Priest Lake - Travel to Idaho's Crown Jewel
Imagine this…it’s a sunny summer day, you’ve taken the boat onto the lake, and every direction you look is surrounded by towering mountains. That is Priest Lake, Idaho. There is a reason, this destination is known as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel”.
Priest Lake is located at the top of Idaho’s panhandle, and this 19-mile long lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. This region is full of hiking and biking trails and water activities in the summertime, and miles of trails to snowshoe, ski, and snowmobile in the winter. There are also 7 small islands located throughout the lake for day-use and some even offer overnight camping.
We took out a pontoon boat from Blue Diamond Marina and Resort and roamed around the lake for a couple of hours. Every direction reminded me of a breathtaking painting! As someone who grew up in Michigan spending weekends on the lake, there’s nothing more relaxing than a day on a boat. We saw all sorts of boaters on the lake from people rushing by on speed boats, to the quiet fishermen, to the people paddling on stand up paddle boards, this lake has something for every speed.
As the sun began to set, we headed up to Sundance Lookout to take in views of the lake from above. The gravel road winding up is not for the faint of heart and can get pretty bumpy. I recommend a high clearance vehicle for the easiest navigation. Sundance Mountain sits at 6,298’ and is the best spot to get a 360 degree view of the region.
In the summer of 1967, Sundance Mountain was struck by lightning leading to a devastating wildfire. 56,000 acres were burned and two firefighters lost their lives. Today, there is a memorial site located on top of the mountain near the lookout. Also on the summit, is the fire tower lookout that was built back in 1935 and we had the pleasure of meeting the local fire lookout and getting to check out the view from his tower.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend on the lake, renting a cabin for your family and friends, or seeking high adrenaline outdoor adventure, Priest Lake offers it all. Check out the video of our adventure below, and turn that imaginary scene into your own reality! To learn more click here.
*THIS BLOG AND VIDEO WERE SPONSORED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM IDAHO TOURISM.