Upper P. River/American Falls
Trail InformationThis is a very scenic trail that can be accessed in two different places. The trail, when accessed at the end of road #1013 winds down switchbacks through an old growth cedar stand to the river bottom, about 2 miles. Huckleberries, thimbleberries, devils club and ferns grow thick along the trail.Once to the river, the trail leads to an area, which is open and flat, this offers an excellent camping spot. The trail then crosses Malcolm Creek, a fork of the Upper Priest River. To view the falls follow the river up stream about 1⁄4 of a mile. A short section of the trail before the falls is steep and lacks tread. This may cause difficulty for some to hike the full distance to the falls. Use caution.Trail #308 can also be accessed about 10 miles from the end of road #1013. This trail follows Upper Priest River about 8 miles up the river to the falls.
Continental Creek #28
Trail InformationThis is one of the most scenic trails on the district. It switchbacks down from Rd. #1013 through an old growth cedar stand to the river bottom. Huckleberries, thimbleberries, devils club and ferns grow thick along the trail.Once to the river, the trail leads to an open flat area which offers an excellent camping spot. The trail then crosses a fork of the Upper Priest River and follows it to the falls near the Canadian Border.A short section of the trail near the falls, which climbs above the river, is steep and lacks tread. This may cause difficulty for some to hike the full distance to the falls. Use caution.Information Provided by U.S.F.S.
Hughes Meadow
Trail InformationHughes Ridge Lookout offers a spectacular view of Upper Priest Lake, Hughes Meadow and the surrounding mountains. The tower is a 45-foot lookout manned for approx. three months during the summer fire season and visitors are welcome. The panoramic views are fantastic and provide a picture perfect setting for a picnic, don’t forget the camera.Hughes Meadow is a large meadow located on the west side of Hughes Ridge. Depending on climatic conditions and beaver activity on the stream that flows through the meadow, it may be extremely marshy throughout the year from spring-fall. Numerous birds and wildlife frequent the meadow. Of particular interest is the cedar grove along the entrance road adjacent to Hughes Meadows. Here, old growth cedars stand majestically, as sentinels to a meadow access corridor. With the exception of snowmobiles recreational vehicles are prohibited on Hughes Meadow. Also, the access road into Hughes Meadow is closed to all vehicles each year from March 15-June 30.
Muskegon Lake
Trail InformationThis is a popular alpine lake with a distinctive emerald color in the mountains on the west side of Priest Lake. Camping and parking is easily accessed off the main road. If you are so inclined, drop a line in the lake and you will likely have a fish on the other end in a blink of an eye. Since this lake is located in Washington, fishing regulations of that state apply.
Navigation Trail #291/Plowboy Mtn Trail #295
Trail InformationThis is an excellent trail that leads to developed campgrounds located at the north end of Upper Priest Lake (Navigation Campground) and the south end of Upper Priest Lake (Plowboy Campground). The trail passes through valley and side hill terrain. Along the trail there is an old homesteaded cabin, beaver ponds, abundant wildlife, riparian areas and scenic views. Trail is approx. 8 miles long.
Granite Falls
Trail InformationThe North Fork Granite Creek winds through stands of towering ancient western red cedar trees. Some of these towering giants date back 1000 to 2000 years. Wildflowers dot the forest floor with shades of pink, yellow, blue or white, with a different display for spring, summer and fall. Species that are commonly encountered include lily of the valley, spring beauty, trilliums, violets, foamflower, and wild ginger. The cool, moist temperatures of this secluded snap shot of history make this site a wonderful place to visit on a hot, dry summer day. There are three trails, two trails are maintained from the trailhead and one is north of the parking area. An easily hiked trail of 365 feet runs along the creek bringing hikers to a viewpoint of the Lower Granite Creek Falls cascading over a sheer rock wall. There is a one-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty that leads up the old road for 200 feet above the trailhead. This longer trail will bring you through a series of switchbacks to views of the Upper Granite Creek Falls and the Lower Granite Creek Falls. Ancient cedars can be viewed in the parking area and through a short loop trail just North of the parking area.
Huff lake
Trail InformationThe Huff Lake Interpretive Site is an example of a valley peatland located in north Idaho. Peatlands are formed when large amounts of organic material or “peat” accumulate in a waterlogged area. The deep layers of peat transform the area into a harsh habitat - wet; acidic, nutrient-poor - but remarkably stable and long lived. Volunteer partners have constructed an informational kiosk, viewing platform, and approximately 90 feet of boardwalk with interpretive signing for visitors to use. Huff Lake is also a popular spot for moose and other forest critters. Come check out this unique setting and the beauty that comes with it. But please enjoy Huff Lake from the deck and trail only as it is very sensitive to disturbance.
Lake Shore Trail #294
Trail InformationThis is a very popular and well-used trail. It traverses the west shoreline for approx 7 1⁄2 miles from just north of Granite Creek to Beaver Creek Campground. It is an easy trail that crosses five streams and has many grand views of the lake and the Selkirk Crest situated on the east side of the lake. There are numerous access points to isolated beaches that make great picnic locations.
Lakeview Mtn Trail #269
Trail InformationThis trail boasts panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the top. As the trail descends down the west side of the mountain, several more panoramic viewpoints will attract your attention. This portion of the trail passes through stands of Douglas fir, pine, young cedar and open hillsides. The total length of the trail is approx 5 1⁄2 miles and it is rated “More Difficult.” The beginning elevation of the trail is 2,640 feet and climbs to approximately 4,070 feet before descending back down to near lake level.
Kalispell/Reeder #365
Trail InformationMany scenic views of the lake are available along this trail that is approx. 4.5 miles long. It crosses an old ski hill on the Southern end, continues through private land for about 1 mile and proceeds north another 3 miles terminating at Elkins Resort on Priest Lake.
Hannah Flat
Trail InformationThe Hanna Flats Cedar Grove includes a very interesting and educational 1/4-mile interpretive nature trail. The trail takes you beneath immense trees that have survived generations of homesteading, logging, firestorms and centuries of nature’s wrath. In addition to the cedars, the grove also contains numerous other trees, shrubs and plants. Eight different species of trees, ten species of shrubs and over a dozen plant species have been identified in the grove. This is a very family friendly trail.
Kalispell Island#49
Trail InformationThis trail is an extremely easy hike that is approx. 2.5 miles around Kalispell Island. The trail runs along the back of campsites, so staying on the trail is important.
Beach Trail #48
Trail InformationThis trail is an easy hike that follows the west shoreline and passes in front of many leased cabins. The 6-mile trail leaves from Outlet Bay Campground, passes through Osprey and Luby Bay Campgrounds, the Priest Lake Museum and Hill’s Resort and terminates at the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The trail crosses the Lakeshore Road # 237 twice just south of Hill’s Resort so use caution when crossing the road.
Bulldog Woodrat Trail
Trail InformationBulldog Point Trail #274This trail is in good condition and receives a high amount of use, especially popular with mountain bikers. Good views to north and northeast of Priest Lake as well as Kalispell, Bartoo, and Papoose Islands. This trail is easily accessible from Hills Resort.Woodrat Trail #235The trail is in good shape and receives high use by both hikers and mountain bikers so be aware of both. With Hills Resort on the north end and Outlet Campground on the south, there is easy access for campers and vacationers. There are vistas along the trail where you can see both Priest Lake and the Selkirk mountains.
