Topic
  • Fishing and Hunting, Idaho Wildlife

Leslie Simpson

Priest River, Idaho

We all have our traditions, those special places we love to go back to every single summer. When my family and I moved to North Idaho at the beginning of 2023, I knew the hardest part would be finding our new traditions. Our old lake cabin was suddenly a nine-hour drive away, and it just didn’t make sense anymore when we’re surrounded by so many incredible lakes right here.

One treasure I kept hearing about is Priest Lake, about two hours north of Coeur d’Alene. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Fed by streams coming straight down from the Selkirk Mountains, the water is so exceptionally clear and beautiful.

Exploring Priest Lake, Idaho: Things to Do, See, and Know

Priest River, Idaho

We all have our traditions, those special places we love to go back to every single summer. When my family and I moved to North Idaho at the beginning of 2023, I knew the hardest part would be finding our new traditions. Our old lake cabin was suddenly a nine-hour drive away, and it just didn’t make sense anymore when we’re surrounded by so many incredible lakes right here.

One treasure I kept hearing about is Priest Lake, about two hours north of Coeur d’Alene. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Fed by streams coming straight down from the Selkirk Mountains, the water is so exceptionally clear and beautiful.

Priest Lake has this amazing feeling of untouched wilderness. It feels more wild and remote than some of the other lakes around here, which is a huge part of its charm. People are drawn here for the stunning setting, the warm summer days, and all the recreational activities. You can spend your days kayaking, canoeing, fishing for trout and kokanee, or just relaxing on the shore.

And it’s not just a summer spot! In the winter, the larger resorts cater to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. This area gets a good amount of snow—about 60 inches in the mountains around the lake every year—so it truly is a year-round destination.

Now, as a realtor, I of course have to talk about the homes! The Priest Lake area has everything from rustic, off-grid cabins and cozy lakefront retreats to stunning luxury vacation homes. If you’re considering buying here, it’s important to think about whether you want a seasonal getaway or a year-round residence, as not all homes are set up for those beautiful but sometimes harsh North Idaho winters. There are even some unique properties that are accessible only by boat!

My name is Leslie Simpson, and I’ve been a realtor for over 11 years. I’m using my YouTube channel to document everything I’m learning about this amazing area since my family’s move. If you’re watching this and thinking about making your own move to North Idaho, whether it’s to Priest Lake or anywhere else in this beautiful region, I would absolutely love to help you.

Finding your new treasure and your new traditions starts with the right help. Get in touch with me anytime for help moving to this incredible area. My contact information is in the description below.

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