Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Priest Lake
Know before you go
State Park & Marina Access
Daily parking fees apply at Indian Creek and Luby Bay beach areas. Popular trailheads like Roosevelt Grove have limited space and can fill by midday during the peak July season.
Remote Wilderness Safety
Cellular service is extremely spotty north of Coolin and non-existent at Upper Priest Lake. Carry a satellite messenger or download offline maps for any backroad navigation.
Priest River Supply Hub
Fill your tank and purchase all groceries in Priest River or Sandpoint before heading north. Fuel is available at select marinas but at a significantly higher premium.
Glassy Morning Water
Paddling is best attempted before 10 AM when the lake is typically at its calmest. Afternoon winds can create significant chop on the main body of the lake, making small craft navigation difficult.
Upper Lake Navigation
Access to the northern wilderness is limited to boat via the Thorofare or long-distance hiking trails. Motorized vessels must adhere to strict no-wake zones to protect the shoreline and nesting wildlife.
Check current conditions:Idaho Department of Fish and Game
2RVs, campervans & cars near GEG
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to GEG
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GEG
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at GEG
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GEG
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GEG
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at GEG
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GEGA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Priest Lake
- 01
The Pristine Thorofare
Suggested: 8 AM from Coolin Marina
The Thorofare
Slowly navigate the two-mile winding channel connecting the main lake to the northern wilderness at a no-wake speed.
Upper Priest Lake
Anchor at a remote sandy beach in this motorized-restricted zone for a day of swimming in remarkably clear water.
Local transfer by boat; allow 4–5 hours for the full excursion.
The Thorofare can be shallow; check current water levels at the marina before departure.
Pick up your vehicle at GEG → - 02
Ancient Groves and Waterfalls
Suggested: 9 AM from Nordman
Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars
Walk among 800-year-old giant cedars on a shaded trail leading to the Lower Elkins Creek Falls.
Lakeshore Trail
Hike the western edge of the lake through towering hemlocks, offering frequent glimpses of the Selkirk Mountains.
Allow 1 hour for northern forest access; conditions vary.
Bear spray is recommended for all hikes in the northern panhandle; practice proper food storage.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Selkirk Vistas and Local Heritage
Suggested: 10 AM from Luby Bay
Priest Lake Museum
Visit this 1930s log cabin to learn about the region's logging history and indigenous heritage.
Mount Roothaan Trail
For experienced hikers, this trail offers a vantage point of the iconic Chimney Rock granite spire.
Allow 1.5 hours for trailhead access; conditions vary.
The road to Mount Roothaan is rugged; check local forest service conditions for passability.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Wilderness Permit and Waterway Check
Entry to Priest Lake State Park requires an Idaho State Parks passport or daily fee. Boat rentals and popular lakeside campgrounds like Indian Creek or Lionhead require reservations months in advance; verify specific permit requirements for the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area with the Idaho Department of Lands.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
GEGPriest Lake
Spokane International Airport · 2 h 27 min drive
Find flights to GEG
Plan your road trip
From Spokane International Airport
2 h 27 min
about 96 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Priest Lake on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Priest Lake on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Priest Lake
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Priest Lake
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Priest Lake
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Priest Lake
Explore guided activities around Priest Lake. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Priest Lake
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
Town & sightseeing days
11.5L Travel Sling Bag
Keep small day-trip belongings together without a bike-mounted bag.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
