1. Visit Upper Priest Lake.

Paddle the 3.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, accessible at the north end of Priest Lake. For the shortest paddle, start from Beaver Creek Day-Use Area. Or hike to Upper Priest via Navigation Trail. You can camp overnight at a rustic national forest campground.

2. Earn your meal, drinks, or treats.

From Luby Bay Campground, you can paddle the shoreline or bike or hike the Beach Trail south to Hill’s Resort. Or start paddling or biking from Outlet Bay Campground and head north to Hill’s. You can also boat from anywhere along the lake and park at the resort docks for a day-use visit.

Known for their creative, family-friendly foods, dine on their deck to enjoy huckleberry delights. During the morning, you can order huckleberry pancakes—just one of many options from the breakfast menu. For summer 2021, Hill’s also has new casual dining and George’s Dining Room dinner menus. You can also get a milkshake, lemonade, or even margarita made with local wild huckleberries.

3. Golf on the lake.

Hill’s Resort also owns the 18-hole Priest Lake Golf Course, located only minutes away. You arrive by boat to the resort docks and drive a reserved “street legal” golf cart to the course. Rent or bring your own clubs.

4. Explore local history.

The Priest Lake Museum is also nearby. Learn the local cultural and natural history, and view the featured exhibit, “Fool’s Gold: Mining at Priest Lake,” which includes an outdoor exhibit area along a short path to view large artifacts. Free admission; more details at priestlakemuseum.org.

5. Paddle to an Island.

For those with advanced canoeing or kayaking skills, you can depart from the Kalispell Boat Launch (at Kalispel Bay) and paddle to Kalispel Island—the largest among seven islands. Head to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest day-use beach or stay at one of the 52 campsites located around Kalispel Island.

Bartoo Island is also within paddling distance from Priest’s western shore. Located closer to Luby Bay, it has a day-use area and 25 camp sites.

Find more information at fs.usda.gov. Reserve a campsite or take your chances with a handful of first-come sites on each island.

For more stories about Priest Lake, visit the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

The post 5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shore appeared first on Out There Venture.

From boating, paddling, and adventurous watersports to serene recreation, family activities, and ways to chill and relax, OTO writers share their ideas.

Here are 31 ways to enjoy, explore, & find summer fun at Inland Northwest lakes.

Click link to read the corresponding story.

1. Do yoga on a paddleboard
2. Go bikepack fishing
3. Ride the Columbia Plateau Trail to a channeled scabland lake
4. Open Water Lake Swimming
5. Boat-in Happy Hour on Lake Coeur d’Alene at Harrison
6. Meet the Pirate of Sandpoint’s City Beach & take a ride on a pirate ship
7. Visit Priest Lake
8. Wildlife Spotting
9. Lake Kayaking with Kids
10. Wing foiling
11. Surfing at Lake Chelan
12. Visit Lake Pend Oreille
13. Boat-in camping *
14. Hang out on a beach
15. Explore local history *
16. Take an e-bike tour of Lake Chelan **
17. Paddleboard tour around Lake Chelan **
18. Hike or bike for views **
19. Paraglide above and over Lake Chelan **
20. Take a wine-tasting tour **
21. Go mountain biking on a lakeside trail *
22. Hike along a lake shore *
23. Paddle or hike to Upper Priest Lake *
24. Go Fishing ^
25. Find a Campsite ^
26. Rent Lake Toys ^
27. Go sailing and ride the wind ^
28. Take a Cruise ^
29. Hunt for Treasure ^
30. Watch the Fireworks ^
31. Play on an Island ^ & paddle to get there *

*5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shore

**5 Ways to Experience Lake Chelan

^ 8 Adventures on Lake Pend Oreille

The post 31 Ways to Explore Inland NW Lakes appeared first on Out There Venture.