Looking for that special
snowmobiling experience of a lifetime? Do you get weak in the knees
at the thought of your 1000cc super charged machine pushing virgin
powder across wide open playgrounds with spectacular mountain backdrops?
Or do you thrill at the thought of awe inspiring panoramic views,
the beauty of nature's snow castles, and the winter wonderland
of deep forests with trees heavily laden with great heaping mounds
of snow? If any of this stirs the cockles of your heart, and it's
sometime between November and April, you probably need to be loading
the sleds and heading for Priest Lake.
Pick up a copy of the December 2005 issue of SnoWest
magazine in the stores in early December 2005. Back in 2000, SnoWest
ran a feature on Priest Lake Snowmobiling, calling us: "Priest
Lake Paradise -- Lakeside Sledding Mecca" -- click
on the SnoWest icon to view the 2000 article.
Mother Nature
created a picture perfect marriage of early winter snow, spectacular
scenery and many bright sunny days in the Priest Lake Basin. This
natural winter paradise, coupled with the area's love affair with
snowmobiles, has produced a groomed trail system in excess of 400-miles
and a local business orientation that caters to snowmobile enthusiasts.
The groomed trail system encircles both Priest Lake and Upper Priest
Lake and affords easy access to spectacular powder pushing play
areas and challenging 'mountain
goat' hill climbing challenges as well as postcard quality views
of the lakes and surrounding mountains. In addition to the 400+
miles of groomed trails, there are numerous other unpublished routes
throughout the 523,000 acres of public lands surrounding Priest
Lake. The trails traverse through heavy timber, windswept ridges
and snow-filled bowls above the tree line. Snowmobile trails are
mostly on either state or federal forest service roads ranging
in elevation from 2,500 to over 7,000-feet.
There is no need to trailer your sled to a trailhead either. The trail system
can be easily accessed from the doorstep of most of the area's resorts and lodging
establishments. Snowmobile rentals are readily available through the recreation
equipment rental outlets listed below and arrangements can be made to deliver
your rental sled to your resort. Many resorts also offer "sled & bed" package
rates. Another excellent way to get the most of your Priest Lake snowmobiling
adventure is to join the Priest Lake
Trails & Snowmobile
Club. In addition to great camaraderie,
you will gain invaluable knowledge of the best snowmobiling areas in the region.
Snowmobile trail maps are available at most businesses in the area. A general
representation of the trail map is also published on the "Trail Conditions Update" page of
this website. That web page also provides snowmobile and cross-country ski trail
condition
updates.
Looking for that special
snowmobiling experience of a lifetime? Do you get weak in the knees
at the thought of your 1000cc super charged machine pushing virgin
powder across wide open playgrounds with spectacular mountain backdrops?
Or do you thrill at the thought of awe inspiring panoramic views,
the beauty of nature's snow castles, and the winter wonderland
of deep forests with trees heavily laden with great heaping mounds
of snow? If any of this stirs the cockles of your heart, and it's
sometime between November and April, you probably need to be loading
the sleds and heading for Priest Lake.
and challenging 'mountain
goat' hill climbing challenges as well as postcard quality views
of the lakes and surrounding mountains. In addition to the 400+
miles of groomed trails, there are numerous other unpublished routes
throughout the 523,000 acres of public lands surrounding Priest
Lake. The trails traverse through heavy timber, windswept ridges
and snow-filled bowls above the tree line. Snowmobile trails are
mostly on either state or federal forest service roads ranging
in elevation from 2,500 to over 7,000-feet.
Many resorts also offer "sled & bed" package
rates. Another excellent way to get the most of your Priest Lake snowmobiling
adventure is to join the