How to Enjoy the Fall Foliage at Priest Lake

As cooler temperatures start to settle in, leaving you to dream about pumpkin spice lattes and warm sweaters, now is a great time to explore the beautiful fall foliage in Idaho. Each fall season a colorful display can be seen throughout Idaho’s dramatic landscapes, and Preist Lake is no exception. As one of the best places to see the seasonal color of golden larches, Priest Lake puts on a show every fall that you don’t want to miss. While there are many ways to see this beautiful change in season, we have a few activities that you should add to your list. So, grab your camera and see how you can enjoy the fall foliage at Priest Lake.

For lodging on Priest Lake, browse our accommodations at Elkins Resort for the best way to experience the fall foliage at Priest Lake.

Hiking at Priest Lake

The area around Priest Lake offers an abundance of hiking opportunities to explore fall foliage at Priest Lake.

Lakeview Mountain Trail

For panoramic views of Selkirk Crest and Priest Lake head out on the Lakeview Mountain Trail. This 5.3-mile hike provides the ideal blend of an open hillside and meandering through forests of alder, pine, and young cedar trees.

Reeder Bay Trail

This intermediate 4.2-mile hike offers incredible views of Priest Lake while crossing old ski hill. The trail ends at a quiet beach, just south of Elkins Resort. There are a few steep sections on this trail so be sure to dress appropriately.

Continental Creek Trail

As one of the most scenic trails in the area, the Continental Creek Trail guides hikers along steep switchbacks through huckleberries, thimbleberries, and thick ferns. Reaching almost to the Canadian border, the trail also brings with views of Upper Priest Creek Falls. While only 2.3 miles round trip, there are several steep sections that can make this trail difficult for some.

Kayak Priest Lake

Gain a different vantage point for viewing the fall foliage by hopping in a kayak and paddling around Priest Lake. With temperatures cooler but not yet cold, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the calm waters of Priest Lake and the colors of fall surrounding you!

Biking around Priest Lake

If hiking or kayaking isn’t your thing then hit the trails with your bike and peddle your way through the hillside of the Selkirk mountains. Mountain biking is a popular activity at Priest Lake with trails ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging. Start off with a ride around Reeder Bay or if you’re looking to get your heart pounding head up the Upper Preist Navigation Trail. Visit here for more on mountain biking at Priest Lake.

Golfing Priest Lake

Enjoy cooler tee times at Priest Lake Golf Course. Take in the beauty of the autumn leaves that surround you and the cool crisp air that the season brings. The 18-hole golf course offers over 6,500 yards of challenging golf. So, take in the beauty of Priest Lake while taking in an afternoon golf game.

Where to stay at Priest Lake

Nestled along the shores of Priest Lake, Elkins Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the sights and sounds of fall, right from our property. Sit back and relax after a long day of adventures with smores around the campfire or head back to your cabin and cozy up to your fireplace while you reminisce about your day. Our ideal location allows convenient access to all the activities for enjoying the fall foliage at Priest Lake.

Choose from 30 cedar cabins, ranging in size from two bedrooms up to six bedrooms. Each features the comforts of a warming fireplace, modern amenities, and beautiful views of Northern Idaho.

So, browse our lodging on Priest Lake and start planning your fall getaway to Priest Lake today!