LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Upper Priest Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
8.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Priest Falls
Upper Priest Falls tumbles into a mossy, forested basin near Upper Priest Lake within the Kaniksu National Forest, part of the USFS-managed Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Framed by dense evergreens and the hush of old-growth woods, the falls offer a peaceful, photogenic setting that draws hikers and nature lovers looking for a quiet mountain escape. Access to the falls is most commonly made via the USFS Upper Priest River Trail (Trail #308). While the full USFS GIS alignment for Trail #308 measures 8.34 miles, the commonly hiked spur to the falls is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The route is rated moderate and rewards hikers with secluded forest scenery and the steady rush of the falls at the trail’s end.
The Setting
Upper Priest Falls sits at 3,419 feet within Kaniksu National Forest, fed by the Boundary Creek, in the mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Upper Priest River (#308), a 8.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
UPPER PRIEST RIVER #308
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
8.34 miTrail Description
The approach follows the USFS Upper Priest River Trail (Trail #308). USFS trail data lists Trail #308 as Class 3 with a NAT (native material) surface and a typical grade of 12–20%. The full GIS length for the USFS alignment is 8.34 miles, but the most-used access to Upper Priest Falls is an approximately 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Expect natural tread—native dirt, roots and occasional rocks—and some steeper pitches where the grade reaches 12–20 percent. Conditions can be uneven or muddy after rain, so footwear with good traction is recommended for this Class 3 forest trail.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Priest Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Priest Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is most accessible and the waterfall flow is at its peak.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Kaniksu National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be prepared for remote conditions. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable. Watch for slippery rocks near the falls and be cautious of wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 16.8 miles away
42 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
9.64 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BOUNDARY CREEK NR PORTHILL ID (27 km away).
Today
Strong
42 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
45 cfs
10/10Tue
Roaring
45 cfs
6/10Wed
Strong
43 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
42 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
43 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
45 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Metaline Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 306 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,413 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 346 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 273 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,413 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 306 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Priest Falls is accessed via a trail that starts near Upper Priest Lake. The trailhead is typically reached by boat or by hiking the Navigation Trail from the north end of Priest Lake. The area is remote, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead for the Navigation Trail near Priest Lake. Visitors accessing the falls by boat can dock at Upper Priest Lake.
Elevation
3,419 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.993112° N, -116.940720° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places. Carry plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.
Where to Stay
Skimmerhorn Inn
The Valley View Cabins and Event Center
Mountain View Retreat
Ramada by Wyndham Creston
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
12 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area's magnificence. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mile hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain. The lookout was refurbished in 200
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Upper Priest Lake, Priest Lake, Navigation Trail, and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and birds. Be cautious of bears and carry bear spray.
Cities near Upper Priest Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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