Some of the most interesting
Priest Lake area history can be found south of the lake approximately
nine miles. At this location you will discover the headquarters
of the Priest River Experimental Forest. The site was established
in the early 1900's as the Northern Rocky Mountain Experimental
Forest Station and has been in continuous operation ever since.
Administered
by the Forest Service Research branch of the USFS, the experimental
forest accomplishes very important forest research. The research
results derived from the on-the-ground testing enables managers
to better conserve and utilize our precious forests. Present activities
at the Priest River Experimental Forest include silviculture, soil
and plant genetics research; weather and stream flow monitoring;
snow pack observations; educational seminars; and international
residential research projects.
A small museum is located in the headquarters building. Here you can relive some
of the history of this important facility. Scientific instruments and old documents
that were used at the station during the early years are on display. Note that
the original interior cedar planking has remained in mint condition. The headquarters
building is open Mon - Fri during normal business hours.
Much
of the Priest River Experimental Forest research is accomplished on Gisborne
Mountain, a 5,595 foot peak on the southeast edge of the experimental forest
property. A trip to the lookout on Gisborne Mountain is well worth the time and
effort. The lookout area provides great views of Schweitzer Mountain, Bald Mountain,
Priest Lake, and both Priest River and Pend Oreille River valleys - not to mention
some fine huckleberry areas enroute to the mountaintop.
To reach the Priest River Experimental Forest/Gisborne Mountain, travel south
9.2 miles from Coolin on the East River Road (State Forest Road #1). At this
point, you will find an intersection with USFS Road 597. A large Priest River
Experimental Forest sign is located at the intersection. Turn
left (east) and follow the signs to the headquarters building, approximately
one-half mile distance. To begin the journey to Gisborne Mountain, continue on
the road through the headquarters area until it intersects USFS Road 597A. Turn
left and follow the well-marked road approximately 8 miles up the mountain. The
road narrows considerably as you near the top and reaches a saddle at its highest
point. Proceed beyond the saddle until a small gated road leading to the north
becomes visible. Park at the gate and hike the 1/2-mile to the lookout.
Administered
by the Forest Service Research branch of the USFS, the experimental
forest accomplishes very important forest research. The research
results derived from the on-the-ground testing enables managers
to better conserve and utilize our precious forests. Present activities
at the Priest River Experimental Forest include silviculture, soil
and plant genetics research; weather and stream flow monitoring;
snow pack observations; educational seminars; and international
residential research projects.
Much
of the Priest River Experimental Forest research is accomplished on Gisborne
Mountain, a 5,595 foot peak on the southeast edge of the experimental forest
property. A trip to the lookout on Gisborne Mountain is well worth the time and
effort. The lookout area provides great views of Schweitzer Mountain, Bald Mountain,
Priest Lake, and both Priest River and Pend Oreille River valleys - not to mention
some fine huckleberry areas enroute to the mountaintop.
Turn
left (east) and follow the signs to the headquarters building, approximately
one-half mile distance. To begin the journey to Gisborne Mountain, continue on
the road through the headquarters area until it intersects USFS Road 597A. Turn
left and follow the well-marked road approximately 8 miles up the mountain. The
road narrows considerably as you near the top and reaches a saddle at its highest
point. Proceed beyond the saddle until a small gated road leading to the north
becomes visible. Park at the gate and hike the 1/2-mile to the lookout.