Priest Lake State Park sits along the shores of one of Idaho’s most stunning alpine lakes in Coolin, Bonner County. Spanning 755 acres, the park is actually split across three distinct units—Indian Creek, Lionhead, and Dickensheet—each offering a different way to experience Priest Lake’s remarkably clear waters and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains.

The lake itself is the main draw. Fed by snowmelt and surrounded by dense evergreen forest, Priest Lake stretches 19 miles long with water so transparent you can see the rocky bottom in the shallows. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing keep visitors busy through the summer months. Anglers come specifically for the lake trout and kokanee salmon, while the connected Thorofare channel leads to Upper Priest Lake—a more remote, backcountry experience accessible only by water or trail.

On land, hiking trails wind through old-growth cedar groves and along the lakeshore. The Lakeshore Trail connecting Indian Creek to Lionhead is a local favorite. Winter transforms the park into a base for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, with groomed trails running through the Priest Lake corridor.

Camping is available across the park’s units, with sites ranging from developed spots with hookups to more rustic options closer to the water. Summer weekends fill fast—reserve well ahead if you’re planning a July or August visit.

The sweet spot for visiting is late June through September, when the lake warms enough for comfortable swimming and the long northern Idaho days stretch past 9 PM. With a 4.7-star rating across 392 reviews, Priest Lake State Park consistently delivers one of the best lake experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Explore Nearby

• International Selkirk Loop — Scenic Byway in Idaho
• Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area — Public Land in Washington
• Colville National Forest — National Forest in Washington
• Pend Oreille Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Idaho
• Idaho Panhandle National Forest — National Forest in Idaho, Montana, Washington