Stay on Hwy 2 until you reach [6] Priest River, a historic logging town. Priest River is nestled in the Selkirk Mountain Range & bordered by the Priest River on the east and the Pend Oreille River on the south. Glance up at the dates on the buildings to get a feel for the town’s heritage. For a great place to stop for a rest don’t let the name Mudhole mislead you.This full-service recreation area located at the intersection of the Pend Oreille and Priest Rivers includes a boat launch, swimming, picnic area, and RV/ campground facilities. It’s just one of many beautiful scenic spots in and around Priest River. Following Hwy 57 north from Priest River leads you to [7] Priest Lake. Lined with sandy beaches, surrounded by national and state forests, watched over by the majestic Selkirk Mountains, lies a 23,000 acre lake (72 miles of shoreline) surrounded by 523,000 acres of forested public lands. Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designatedthissamelakeasKaniksuLakeononeofhismaps.Itisbelieved that "Kaniksu" was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. The name was gradually changed in the early 1900's from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, which refers to the early-day Jesuit missionary priests who had established a base camp at Kalispell Bay in the 1840's. To say fish thrive in Priest Lake would be an understatement. Trophy fishing includes Mackinaw trout, Dolly Vardens, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout. This area provides year-round recreational opportunities including over 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails for winter enjoyment. In the summer, take a swing at Priest Lake Golf Course. A number of lakeside resorts and campgrounds make this an ideal place to relax. For a peek at local life in the early 1900’s, visitVinter Nelson Cabin, an original homestead & museum on Eightmile Island (via boat only). Upper Priest Lake, designated as a Scenic Area in 1986, is managed as a roadless area and offers a unique opportunity for a serene wilderness boating and boat camping experience. The entire shoreline is owned by either the State of Idaho or the US Forest Service. Hiking enthusiasts will surely want to explore Tillicum Creek Path. North of the lake, (13 miles north of Nordman on Forest Road 302) at Roosevelt Grove don’t miss the grandeur of ancient cedar trees (ranging from 800 to 2,000 years old). One cedar tree even has an eclectic collection of shoes. There is also a path leading to Granite Falls, one of Idaho’s most spectacular water falls. For another peek at life in the past, The Old Hagar Cabin (once a tool shed on the Hager Property at Bismark Meadows) has been relocated to the Buena Vista Studio and Gallery at Nordman, operated by Tom and Arlina Holman.There are many artifacts around the cabin illustrating what was in use back in the 1800's Visible from Priest Lake is Chimney Rock, amassofgranitejuttingupwards,carvedout by converging glaciers. It requires technical expertisetoclimbandrappellingknowledge to descend. So unless you are a skilled mountaineer,don’tattemptthisclimbexcept with your eyes, seeking out and admiring those who know what they are doing. Returning south on Highway 57, near Priest River, the Albeni Falls Dam offers guided tours and a visitor center. Traveling west on Hwy 2, visit the twin towns of [8] Oldtown,Idaho,andNewport,Washington. The Washington & Idaho state borders run directly down the middle of Hwy 41, just south of these two communities. Driving south on Hwy 41 you’ll see Blanchard, home to StoneRidge, a fabulous 650-acre family community, where the lakes blend with the forests.Year-round recreation abounds including horseback riding, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Continue to [9] Spirit Lake. One of only two lakes in the world with a sealed bottom, Spirit Lake attracts boaters and fishing enthusiasts in the summer and ice fishing in thewinter.Thetownstartedasabusylumber town in the early 1900’s and today is a quiet, friendly town with many of the downtown buildings listed on the Historical Register. StopoffattheWhiteHorseSaloon,theoldest continuously operating saloon in Idaho. 10 Majestic North Idaho | www.northidaho.org Priest River & Priest Lake North Lakes LOCAL FACTS... •Priest Lake: Max. width 4.4 mi (7.1 km) • Max. length 19 mi (31 km) • 369 ft. deep • The Northern end of the lake is within 15 miles (24 km) of the Canadian border. •Upper Priest is connected by a 2.5 mile thoroughfare to lower Priest