Priest Lake is located in the northernmost portion of the Idaho Panhandle with the northern end of the lake extending north to within 15 miles of the Canadian border.
The history of the lake dates back almost 10,000 years to the end of the last ice age. After the vast glaciers that covered most of the area receded and vegetation started to re-grow, humans started to resettle the area. This is evident from historical artifacts found in the area and ancient rock art along the lake.
Most of the land on the east side of the lake until 2014 was owned by the State of Idaho and managed by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). The west side of the lake is predominately federal land managed by the Priest Lake Ranger District.
Originally there were 343 State leased cottage sites on the east shore of the lake and 11 State leased sites on the west side at the outlet to Priest River. The Priest Lake State Lessee’s Association (PLSLA) was formed in 1967. At that time, the State only leased their cottage sites. PLSLA was formed to serve the interests of the lessees. Due in large part to PLSLA’s activism, in 2010 the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners adopted the “Cottage Site Plan” – a plan to dispose of their cottage sites. In 2014, IDL began the process of selling its State Lease sites by voluntary auction. By 2017, IDL had disposed of about half of these sites, with few exceptions, to the former lessees of those sites. In July of 2017, after 50 years of service, the Priest Lake Lessees’ Association name was retired, and its name and bylaws were changed to the Priest Lake Cabin Owner’s Association (PLCOA) to serve the interests of owners of Priest Lake lessees as well as the new property owners and others.
Priest Lake has three major wetland areas: the south end of the lake by Coolin, the north by the Little Priest Lake Thorofare, and Bear Creek. Two of these wetlands, the Coolin Wetland and the Sandpiper Shores Wetland, are being threatened. These areas are critical to the preserving the Crown Jewel of Idaho and needs to be saved.
When the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) began auctioning leased cottage sites every lot sold required the buyer to accept the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Regulations) that went along with the sale. The Department of Lands initially failed to fulfill that agreement. In July 2023, IDL fulfilled their obligation and formally formed 18 subdivisions.
The Idaho Department of Lands has been managing more than 2.5 million acres of land that supports state institutions, primarily the state’s public school system. Since approximately 1935 some of this land has been leased for cottage sites. In 2010 there were 354 state-leased cottage sites. That year the Land Board, which provides direction to the department, approved a plan to auction their cottage sites. The first auction was in 2014 and since then cottage site ownership has been a mix of leased sites and fee simple sites. Initially the State’s leasing/auction program was scheduled to last through 2024 when they would reassess the program’s success. The Department of Lands has decided to offer leasing options and plans to continue the auction opportunity.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) was proposing to draw cold water from the deep (hypolimnic) layer of water in Priest Lake to cool Priest River. A number of studies researching the cost and impact on Priest Lake and Priest River have been completed. However, there are many unknowns that could eventually seriously affect both the lake and the river. Several other methods that are available to help cool the river that are more economical and effective than the siphon. We believe that some other method to cool the river needs to be chosen – not the siphon.
DEADLINE: February 14th, 2025
Priest Lake, often referred to as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel,” is facing a critical moment. Proposed development threatens the pristine shoreline and ecosystem of this beloved area. Here’s what you need to know and how you can help preserve its natural beauty.
What’s Happening?
Developers are proposing 560 new 12,000 sq. ft. waterfront lots on the shoreline of Priest Lake. This could result in overcrowded conditions, disrupting wildlife habitats and polluting the cleanest lowland lake in the U.S.
Why Should You Care?
Unchecked development could turn this treasured natural environment into an overcrowded and polluted area, forever altering the peaceful retreat that Priest Lake offers to residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.
Take Action: Tell the Commissioners NO!
It’s essential to make your voice heard. Raise concerns about the impact of these proposals before February 14th, the deadline for public comments.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Email the Bonner County Planning Department: planning@bonnercountyid.gov
Contact the Bonner County Commissioners:
Asia Williams: asia.williams@bonnercountyid.gov
Ron Korn: ron.korn@bonnercountyid.gov
Brian Domke: brian.domke@bonnercountyid.gov
As a member of PLCOA, your interests are represented at both local and state levels.
We implement wetland preservation efforts, water quality monitoring, invasive species prevention, and planned developments around the lake.
Gain exclusive access to resources designed to support cabin ownership and sustainable living at the lake.
Copyright 2025 by Priest Lake Cabin Association. All right reserveds.
