WELCOME to your source for North Idaho Living!

Nestled in the mountains of North Idaho, Priest River offers a real hometown welcome. Nearby communities of Priest Lake and Sandpoint , Bonner County has a piece of "the dream" for everyone.

I would like to welcome you to my paradise, Priest River, Idaho located in the majestic Selkirk Mountain Range on the shores of the Pend Oreille River and Priest River. Priest River sits in Bonner County with an estimated population of just under 2000. The Kalispel Indians were the first inhabitants of the Pend Oreille River Valley. The Seneacquoteen historic marker on Highway 2, eight miles east of town, marks the Indian Campground and river crossing where the old Indian Trail to British Columbia joined the wagon road from Walla Walla, Washington.

The coming of the Great Northern Railway in the late 1800’s spurred the town’s growth in the timber industry. The Albeni Falls Dam was constructed on the Pend Oreille River in the early 1950s to prevent spring flooding. There is an excellent visitor center and viewing area. It is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters, who also maintain several campgrounds in the Priest River area with excellent facilities for camping, fishing swimming, boating and picnicking.

While you are visiting Priest River you should stop by the Experimental Forest, founded in 1911, making it one of the first in the nation. Depending on the season, you can drive to scenic lookouts, pick mushrooms and huckleberries and watch for wildlife. There is something for everyone at the Priest River Experimental Forest.

Our four season playground gives everyone a chance to get out and enjoy what our area has to offer. The first snowfall generally takes place late September, when light snowy dustings cover the areas mountaintops. Our Indian summers usually last until October and then we start seeing overnight temps drop into the mid thirties. Following the departure of warmer days, the seasonal Bald Eagles return to their perches around the river and can be spotted on a daily basis. As snow begins to fall our hills and mountaintops become a playground for winter enthusiasts. You can catch families and friends buzzing around the hillsides on their snowmobiles or out in the back-country skiing and snowboarding. If you like lots of white fluffy snow, you have found a great backyard playground. Also, don’t forget the brave souls who venture out onto the ice for great ice fishing opportunities and ice skating on Pend Oreille River!

As spring approaches and the snow starts to melt, the entire valley starts to come to life. Flowers start to bloom, trees start to bud and wildlife comes back from their winter migrations, a truly awesome sight. As summer (non-snow) approaches, there are countless activities that our community participates in. To list a few: watersports, golf, biking, farmers markets, flying, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping, arts & music.

Many on our current residence were once former tourists of Priest River. After spending a short time on the river, exploring through the mountains or sitting an chatting with one of the old-timers, our way of life grows on you and you might end up putting your old city/suburban life to rest and join our incredible community. All we ask from you is, not to blame us for living in such an incredible place!

"The Dream"

The Dream is that you would find a place to have all the amenities of a big city and yet enjoy the comforts of a small town. There's no better place to experience that dream than North Idaho.

What's Happening in North Idaho

This Calendar of Events has information on what's happening in North Idaho! Also, for the latest on what our area Chambers are up to, please visit their websites:

Priest River Chamber is committed to support, encourage and sustain a vibrant, healthy economy in Priest River, ID.

Bonner County Economic Development Council has the vision of creating and supporting a healthy vibrant diverse economy, while applying sound stewardship to the human and natural resources that make the Northern Idaho area such a special place to live, work, and play.

Bonner County, Idaho Website
This site offers local government information and area directory

Sandpoint Chamber Planning a visit to Sandpoint? Considering a move here? Or looking for resources to launch or strengthen your business? The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in Sandpoint, Idaho is here to help.