Priest River combines waterfront living and outdoor recreation
Founded in 1889, the waterfront community of Priest River began to grow upon the arrival of the North American Railroad. The early 1900s brought a booming timber industry, which is still celebrated at annual events today. More than a century later, residents value the area’s quiet atmosphere and access to outdoor recreation. Its location along the confluence of the namesake Priest and Pend Oreille rivers has made boating a mainstay of the community, and Priest Lake is a straight shot north. Though absent of major commercial development, local shops and restaurants dot historic downtown Priest River.
Parks, golf and boat launches provide year-round recreation
Bonner Park West offers a public swimming beach and boat launch on the Pend Oreille River's northern shore. Fishing is popular in the area, and local waterways, including the Priest River, are abundant in trout and bass. Trips to Priest Lake, 40 miles north, are common. Its namesake state park offers camping, beach access and a public launch for fishing, paddling and watersports. City Park is closer to home, with a playground and grassy areas for picnics. The Ranch Club just west has a 9-hole golf course open to the public. Schweitzer Ski Resort is 31 miles northeast, with more than 90 ski runs, snow tubing and mountain biking in warmer months.
Tree-lined streets with a mix of historic and newer homes
Ponderosa pines and sugar maples line the residential streets of Priest River, which are wide enough for walking or biking. Sidewalks appear in different parts of the community, and driveways, where locals park their boats, are almost always gravel. Homes include early 1900s cottages and bungalows. Ranch-style homes built through the rest of the century fill the remainder, alongside new builds in subdivisions like Two Rivers. Depending on size and condition, these homes typically sell between $200,000 and $550,000. Priest Rivera also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Residents dine locally downtown and shop in Coeur d'Alene
Downtown Priest River appears on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street spans two blocks and has a selection of independently owned businesses like Main Street Book Store and North Timber Boutique. Timber Town Beer Company serves its collection of draft beers with typical pub-style grub. U.S. Route 20 offers more options, including Mi Pueblo Authentic Mexican Restaurant, a local favorite. Mitchell’s Food Harvest and Dollar Tree are available in town. Residents must make the 40-mile trip south to Coeur d’Alene for Target, Kohl’s and other big-box stores.
Priest River High School offers Dual Enrollment
Children attend Priest River Elementary School and Priest River Junior High School before heading to Priest River Lamanna High School. All three have a C rating on Niche and belong to the West Bonner County School District, which earns a C-minus. The high school offers Dual Enrollment courses, allowing students to earn college credits in English and Sociology. Students can apply to receive financial support for Dual Enrollment costs through the state’s program Fast Forward.
Locals gather for annual events like Priest River Timber Days
Priest River Timber Days brings the community together in late July to celebrate the area’s history in the logging industry. In addition to multiple logging competitions, the celebration includes a car and truck show, a themed parade and other activities for all ages. Priest River Oktoberfest fills downtown with music, beer and food vendors.
Getting around on U.S. Route 2
U.S. Route 2 passes through the town's center, connecting residents to Newport 7 miles west and Sandpoint 22 miles northeast. State Route 57 is also accessible from within the community and runs north to Nordman, 37 miles out.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
