Location: Priest Lake
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Rating: More Difficult
Lakeview Mountain Trail #269
This trail begins on the east side of Lakeview Mountain. For the initial 1 ½ mile or so, the trail switchbacks up the steeper east side of the mountain. The first panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains are near the 2 mile mark. As the trail descends down the west side of the mountain, several more panoramic viewpoints will attract your attention. This portion of the trail passes through stands of Douglas fir, pine, young cedar and open hill sides. The total length of the trail is 5 1/2 miles and it is rated “More Difficult.” The beginning elevation of the trail is 2,640 feet and climbs to approximately 4,070 feet before descending back down to near lake level. From the east side the trail is accessed from the Kalispell Reeder trail # 365 about 1 mile south of Elkins Resort. The western trailhead is located just off Highway 57 between milepost 35 and 36 across from Bismark Meadows. This is a multiple use trail to include foot, mountain bike, motorcycles vehicles and horse traffic.
The trail number refers to the numbering system developed by the Priest Lake Ranger District on the west side of the lake.