Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site ID

Indian Creek

Priest Lake

Source: idaho_parks_and_recreation Updated 1 year ago

City: Priest Lake, ID
County: Bonner County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 48.61023490, -116.83097378
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Indian Creek is a primary boat launch facility on Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, located near Beaver Creek Campground. The ramp accommodates both trailer and vehicle parking, with adjacent docking facilities and a swimming beach. This is an excellent access point for kayakers, canoeists, and power boaters exploring Priest Lake's scenic waters, which offer views of the Selkirk Mountains.

From Indian Creek, paddlers can venture north up the scenic 2.5-mile Thoroughfare channel to Upper Priest Lake, a popular route for kayaks and canoes. The area supports a full range of amenities including a campground with 93 sites, restrooms, drinking water, a dump station, fuel, and a general store. Overnight mooring is available for up to 15 boats. The facility is open to both day-use and overnight visitors during summer season.

**Directions:** From Priest River, Idaho, take Highway 57 north to Nordman, then turn right on Reeder Bay Road and continue approximately 12 miles to reach the facility. Additional boat-in campgrounds on nearby Bartoo Island and Kalispell Island provide alternative camping options for multi-day paddling trips.
Federal Facility Information
435-245-6521 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Beaver Creek Campground sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, offering phenomenal views of the Selkirk Mountains across the reflective waters of Priest Lake.Recreation
A local beach is easily accessible, where swimming and boating are available.

Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing or power boating up a 2.5-mile channel called Thoroughfare that leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic...

Overview
Beaver Creek Campground sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, offering phenomenal views of the Selkirk Mountains across the reflective waters of Priest Lake.Recreation
A local beach is easily accessible, where swimming and boating are available.

Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing or power boating up a 2.5-mile channel called Thoroughfare that leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, where birding is a popular activity.

Beaver Creek has two trailheads, one for the 9-mile Navigation Trail that heads north, and one for the 8-mile Lakeshore Trail that heads south. Both trails offer sweeping mountain views and are enjoyed by both hikers and horseback riders.

Anglers find an abundance of trout fishing in Beaver Creek and in Upper and Lower Priest Lake.Facilities
Beaver Creek offers approximately 42 spacious, reservable campsites, including one large group site that can accommodate up to 35 guests. Amenities include drinking water, vault toilets and picnic tables. A boat ramp is just outside the campground entrance for boats 20 feet long or shorter.Natural Features
The campground is situated on the shores of Priest Lake at an elevation of 2,500 feet, shaded by hemlock and cedar.

Priest Lake consists of the main lake, where most water recreation takes place, and the smaller Upper Priest Lake to the north. The two lakes are divided by a narrow channel.
Nearby Attractions
Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are excellent in the Kaniksu Forest Region of Priest Lake.

Read More Read Less
Nearby Campgrounds (2 within 10 miles)
BARTOO ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Nearby Boat Facilities
BARTOO ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND On-site
KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND On-site