This site features a boat ramp and toilets and provides access to fishing and boating on Medicine and Cave Lakes. There is an additional boat launch on Medimont Road 1/2 mile further west.
23 miles east of Coeur d’Alene on I-90, take exit 34 (Rose Lake), drive 11 miles on State Hwy 3, turn west and drive 1 mile to boating area.
Latitude 47° 28′ 24.3588″ N
Longitude 116° 35′ 17.3040″ W
Recreation opportunities in the Coeur d’Alene River area (Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are as diverse as the landscape. From camping on beautiful Hayden and Coeur d’Alene Lakes to wandering by foot, horse, mountain bike, motorcycle, ATV, or snowmobile through backcountry areas on our hundreds of miles of trails, we offer something for everyone. Our rental cabins, Little Guard Lookout perched high on a mountain peak with unlimited vistas and historic Magee Ranger Station nestled beside a stream, allow you to experience rustic Forest Service living at its best.
Latitude 47° 40′ 31.5984″ N
Longitude 116° 23′ 46.7232″ W
Smith Lake Campground features 7 camp units, potable water, vault toilets, a boat ramp, and a day use area with 3 picnic units.
Travel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry, Idaho to its’ junction with US 2. Continue north on US 95 for 2.2 miles then turn east on the Smith Lake Road (County Road #36) for 2.3 miles to the lake and campground.
Latitude 48° 46′ 43.6080″ N
Longitude 116° 15′ 50.4000″ W
The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north.
Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 – 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge.
There are many spectacular lakes, both low elevation lakes with easy access and high elevation, subalpine lakes, accessed only by trail or ‘bushwhacking’.
National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Emphasis tends to be placed on backcountry, non-developed, semi-primitive recreation, yet urban activities such as auto touring, white water rafting, and car camping are common as well.
More than 360 miles of summer use trail are open and usable on the District. Approximately 60 miles of that are open to motorized use; the remainder is suitable for stock use, hiking, and camping. Miles of gated road offer additional routes for mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.
Dispersed car camping is common throughout the District. Four campgrounds provide developed recreation opportunities in addition to several picnic and camping areas and interpretive sites.
The District provides two lookouts and one cabin for rental to the public. Cold water and ice fishing are popular as are white water rafting, canoeing, and swimming. Berry and mushroom picking and Christmas tree cutting are seasonally popular.
Winter provides thousands of acres for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Groomed routes vary from year to year.
Latitude 48° 47′ 4.9416″ N
Longitude 116° 22′ 59.1816″ W
The Kalispel, Kutenai and other native peoples were the first inhabitants of this area. They lived along the waterways and utilized the area’s abundant natural resources for survival. The Pend Oreille Lake area is famous for having recreational activities for every season. Some of our Forest opportunities range from, camping, fishing, hunting, berry picking, trail hikes, nature walks, horseback riding, bike riding, ATV/OHV trails, skiing.
Latitude 48° 12′ 25.0812″ N
Longitude 116° 30′ 42.5772″ W
Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designated this same lake as Kaniksu Lake on one of his maps. It is believed that “Kaniksu” was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. The name was gradually changed in the early 1900’s from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, which refers to the early-day Jesuit missionary priests who had established a base camp at Kalispell Bay in the 1840’s. The lake is one of three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, and a very popular recreation attraction. The world’s largest Makinaw trout was caught here in 1963. Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee are also caught in the lake. It is now illegal to fish for Dolly Varden and they are to be returned to the lake when caught.
Upper Priest Lake is part of the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. There were five small parcels of private land totaling about 420 acres on Upper Priest Lake. The Forest Service purchased these tracts in 1967 with the assistance of Nature Conservancy. The entire shoreline of Upper Priest Lake is now in either the State of Idaho or Federal ownership, and is administered as a scenic area.
Upper Priest River, which flows into Upper Priest Lake, is one of the rivers to be studied for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system along with the lower Priest River which was famous in the early days as a log-drive stream. The first recorded drive was in 1901 and the last in 1949. The greatest drive took place in 1931 when 50,000 cedar poles and 125,000,000 board feet or logs were herded down the river by the “river pigs”.
Latitude 48° 34′ 45.5088″ N
Longitude 116° 54′ 43.7364″ W
Berlin Flats Group Area is located along Shoshone Creek, near the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River. This area provides a perfect escape for a warm summer weekend. Here, visitors can tent camp or pull out their RVs and trailers. The nearby river provides ample fishing and river floating opportunities.
Catch-and-release cutthroat trout fishing is also popular on Shoshone Creek, and the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River. Rafting, swimming and kayaking are favorite activities on the water.
Berlin Flats Group Area was formed from 9 single family sites. The group area can accommodate up to 75 people. Amenities include drinking water and vault toilets within 10 miles.
The campground sits among lodgepole and other mixed pines along the river at an elevation of 2,600 feet. The area is located among peaks of the Cascades, about 70 miles from the popular Coeur d’Alene Lake. Wildlife watchers and photographers have the chance to see mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.
From Coeur d’Alene, the route is 28 miles east on Interstate 90, then 26 miles north (Kingston exit) on paved Forest Road #9, then 5 miles north from Prichard on paved Forest Road #208, then 9 miles north on Forest Road #412 (paved except 2 miles).
Latitude 47° 45′ 59.0000″ N
Longitude 116° 1′ 0.0001″ W
Outlet campground is located on the southwest shore of Priest Lake at the headwaters of Priest River. Campers come to Outlet for sunshine, fishing, boating, kayaking, and the breathtaking views of the rugged Selkird Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and power boating on Priest Lake and up the 3.5 mile thoroughfare that leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake cannot be accessed by car. Fishing, swimming, bird and wildlife viewing are popular activities, as well. Beach Trail #48 runs through Outlet campground and stretches northward along an 8-mile scenic part of Priest Lake. Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts will find authorized trails like the Peewee Trail, Steep Creek Trail, and John Wayne Trail. Hike the Chipmunk Rapids Trail that traverses along the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River, and Chipmunk Rapids.
Outlet campground has three loops, two upper view sections and one lower lake-side section. Roadways and parking spurs are fully paved. There are RV and tent sites (two of which are walk-in tent sites). Campsites vary from very large, capable of parking an RV and a boat trailer, to small, camper size, with lake side and lake view sites. Some of the sites are heavily wooded, while some are found in opened areas.
Campground amenities include swimming beach, water hydrants and accessible flush toilets. Garbage service is available in â??bear proofâ?? cans. A public dump station is located 5-miles south of the campground, at Upper Luby Bay, on Highway 57.
Outlet campground is situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet on Priest Lake. The lake is one of three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, and reaches 300 feet in depth and covers 25,000 acres. The world’s largest Mackinaw trout was caught here in 1963.
Upper Priest Lake is part of the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The entire shoreline of Upper Priest Lake is either the State of Idaho or federal ownership, and is administered as a scenic area.
While visiting Priest Lake, watch for moose, black bear, wolves, deer, elk, and eagles, among others.
Physical Address:
Priest River, ID 83856
From I-90; Turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport, WA. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River. At the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2, turn left. Drive 26 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 mile. Turn left on Lake Shore Road. Proceed 0.5 mile to Outlet Campground on the right.
Latitude 48° 30′ 38.0002″ N
Longitude 116° 54′ 59.0000″ W
Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public.
The lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and provides epic 360 degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Access to the cabin requires a moderately-steep 3 mile hike and availability is dependent on weather conditions.
The Hiawatha Bicycle Trail is considered the “crown jewel” of rail-to-trail mountain biking trails as it zips across seven trestles and through 10 tunnels in the magnificent Bitterroot Mountains. The trail can be accessed just over 10 miles from the lookout.
The lookout offers access to the Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175. All three trails are great for day-hiking, but can also be explored over longer backpacking treks or on horseback.
The cabin fits up to four guests. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs and a wood stove. An
outhouse is located outside the tower.
No water is available so guests must bring their own or boil and treat stream water. Propane canisters are not included; a stock of 16.4 ounce canisters are required to use cooking and lighting equipment. Other items to pack include bedding, food, binoculars, a first aid kit, flashlights, towels, toilet paper, and dish soap.
The Arid Peak Lookout is located within the St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, an area that includes most of what was originally established as the St. Joe National Forest.
The area is known for its blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams, Wild and Scenic Rivers and extensive roadless and primitive areas. The St. Joe Rover area is also nationally recognized for its elk herds.
The 20 foot tower sits at an elevation of 5,306 feet and overlooks the beautiful Loop Creek area and the scenic Hiawatha Bicycle Trail. The mixed conifer forest around the facility includes Douglas fir and spruce. Wildlife sightings of elk, deer, black bears, moose and bald eagles are common.
This is bear country; Visitors are advised to be aware of and practice bear safety.
The town of Avery has the nearest conveniences.
From Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river. You will then be on Road #1997, which is a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175.
A turn-around is just past the trailhead before the gate. Do not block the turnaround or the gate. Park in the wide spot by the trailhead. Hike up Trail #175 for 1.5 miles to the junction with Trail #173. Turn right and hike 1.5 miles on Trail #173 to Arid Peak.
Latitude 47° 21′ 32.0000″ N
Longitude 115° 45′ 55.0001″ W
The Magee Ranger’s Cabin is a fully furnished 2-story cabin in the center of the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District. Guests can imagine themselves as forest rangers when sleeping in the old ranger’s quarters, and enjoying the superb views and convenient access to prime recreation trails.
The Magee Cabin was constructed in 1922 as living quarters for the Magee District Ranger. The cabin along with several buildings at the site are on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings may occasionally be occupied as temporary housing for Forest Service employees working in the vicinity.
Nearby trails include the Independence Creek Trail System, with 34 miles of trails suitable for hiking, motorcycle riding, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Teepee Creek is a tributary of Idaho’s South Fork Salmon River and is open to fly fishing with popular catches including cutthroat trout and brook trout.
The log cabin has a front porch and is located near a public picnic area. It sleeps six guests, with a full-size bed downstairs and four single beds upstairs. Amenities include drinking water, propane stove, refrigerator and heater. Two portable propane lanterns are available, but guests should bring their own propane.
Items to bring include propane for lanterns, bedding, flashlights, food, a first aid kit, matches, insect repellent, towels, dish soap, dish towels and washcloths. Visitors should also bring a splitting maul, axe or bow saw for collecting firewood, plus charcoal and lighter fluid to start campfires.
There is a shower and toilet available in the warehouse that is approximately 200 ft. from the rental. A detailed walking map is available in the cabin.
Magee sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet along the Teepee Creek in the heart of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains.
The nearest telephone is about 25 miles away and the nearest grocery store is about 32 miles away in Prichard, ID.
Access #1: From I-90, take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 miles north on Forest Highway 9 (two lane paved highway) to the
Prichard Junction. Continue on Forest Road 208 for 28 miles to the end of the pavement and the start of Forest Road 6310
(a gravel road with rocks and potholes). Travel 7 miles on road 6310 to the Magee Ranger’s Cabin. The approximate travel time from Coeur d’Alene on this route is 2 hours.
Access #2: From the Ranger Station in Coeur d’Alene, drive east on County Road #268 (Fernan Lakeshore road) for 5 miles; this road enters the Cd’Alene National Forest and climbs up into the mountains on Forest Road #268. Forest Road #268 is a paved two lane road that you will follow for 7 miles to Fernan Saddle. Continue on paved road which is Forest Road #612 (paved then graveled good quality two lane) and follow it 11 miles to Forest Road #209 past Honeysuckle Campground. Cross bridge and turn right (south) on Road #209 for 5 miles to its junction with Forest Road #422. Turn left (north) and travel 14 miles on Road #422 toward Magee. Road 422 is a fair quality graveled road that is mostly two lanes but in places narrows to 1-1/2 lanes with turnouts; use caution and go slow. The road is suitable for automobiles. Turn right at Forest Road #6310, Magee Cabin will be on your left. Travel time from Coeur d’Alene is around 1-3/4 hours.
Latitude 47° 50′ 39.9998″ N
Longitude 116° 15′ 7.9999″ W