Priest River: Rivers, Parks, and History

Priest River is located in northern Idaho at the confluence of the Pend Oreille River and the Priest River. The river landscape shapes the character of the town and makes water an obvious consideration when planning a trip: the local rivers and lakes offer a variety of water sports and other activities. The town also has city parks and opportunities to learn about the community’s history. Depending on your interests, you can consider Priest River a destination for days by the water, nature experiences, or cultural discoveries.

River Landscape and Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park is also located at the confluence of the two rivers. A redesign is planned for the park, including open park areas as well as recreational and riverside trails. Plans also call for accessible access to swimming and boat launching. These points describe the park’s plans; they should not be taken to mean that the facilities have already been completed.

For those interested in water activities, Priest River’s location offers a concrete starting point for deciding on a trip: rivers and lakes are part of the local range of recreational opportunities. Water and recreation go hand in hand, without requiring you to commit to a particular activity. The name Two Rivers Park connects the town’s name with the confluence; its planned open spaces and trails are also part of the park’s future design.

City Parks and Forest Ecosystems

The city parks are suitable for nature-oriented visits and offer playground options for children. The city’s parks department provides park facilities to meet the needs and interests of residents and visitors. This gives families a concrete reason to spend time outdoors, without every visit needing to be the same: children may enjoy the playground options, while the parks also offer opportunities to experience nature.

The Priest River Experimental Forest, located north of Priest River in the surrounding area, offers another perspective on nature. It showcases forest ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountain region. The Priest River Recreation Area is 1 mile east of Priest River on Highway 2.

Local History at the Museum and in the Commercial Core

The Priest River Museum & Timber Education Center focuses on history and activities related to the community. The museum is housed in a yellow-and-white house that Henry Keyser had built in 1895 and that was relocated within the city limits of Priest River. The building and its current use thus connect a specific structure with the history of the town.

The Priest River Commercial Core Historic District is located within Gillingham's Addition in the incorporated city of Priest River, Idaho. It is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A. Its significance lies in its role in the economic development of Bonner County, Idaho, and northern Idaho in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Distinct from this is the Priest River Commercial Core, which contributed to the expansion of tourism and recreation in northern Idaho from 1912 to 1924. Together, these historical aspects give a visit a distinct cultural focus in addition to rivers and parks.

Which Interests Suit Your Stay?

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Priest River, it helps to first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

More places to explore: Sandpoint, Hope, Ponderay, Athol, Coolin, Blanchard and Sagle.

For the broader travel overview: Bonner County.