The best walks and hikes around Priest Lake

Beach Trail #48 offers a delightful, easy hike along the western shore of Priest Lake, winding through a beautiful mixed conifer forest. You'll experience a blend of packed dirt paths and sandy beach sections, all while enjoying continuous views of the lake and the majestic Selkirk Mountains across the water. The trail occasionally climbs slightly above the lake, providing elevated vistas, and features an underbrush of ferns and mosses, creating a serene atmosphere.

This easy 0.9-mile (1.5 km) route with a minimal 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 22 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, scenic outing. While popular in warmer months, you can find more solitude during colder seasons. Parking is accessible at various points along the trail, which conveniently crosses West Lakeshore Road twice.

What makes this trail particularly charming is its unique blend of nature and local character; it passes through several campgrounds, a rustic resort, and numerous cottages. Around the 1.3-mile mark, you can discover interesting interpretive signs that are part of a museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's history and natural environment.

The Woodrat Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through what you can picture as a serene, wooded landscape, perfect for a quick escape into nature. Imagine a well-maintained path winding through trees, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to spot local wildlife. This trail is ideal for those seeking a gentle outdoor experience without demanding terrain, making it a great option for a relaxing walk.

Planning your visit to the Woodrat Trail is straightforward; it's an easy 1.8-mile (2.8 km) hike with 437 feet (133 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 50 minutes. Parking is usually available at the trailhead, but arriving earlier in the day is always a good strategy. This trail is suitable for most seasons, though checking local weather is always recommended, especially if you're considering Woodrat Trail winter hiking.

While specific details about this particular Woodrat Trail are limited, trails with this name often traverse diverse environments, from dense tree cover to more open sections. Keep an eye out for signs of local wildlife, including the dusky-footed woodrat, which builds distinctive stick nests. This trail serves as a wonderful, family-friendly option for a short, refreshing outing in Bonner County.

The Upper Priest Lake Navigation Trail offers a journey through verdant, old-growth hemlock and white pine forests, reminiscent of a coastal rainforest with its abundant ferns and moss. The path itself is mostly wide, flat, and packed dirt, making for a pleasant walk as you approach the pristine shores of Upper Priest Lake. You'll encounter riparian areas and beaver ponds, with views expanding to the majestic Selkirk Crest as you near Navigation Campground.

This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) hike involves 586 feet (179 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 48 minutes. The trail is accessible to a wide range of hikers and even mountain bikers, though some gradual uphill sections exist. Remember that this is grizzly country, so it's wise to carry bear spray and be aware of your surroundings.

One of the most unique aspects of this route is its destination: Upper Priest Lake, which is only reachable by trail or boat. The trail provides access to two developed campgrounds, Plowboy and Navigation, offering basic amenities for those wishing to extend their stay. The entire shoreline of Upper Priest Lake is publicly owned, preserving its wild, backcountry feel.

The Chipmunk Rapids and Kaniksu Marsh Loop offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, guiding you through open pine and fir forests. This 2.8-mile (4.4 km) hike, with a minimal 142 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. You'll traverse a mix of gravel and packed dirt paths, with the star attraction being the Kaniksu Marsh, a beautiful wetland perfect for spotting local wildlife like moose and waterfowl. It's an ideal route for a relaxed stroll with diverse scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trailhead provides an unmanned welcome center with bathrooms and picnic tables. Parking is available right at the start of the trail. This loop is suitable for all seasons; it's a pleasant summer walk and transforms into a popular cross-country skiing route in winter. Always be prepared for changing weather, especially if you're visiting during the colder months.

Designated as National Recreation Trail #192, this route is recognized for its quality and recreational value within the Kaniksu National Forest. The trail's gentle grade, often following old logging roads, makes it incredibly accessible for families and beginners. Beyond the marsh, you'll also catch views of the Priest River, adding another layer of natural beauty to this charming and easy-to-navigate loop.

The Kent Creek via Pacific Northwest Trail offers a brief, easy journey into the kind of pristine wilderness and old-growth forests that define the larger Pacific Northwest Trail. This short segment allows you to experience the natural beauty of the region without committing to a strenuous trek, making it a refreshing escape into nature. You'll find yourself immersed in a quiet, forested environment, a perfect antidote to everyday hustle. It's a great way to sample the PNT's character in a very accessible format.

Planning your visit to this easy 1.6-mile (2.5 km) hike, which takes about 47 minutes to complete with 508 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain, is relatively simple. Access to the trailhead is generally good, but it's always wise to check for current conditions or any seasonal advisories before you go. As with any trail in this region, be mindful that you are in bear country, so practice safe food storage. This route is ideal for a quick morning or afternoon outing.

What makes this particular section notable is its contrast to the overall Pacific Northwest Trail, which is known for its extreme ruggedness and remote, challenging terrain across three major mountain ranges. This Kent Creek segment provides a surprisingly gentle introduction to a trail that typically demands advanced navigation skills and significant endurance. It's a unique opportunity to experience a small piece of this wild, less-traveled National Scenic Trail in an easy, family-friendly manner.