You know that feeling when you drive north of Sandpoint and the cell service starts to flicker? That’s usually when people start to panic. But if you’re heading toward Elkins Resort Priest Lake, that’s actually the moment you should start exhaling. It is deep. It’s way up in the Selkirk Mountains, tucked into the Reeder Bay area, and honestly, it feels like a place time just sort of forgot to mess with.
Most lakeside resorts these days are all glass, chrome, and "influencer" walls. Elkins is different. It’s cedar. It’s granite. It’s the smell of huckleberry cobbler and woodsmoke that hits you the second you step out of your truck. Established back in 1932, it has survived the Great Depression, world wars, and the rise of the digital age without losing its soul. It’s a North Idaho staple.
The Reality of Staying at Elkins Resort Priest Lake
Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re looking for a marble-clad spa and a digital concierge, you’re in the wrong zip code. Elkins Resort Priest Lake is about the cabins. There are 30 of them. They’re cedar-log structures that sit right on the shoreline or tucked just slightly back in the trees. Each one has a granite fireplace. That isn't just for "ambiance," either—even in July, the mountain air gets crisp enough at night that you’ll actually want to throw a log on the fire.
People come here for the "Priest Lake itch." It’s this weird phenomenon where once you visit, you can’t stop thinking about the water. The lake is massive—about 19 miles long—and so clear you can see rocks 20 feet down. Because Elkins is situated in Reeder Bay, it’s shielded from some of the nastier winds that can whip up the main body of the lake. This makes it the go-to spot for people who actually want to use the water, whether that’s paddleboarding at 6:00 AM when the surface is like glass or docking a heavy boat after a day of fishing for Mackinaw.
The cabins range in size. Some are small, perfect for a couple trying to escape their kids for a weekend, while others are sprawling enough to hold a multi-generational family reunion where everyone still has their own space. They have kitchens, which is key because while the resort’s restaurant is incredible (we’ll get to that), sometimes you just want to grill some burgers and look at the stars.
Why the Food Here is Actually Famous
Usually, resort food is "fine." It’s overpriced burgers and soggy fries. But the Lodge at Elkins is a different beast entirely. It has this reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest. Local food critics and travel writers have consistently ranked it as one of the best dining experiences in the state, mostly because they don't try to be something they're not.
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You have to try the huckleberries. Idahoans are obsessive about huckleberries, and for good reason. They can’t be farmed; they have to be foraged in the wild. Elkins puts them in everything—daiquiris, sauces for duck breast, and their legendary cobbler.
The Award-Winning Menu
The dinner menu leans heavily into Northwest flavors. Think wild salmon, prime rib, and heavy-handed pours of Washington and Oregon wines. The atmosphere in the dining room is what I’d call "mountain formal." You’ll see a guy in a tuxedo sitting next to a guy who just spent ten hours hiking the Upper Priest Lake Trail in dusty boots. Nobody cares. That’s the magic of it.
The lounge is where the real stories are told. It’s got that dark, heavy wood vibe. You sit there, sip a cold brew, and listen to pilots who fly into the nearby Cavanaugh Bay airstrip talk shop with local fishing guides. It’s authentic. It isn't curated by a marketing team.
Exploring Beyond the Resort Docks
You shouldn't just sit on the deck all day, though it’s tempting. Elkins Resort Priest Lake is basically the gateway to the last truly wild parts of Idaho. If you have a boat, or if you rent one from the resort’s marina, you have to go through "The Thoroughfare."
The Thoroughfare is a two-mile-long, slow-moving channel that connects the main lake to Upper Priest Lake. It’s a no-wake zone. It is silent. It’s surrounded by the Kalispell and Kaniksu National Forests. Moose are everywhere. Not "maybe you'll see one" everywhere, but "keep your camera ready because one is probably eating breakfast in the shallows right now" everywhere. Upper Priest is a federally protected primitive area, meaning no houses, no roads, and no noise. It’s a cathedral of trees.
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For the hikers, the Lakeshore Trail is the one everyone talks about. It’s about 8 miles of relatively flat ground that hugs the coast. It’s easy enough for kids but scenic enough that seasoned hikers won't feel bored. If you want something that will actually make your calves scream, head up to Chimney Rock. It’s a massive granite spire that dominates the skyline. The views from the top make you realize just how small you are and how big the Selkirk range really is.
The Seasons Nobody Talks About
Most people think of Elkins as a summer-only destination. Huge mistake.
Autumn here is breathtaking. The western larches—which are needle-bearing trees that actually turn gold and drop their needles—light up the mountainsides. The crowds thin out. The lake gets even quieter. It’s the best time for photography or for anyone who wants to write a book (or just read one).
Winter at Elkins Resort Priest Lake is a whole different world. The resort stays open year-round, which is rare for this part of the country. They become a hub for snowmobilers. There are over 400 miles of groomed trails in the Priest Lake area. You can ride all day and then come back to a roaring fire in your cabin. They also have snowshoe rentals and cross-country skiing. It’s like living inside a snow globe, minus the tacky glitter.
Addressing the "No Service" Elephant in the Room
Let’s be real: the Wi-Fi isn't great. It exists in the lodge, but the thick cedar logs of the cabins and the massive granite peaks around you don't play nice with signals.
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Some people complain about this. Those people are missing the point.
The lack of constant pings and notifications is the actual luxury. You’ll see kids actually playing outside. You’ll see adults having conversations without looking at their laps every thirty seconds. It’s a forced "unplug," and it’s usually what people realize they needed most once they’ve been there for 48 hours. If you absolutely must join a Zoom call, you can find a corner in the lodge, but don't be surprised if the person at the next table gives you a look that suggests you're doing life wrong.
Planning Your Logistics
Getting to Elkins takes some effort. It’s about a two-hour drive from Spokane International Airport. You’ll head north through Newport, Washington, and then cross into Idaho. The road winds along the Pend Oreille River and then starts climbing.
- Book Early: Because there are only 30 cabins and a lot of families have been coming here for four generations, summer weekends often book up a year in advance. Mid-week stays are your best bet for a last-minute escape.
- Provisioning: There are small general stores nearby for the basics, but if you’re planning on cooking big meals in your cabin, do your major grocery shopping in Spokane or Sandpoint.
- The Marina: If you're bringing your own boat, call ahead to reserve a slip. The resort also rents out everything from pontoons to sleek Cobalt powerboats if you don't want to haul your own rig.
Understanding the Cost
Is it cheap? No. Is it overpriced? Not really, considering what you get. You’re paying for the location and the history. You’re paying for the fact that you can walk ten feet from your door and be in the water.
Final Thoughts on the Elkins Experience
There is a specific kind of silence you find at Priest Lake. It’s not the absence of sound—you’ll hear the wind in the hemlocks and the lap of water against the docks—but it’s the absence of noise. Elkins Resort Priest Lake has managed to preserve that silence for nearly a century.
Whether you’re there to catch a record-breaking trout, hike until your boots are ruined, or just drink a huckleberry margarita while the sun dips behind the mountains, it delivers. It’s a place that reminds you that the world is still big, beautiful, and wild.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Priest Lake water temperature if you're planning on swimming; even in summer, it's refreshing (read: cold), usually peaking around 70 degrees in late August.
- Download offline maps for the Kaniksu National Forest area before you leave Sandpoint, as GPS can become unreliable once you turn onto Reeder Bay Road.
- Look up the Idaho fishing license requirements online; you can buy a short-term permit if you aren't a resident, but you'll want to have it sorted before you hit the marina.
- Call the Elkins front desk directly to ask about "off-peak" specials if you're visiting in May or October—they often have lower rates for those transition weeks.