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Access Site ID

Priest River Recreation Area

Pend Oreille River Priest River

Source: idaho_parks_and_recreation Updated 1 year ago

City: Priest River, ID
County: Bonner County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 48.17603912, -116.87967121
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Live webcam view
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Pend Oreille River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Priest River Recreation Area is located 1 mile east of the town of Priest River on Highway 2 (also known locally as "the Mudhole"). The facility sits on the banks of Priest River just upstream from where it meets the Pend Oreille River. A concrete boat ramp provides direct access to the water, making it convenient for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats.

**Facilities & Setting:** This is a full-service recreation area with camping, picnic facilities, a swim beach, playground, and a day-use area. The scenic location is shaded by firs, cedars, and pines along the river corridor. Paddlers can expect calm water conditions in this section of the Pend Oreille River, which stretches 65 miles through a glacial-carved valley. A designated swimming area marked by water buoys is nearby, and a dock is accessible from the camping area. The adjacent Priest River Wildlife Area offers excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

**Contact:** For reservations, campground information, or specific questions about current conditions, call 208-437-3133. Water activities including kayaking, fishing, and swimming are popular at this site.
Federal Facility Information
208-437-3133 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Priest River Campground is situated on the banks of Priest River, shaded by firs, cedars and pines, just upstream from the confluence of the Pend Oreille River. Recreation
Water activities are popular at the campground including kayaking, fishing and swimming. The day-use area includes a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp and a large grassy area for family...

Overview
Priest River Campground is situated on the banks of Priest River, shaded by firs, cedars and pines, just upstream from the confluence of the Pend Oreille River. Recreation
Water activities are popular at the campground including kayaking, fishing and swimming. The day-use area includes a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp and a large grassy area for family fun .

Adjacent to the campground is the Priest River Wildlife area, offering excellent fishing as well as birding. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagles, osprey, a wide variety of birds, and deer. Facilities
Priest River Campground offers 20 campsites with amenities such as flush toilets and hot showers. 
Natural Features
Albeni Falls Dam was built in 1955 for flood control and power production on the Pend Oreille River. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreational activities.

Lake Pend Oreille is surrounded by scenic mountains and is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States, plunging to depths of more than 1,200 ft. in some areas.
Behind the dam, the Pend Oreille River stretches 65 miles through a glacial-carved valley that separates three mountain ranges.

Nearby Attractions
The Albeni Falls Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area. Tours of the dam are given daily during the summer.

The nearby town of Priest River, Idaho, offers gas and grocery services.

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