Cool off this Summer with these Priest Lake Water Activities
Summer is just around the corner which means fun on the water at Priest Lake. As Idaho’s Crown Jewel, Priest Lake is the hub of all the summer fun in the area. Start your summer off right with these Priest Lake water activities.
About Priest Lake
Priest Lake runs 19 miles long, offering nearly 80 miles of shoreline and plenty of room for all types of water activities. Just imagine spending an early morning canoeing on glassy Priest Lake or water skiing with the summer sunrise. Take a pontoon or runabout boat for a ride through the tranquil Thorofare to upper Priest Lake. Plus, water-skiers and tubers can gain some speed amongst the expansive waters.
There are more than a dozen boat launches located around the lake, one of which is at Elkins Resort. Elkins Resort is conveniently located in the middle of Priest Lake on Reeder Bay. This access site is perfect for all your lake exploring needs!
Priest Lake boat rentals
Most of the Priest Lake water activities require a boat, kayak, or canoe. At Elkins Resort we offer the most complete line of boat rentals, including Cobalt Runabouts, Harris Triple Pontoons, Boston Whaler, Fishing Boats, Stand Up Paddleboards, Canoes and Kayaks. Boat rentals are available to both resort guests and visitors alike. If you already have a boat to enjoy, just ask our front desk about our boat slip rentals.
Priest Lake water activities
Kayaking and canoeing
One of the best locations to kayak or canoe on Priest Lake is at Upper Priest Lake. Accessible only by boat or trail, this section of the lake is connected to the lower lake by the scenic two-mile Thorofare. No-wake rules are in effect here, making the water conditions quite perfect. To help get you started, Elkins Resort offers rentals such as kayaks and paddleboards to get you out on the water.
Boating
Rent a pontoon boat and spend a leisurely day on the water. Or rent a sport boat for a little more speed, great for water skiing, tubing, and wake boarding.
Swimming
From the sandy shores that line the property of Elkins Resort, guests can swim the lake and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Elkins Resort has plenty of beach front to enjoy the view and watch the activity while sunbathing. Start a game of beach volleyball, build sandcastles with the kids, or simply sit back and relax.
Fishing
Elkins Resort is located at Reeder Bay, practically in the center of it all. Priest Lake contains 40 square miles of “lucky fishing spots,” so everyone from the youngest of fishermen to seasoned veterans will find something to catch!
If a calm and lazy fishing day is part of your ideal vacation, Priest Lake is an excellent destination for those who just want to cast a line and breathe in the mountain air. For the more serious angler looking for that “Trophy Trout” of a lifetime, the Mackinaw (lake trout) is the predominant species found in Priest Lake and large fish are commonly hooked.
Stay at Elkins Resort
Enjoy these Priest Lake water activities when you stay at Elkins Resort. Our year-round lodging at Priest Lake offers 30 cedar cabins situated along the lake at Reeder Bay. Whether you want a cabin on the lake or a creek-side cabin, we offer the comfort and tranquility you are looking for, no matter the season. Each accommodation provides a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area, with some equipped with a fireplace and views of the lake.
Book your summer vacation today at Elkins Resort!