest Lake.

Paddle the 3.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, accessible at the north end of Priest Lake. For the shortest paddle, start from Beaver Creek Day-Use Area. Or hike to Upper Priest via Navigation Trail. You can camp overnight at a rustic national forest campground.

A lake reflecting the sunset with mountains in the background. — Picturesque Upper Priest Lake. // Photo by Blair Libby

2. Earn your meal, drinks, or treats.

From Luby Bay Campground, you can paddle the shoreline or bike or hike the Beach Trail south to Hill’s Resort. Or start paddling or biking from Outlet Bay Campground and head north to Hill’s. You can also boat from anywhere along the lake and park at the resort docks for a day-use visit.

Known for their creative, family-friendly foods, dine on their deck to enjoy huckleberry delights. During the morning, you can order huckleberry pancakes—just one of many options from the breakfast menu. For summer 2021, Hill’s also has new casual dining and George’s Dining Room dinner menus. You can also get a milkshake, lemonade, or even margarita made with local wild huckleberries.

Scenic view of Priest Lake at Hill's Resort, with the resort docks and flat water. — View of the lake from Hill’s Resort, along the western shore of Priest Lake. // Photo courtesy of Teri Hill.

3. Golf on the lake.

Hill’s Resort also owns the 18-hole Priest Lake Golf Course, located only minutes away. You arrive by boat to the resort docks and drive a reserved “street legal” golf cart to the course. Rent or bring your own clubs.

4. Explore local history.

The Priest Lake Museum is also nearby. Learn the local cultural and natural history, and view the featured exhibit, “Fool’s Gold: Mining at Priest Lake,” which includes an outdoor exhibit area along a short path to view large artifacts. Free admission; more details at priestlakemuseum.org.

5. Paddle to an Island.

For those with advanced canoeing or kayaking skills, you can depart from the Kalispell Boat Launch (at Kalispel Bay) and paddle to Kalispel Island—the largest among seven islands. Head to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest day-use beach or stay at one of the 52 campsites located around Kalispel Island.

Bartoo Island is also within paddling distance from Priest’s western shore. Located closer to Luby Bay, it has a day-use area and 25 camp sites.

Find more information at fs.usda.gov. Reserve a campsite or take your chances with a handful of first-come sites on each island.

Mom and young son sitting in their blue kayaks on Priest Lake. — Amy and her son at Priest Lake’s Beaver Creek Day-Use Area, at the northwest end of Priest Lake. // Photo: Judd McCaffree

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

Beaver Creek Campground golf Hills Resort Kalispel Bay Kalispel Island kayaking Lake Guide Lake Guide 2021 Luby Bay Campground Outlet Bay Campground paddling priest lake Upper Priest Lake

Amy McCaffree

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree is digital editor and the "Out There Kids" columnist, and has been an OTO contributor since 2006. She grew up near Seattle and the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and has lived in Spokane since 2003. She enjoys camping, biking, hiking, swimming, paddling, and alpine skiing with her husband and their two children. She has a MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. Her writing has appeared in various other regional publications, including poetry anthologies, "Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living" and "Spokane Business Catalyst" magazines, and the now defunct "Northwest Runner" magazine. Connect with Amy