Priest Lake State Park
Three widely separated park units open onto a large northern lake framed by cedar-hemlock forest, beaches, wetlands, snow, and the Selkirk skyline.
Artwork inspired by Romey Stuckart
Priest Lake State Park is not a single entrance. Indian Creek is the principal developed unit, Lionhead reaches the north end, and Dickensheet serves the river; choosing the wrong name can add a long drive. Decide whether you want beach, paddling, camping, hiking, or winter travel before routing.
Cold water, sudden wind, wildfire, bears, and limited shoulder-season services make this a mountain lake rather than a resort backdrop. Clean, drain, and dry boats, use food storage, and check whether the road to your unit is paved and open. Upper Priest Lake requires a separate access plan.
- Units
- Three separated areas
- Landscape
- Selkirk lake and forest
- Allow
- Half day to several days
Quick guide
- Choose first
- The correct park unit
- Check
- Cold water, wind, and road status
Read Priest Lake State Park as a connected landscape
- Opening question
- Begin with indian Creek, Lionhead, or Dickensheet unit.
- Choose first
- Set beside it judge temperature, wind, and boat safety before launch.
- System at work
- Read clean watercraft and secure all food.
- Conditions check
- Do not confuse Priest Lake with Upper Priest Lake access
Good to know
Save the exact unit offline and confirm fuel, food, fire, and road conditions before leaving town. Lake water stays cold even on hot days, and north-end roads or facilities can be much more limited than Indian Creek.
Notice these
- Three separated areas
- Selkirk lake and forest
- Judge temperature, wind, and boat safety before launch.