Best Hiking Gear for Priest Lake (2026)

Q: What are the best hiking trails near Priest Lake?

Popular trails near Priest Lake include Tubbs Hill (2.2 miles, easy), Mineral Ridge (3.3 miles, moderate), and Canfield Mountain (various distances, moderate to strenuous). For more remote options, the Selkirk Crest and Panhandle National Forest offer multi-day backpacking routes.

Q: Are there bears on hiking trails near Priest Lake?

Yes. Black bears are common throughout North Idaho, and grizzly bears have been documented in the Selkirk Mountains and Boundary County. Carry bear spray, make noise on the trail, store food properly, and keep dogs leashed. Bear encounters are rare but preparation is essential.

Q: What hiking boots work best for North Idaho trails?

North Idaho trails are rocky, root-covered, and often muddy. Waterproof mid-height boots with good ankle support work best. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is our top pick for its grip on wet rock and Gore-Tex waterproofing. Budget hikers will be well-served by the Merrell Moab 3 Mid.

Q: When is hiking season at Priest Lake?

Low-elevation trails (like Tubbs Hill) are accessible year-round, though they can be icy in winter. Mid-elevation trails clear of snow by late April to May. High-alpine trails in the Selkirk Crest may not be snow-free until late June or early July. Fall (September–October) offers the best weather and fewest crowds.

Q: Do I need trekking poles for hiking near Priest Lake?

Trekking poles aren't essential for flat lakeside trails, but they make a significant difference on steeper terrain like Mineral Ridge, Canfield Mountain, and Selkirk Crest routes. They reduce knee strain on descents and help with stability on wet, rocky surfaces. The Black Diamond Distance Z poles pack down small when you don't need them.

Top-rated hiking gear picks for Priest Lake, Idaho. Expert recommendations for hiking-boots, backpack, trekking-poles tested in North Idaho conditions.

Quick Answer — Our Top 3 Picks

Best Value

$175

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

4.6

Outstanding ankle support without bulk
Gore-Tex keeps feet dry on wet trails
Contagrip sole grips wet rock well

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Best Value

$260

Osprey Atmos AG 50

4.7

Anti-Gravity suspension spreads weight across hips and back
Excellent ventilation on hot climbs
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Best Value

$120

Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

4.4

Ultra-lightweight Z-fold design collapses to 15"
FlickLock adjustability at the top section
Comfortable EVA foam grip

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Hiking at Priest Lake

Priest Lake sits at 2,438 feet elevation in one of the most remote and pristine corners of North Idaho. The 19-mile-long lake, connected to smaller Upper Priest Lake by a navigable channel called the Thorofare, is surrounded by old-growth cedar forests and the Selkirk Mountain wilderness. Water clarity here rivals any mountain lake in the West — you can see 30+ feet down in many spots. The lake's remoteness means less boat traffic and lighter crowds, but it also means less infrastructure. Come prepared with full provisions, reliable gear, and a plan for variable weather that can shift from sunny to stormy within an hour.

Full Gear Recommendations

Best Value

$175

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

4.6

Outstanding ankle support without bulk
Gore-Tex keeps feet dry on wet trails
Contagrip sole grips wet rock well

Weight: 14.5 oz per shoe
Drop: 10mm
Upper: Synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane
Sole: Contagrip MA

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Budget Pick

$145

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

4.3

Out-of-the-box comfort with zero break-in
Bellows tongue keeps debris out
Vibram TC5+ sole is durable on rocky terrain

Weight: 15 oz per shoe
Drop: 12mm
Upper: Suede leather and mesh
Sole: Vibram TC5+

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Best Value

$260

Osprey Atmos AG 50

4.7

Anti-Gravity suspension spreads weight across hips and back
Excellent ventilation on hot climbs
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

Volume: 50 liters
Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz (M)
Frame: LightWire peripheral alloy
Back: Anti-Gravity mesh suspension

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Best Value

$120

Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles

4.4

Ultra-lightweight Z-fold design collapses to 15"
FlickLock adjustability at the top section
Comfortable EVA foam grip

Weight: 10 oz per pole (110cm)
Collapsed Length: 15"
Shaft Material: 7075 aluminum
Grip: EVA foam with breathable strap

View on Amazon

Affiliate link — commission earned

Head-to-Head Comparison

	Merrell Moab 3 Mid WaterproofBudget Pick	Best ValueSalomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTXBest Value
Price	$145	$175
Rating	★★★★☆4.3/5	★★★★★4.6/5
Weight	15 oz per shoe	14.5 oz per shoe
Drop	12mm	10mm
Upper	Suede leather and mesh	Synthetic with Gore-Tex membrane
Sole	Vibram TC5+	Contagrip MA
Waterproof	Merrell proprietary membrane	Yes — Gore-Tex
Heel Counter	Molded nylon arch shank	—
Best For	Casual hikers on maintained trails like Tubbs Hill, Centennial Trail, and Route of the Hiawatha	Technical trail hikers tackling Mineral Ridge, Gold Hill, and Selkirk Crest scrambles
	View on Amazon Affiliate link — commission earned	View on Amazon Affiliate link — commission earned

📍

Local Tips — Priest Lake

→
The road to Priest Lake's east side (Coolin) is paved but narrow — drive carefully, especially around logging trucks.
→
Water temperatures at Priest Lake rarely exceed 65°F even in August. A wetsuit or splash gear extends your paddle season.
→
The Thorofare — the channel connecting upper and lower Priest Lakes — is a must-paddle route. Plan 2-3 hours each way.
→
Dispersed camping along the lake's west side requires a Panhandle National Forest recreation pass.

🎒

Get Your Free Hiking Gear Checklist for Priest Lake

Join 2,000+ North Idaho outdoor enthusiasts getting weekly gear tips, trail reports, and seasonal guides delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails near Priest Lake?

Are there bears on hiking trails near Priest Lake?

What hiking boots work best for North Idaho trails?

When is hiking season at Priest Lake?

Do I need trekking poles for hiking near Priest Lake?