Trail 48
Priest Lake's Beach Trail
This trail runs from its southern trailhead at Outlet Bay Campground to its northern trailhead at the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. It's about 9 miles from the southern trailhead to the northern trailhead. This is an easy hiking trail that proceeds along level terrain. For the most part, the trail follwos the lakeshore; however, in a few places the trail leaves the lake front and follows along an old logging road that passes by the Priest Lake Museum and Hill's Resort.
The trail passes over land leased to private parties by the federal government. Many beautiful homes have been built on the leased land. The trail provides the hiker with views of the private residences and their boat docks on the west shore of Priest Lake as well as views of the lake itself.
To reach the southern trailhead, proceed north out of Priest River on Highway 57. After travelling some twenty-two miles on the highway, you will arrive at the Priest Lake Welcome and Information Center. The Center is not staffed, but is does have a vault toilet, an information kiosk, and picnic sites. Shortly after passing the Information Center, you will come to the turnoff to Coolin. Don't turn. Proceed in the direction of Nordman, Idaho. About 2 miles past the Coolin turnoff, you will come to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right onto Outlet Bay Road and follow the signs to the Outlet Bay Campground. The trailhead is inside the campground adjacent to campsite #32)

To reach the northern trailhead at the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, proceed as described in the previous paragraph, but don't turn onto Outley Bay Road. Instead, continue on Highway 57 to Luby Bay Road. Turn right onto Luby Bay Road and follow it to the T-intersection with the old logging road. Turn left onto the old logging road (i.e., follow the signs to the Priest Lake Museum and Luby Bay Campground). Continue on past the museum and the campground until you reach the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch.

Alternatively, you can reach the northern trailhead by proceeding north on Highway 57, past Luby Bay Road, to Kalispell Bay Road. (Note: If you pass the Priest Lake Airport and the Priest Lake Ranger Station, you went to far.) Turn right onto Kalispell Bay Road. Follow the road until you come to the Y-intersection. Bear right at the "Y" and follow the road past the Priest Lake Marina to the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch.
View of Priest Lake from the Beach Trail
View of Papoose Island in Priest Lake from the Beach Trail as it passes by the Pier on the Hill's Resort Property
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