Priest Lake State Park

Day-use locations within state parks are open from 7 am to 10 pm, per Idaho state code 26.01.20 (5). Day-use hours may change based on park manager discretion.

North Idaho Park n’ Ski: For up-to-date grooming and weather conditions in the Priest Lake area, visit: https://priestlake.org/activities/nordic-sports/

DetailsHanna Flats Park N’ Ski: Location33 miles north of Priest River off State Highway 57

DifficultyBeginner – intermediate: Distance5 m/10 km of ski trails; 2.2 m/3.5 km snowshoe trails GroomingYes – traditional kick and glide and snowshoe

DogsYes: AboutNordic ski trails and snowshoe trails at Hanna Flats are relatively gentle in a meadow and forest setting on the west side of Priest Lake. The trail system is well-suited for snowshoers and track skiers. The adjoining airstrip is a great workout for skate skiing. Two short loops are available for skiers and several interlacing loops for snowshoers. The Hanna Grove Nature Trail, located a little more than a mile from the trailhead, is worth checking out to see some old growth cedar trees and read about an old wildfire. Backcountry skiers could climb adjacent mountains above the flats to crank out a few turns. More InformationPriest Lake Nordic Club Facebook Page Priest Lake Ranger District- (208) 443-2512

Hanna Flats Location Map: DetailsPriest Lake Golf Course Park N’ Ski Location28 m N of Priest River on west side of Priest Lake off Hwy 57

DifficultyBeginner – intermediate: Distance9.1 m/14.6 km ski trails; 2.8 m/4.5 km snowshoe trails GroomingYes – set track for traditional kick and glide

DogsAllowed: AboutThe Priest Lake Golf Course has the most extensive groomed Nordic trail system in the vicinity of Priest Lake. During the winter season, the area is blanketed with generous amounts of snow and the golf course is transformed into the Priest Lake Nordic Center. Hill’s Resort serves as the hub for the Golf Course Nordic system and also offers rental equipment. The trail system provides routes along the lakeside and also connects to the Hanna Flats trails to the north. The total of nearly 50 kilometers of groomed trails from beginning to intermediate level provide an ideal setting for family Nordic activities. Trails are groomed on a regular basis, conditions permitting, for traditional kick and glide skiers and skate skiers. The Nordic Park N’ Ski Trail area is open daily. More InformationHill’s Resort (208) 443-2551

DetailsPriest Lake State Park: Location11 m N of Coolin, ID on east side of Priest Lake

DifficultyBeginner – intermediate: Distance5.4 m/8.7 km ski trails; 1.5 m/2.4 km snowshoe trails

SnowshoeingYes: YurtNo but winter one- and two-room cabins are available for $45 per night

DogsYes on ungroomed trails only: AboutPriest Lake State Park’s Indian Creek Unit provides a change of scenery immediately adjacent to the lake. A compact trail loop system circles the park’s visitor center area, and if that’s not enough of a workout, another loop system to the north provides more mileage and more challenging trails. There is a new viewpoint trail that affords nice views of the lake and surrounding mountains on a sunny day. The park’s visitor center and store are open on weekends for fresh coffee or hot chocolate. Snowshoes can also be rented at the vistor’s center. More InformationPriest Lake State Park (208) 443-2200

DetailsChipmunk Rapids: Location22 miles north of Priest River, off State Hwy 57

DifficultyBeginner to more difficult: Distance10.4 miles GroomingOccasional, track set for traditional kick and glide skiers

DogsYes: AboutChipmunk Rapids ski trails are a two-loop system of interconnecting roads. The trail head is near the Priest Lake Visitors Information Center at Dickensheet Junction. The groomed trails are called the Kaniksu Marsh Loop and the River View Loop. There are other ungroomed trails in the area which are sometimes skier track set. These trails are mainly flat and used by novice to advanced cross-country skiers. The trails offer spectacular views of Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River, and the Selkirk Mountains. This area is also frequently used by big game as a winter range area, so try to minimize your disturbance to the winterizing wildlife. More InformationPriest Lake Nordic Club Facebook Page Priest Lake Ranger District- (208) 443-2512

MapsChipmunk Rapids Area Map: Details4th of July Pass LocationFrom Coeur d’Alene, travel East on Hwy I-90, approximately 23 miles, take exit 28 DifficultyBeginner – intermediate with a few expert pitches Distance7.8 miles GroomingYes, 10-foot skating lane with track set for traditional kick and glide

DogsNo: About4th of July Pass is a great place to ski or snowshoe because it starts from a high point afforded by the 4th of July Summit. Three loop trails wind through stately cedar, fir, and pine forests. The snowshoeing trails are almost as extensive as the groomed ski trails. Backcountry skiers can climb nearby mountains to carve turns. More InformationPanhandle Nordic Club Facebook Page Couer d’Alene River Ranger District (208) 664-2318 Maps4th of July Trail Map