Priest Lake State Park

About

Priest Lake State Park protects over 755 acres along the eastern shore of Priest Lake in the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho. The park consists of three distinct units: Indian Creek near the southern end, Lionhead at the northern end, and a day-use area. The main body of Priest Lake extends 19 miles north to south, with exceptionally clear water fed by mountain streams from the surrounding Selkirk peaks. A two-mile thoroughfare connects the main lake to remote Upper Priest Lake, accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or boat. The Indian Creek unit serves as the park headquarters and offers 151 campsites, 5 camping cabins, a group camp, visitor center, camp store with groceries and camping supplies, boat launches, and sandy beaches. The Lionhead unit provides a more remote camping experience with mature forest cover and shoreline access. Year-round residents include whitetail deer, black bear, moose, and bald eagles. Summer activities center around boating, fishing for lake trout and kokanee salmon, swimming at three sandy beaches, and hiking. Winter transforms the park into a base for snow sports, with 400 miles of groomed trails nearby for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The Indian Creek unit offers multiple loop trails including the Viewpoint Trail with panoramic lake and mountain views. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. The park also features a junior disc golf course at Indian Creek. Reservations are available through the Idaho State Parks system.

Directions

From Priest River, Idaho, take Highway 57 north for approximately 20 miles to reach the Indian Creek unit at 314 Indian Creek Park Road, Coolin, Idaho.