Yeah, I WISH! We used to have a snowmobile, and I loved it! I would love to have another one. Winter in north Idaho is breathtaking! Being able to get out in the forests, meadows and mountains in the snowy winter wonderland is a fantastic way to spend a winter day!
Even if we don't still own a snowmobile, I thought I'd still place a cache to give those who have one some much-needed information on parking, routes, warming huts, etc at Priest Lake. If I ever get another sled, this info will help me, too.
I did get to snowmobile from here a couple years ago. A friend brought 2 cats up and we traveled from here up to Mollies Lake Warming Hut and back. It was SO much fun!
This area has over 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The groomed trail system encircles both Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake and affords easy access to spectacular powder pushing play areas. Snowmobile trails are mostly on either state or federal forest service roads ranging in elevation from 2,500 to over 7,000-feet. The trails traverse through heavy timber, windswept ridges and snow-filled bowls above the tree line. Snowmobile trail maps are available at most businesses in the area. Make sure you have the most current map. In addition to the 400+ miles of groomed trails, there are numerous other unpublished routes throughout the 523,000 acres of public lands surrounding Priest Lake.
There is no need to trailer your sled to a trail-head 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 and arrangements can be made to deliver your rental sled to your resort.
PLEASE check the avalanche site if you plan to go into avalanche-prone areas. It's always prudent to do so. Be safe, not sorry! THAT is the first thing you should do when planning an outing. Here is the website:
Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center
PARKING LOTS:
North of Nordman
Hanna Flats
Jack Pine Flats
Cavanaugh Bay (STAY OFF airport runway!)
Base of Hunt Lake Road
Indian Creek Campground
WARMING HUTS:
Pelke Warming Hut
Camels Prairie Warming Hut
Mollies Warming Hut
MORE INFO:
All snowmobiles have to have an Idaho registration and sticker. CARRY YOUR REGISTRATION AND PUT THE STICKER ON YOUR SLED. Funds from the registration go to maintaining the groomed trail system. When purchasing your registration, request "9A" and the funds will be used to maintain the Priest Lake groomed trail system.
Some groomed trails pass through or adjacent to private property. In these areas, stay on the trail and ride slowly. If you abuse these rights access will be lost to these trails. Only ride on the designated edge strip of the Coolin Airstrip. If this policy is violated this important access to the groomed trail system will be lost!
It is illegal to ride on roads that are open to wheeled traffic unless specifically posted as open to snowmobile access.
Plowed roads can be slick and dangerous. Only cross plowed roads at right angles -- look both ways! Never ride on roads used by logging trucks, as it is extremely dangerous!
IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS TO THE SPORT OF SNOWMOBILING AND THE PRUDENT SNOWMOBILER SHOULD BE AWARE OF SUCH RISKS AND TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:
1. PHYSICALLY FIT?
Remember that human efficiency declines in cold weather.
Top physical condition may be required to walk out if equipment fails.
2. GOING ALONE?
Travel in a group of at least two snowmobiles.
3. GOOD EQUIPMENT?
Know how to make repairs.
Carry an emergency repair kit.
Have enough gas with some to spare.
4. TRIP PLANNED?
Know where you are going and stick to it.
Inform a responsible person of your planned route and when you will return.
5. CHECK FORECAST?
Don't travel in a storm.
Turn back if weather turns bad.
6. CARRY A SURVIVAL KIT?
Equip snowmobiles with survival material.
Review publications on winter survival.
7. ALWAYS CARRY:
Extra food. Extra clothing. Water.
Map, Compass, GPS.
Knife. Matches. Fire starter.
First Aid Kit. Flashlight.
8. BACKCOUNTRY and HIGH MOUNTAIN TRAVEL
Always carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe when venturing into areas where danger of an avalanche may exist. Remember, avalanches can travel a long ways on flat ground.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
LARGE AREA TRAIL MAP
Priest Lake Vintage Snowmobile Races
Every winter, in January and February, you can watch two vintage snowmobile races on the airstrip near Nordman. These races are for 1985 or older snowmobiles. These events attract racers from all over the West, including Canada. These races usually cover 2 full weekends.