Priest Lake Backcountry
Priest Lake Backcountry is a moderate 80+ miles off-road trail near Priest Lake, ID. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Tow strap & shackles and is best run June - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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Priest Lake sits in Idaho's panhandle surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, a landscape of dense forests, granite peaks, and crystalline water. The backcountry roads winding through the surrounding national forest access remote campgrounds, mountain lookouts, and the upper lake where solitude is nearly guaranteed. Old logging roads provide miles of exploration through forests of cedar, hemlock, and white pine, with frequent encounters with deer, elk, and the occasional moose. The upper lake, separated from the main body by a narrow channel, feels like stepping back a century.
Fun Facts
Priest Lake is so clear you can see 30 feet to the bottom in some areas.
The upper lake, accessible only by boat or rough road, was once a hideout for bootleggers.
Idaho's largest western red cedar tree, over 3,000 years old, grows in the nearby Roosevelt Grove.
The lake was named after Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, a Jesuit missionary.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Priest Lake Backcountry:
- Evans Campground · Evans · 55 mi
- Evans Group Site · Evans · 55 mi
- Marcus Island Campground · Marcus · 56 mi
- North Gorge Campground · Evans · 56 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Priest Lake, ID
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.