Upper Priest Snowmobile Tour

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Distance: 60 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Riding time: 3 - 5 hours

Season: Dec. Through mid-April

Maps: Priest Lake Snowmobile Trails available from Priest Lake businesses

Info: Grandview Resort, (208) 443-2433

Snowmobiling trip notes

Access:

From Priest River, Idaho, drive north 37 miles on State Highway 57 to the parking area at the Nordman Store.

Attractions:

Riders gain 3,000 feet on this route from Nordman to the high point of 6,500 feet near Mollies Mountain. The trail passes Granite Falls, numerous open play areas, several great views of the Selkirk Mountain range and lofty views of the Upper and main Priest Lake. This route covers a fraction of the nearly 300 miles of snowmobile trails in the Priest Lake area.

Comments:

When low elevation snow coverage allows, begin on trail that takes off behind the Nordman store toward Granite Pass. While most snowmobile trails are merely groomed roads, first 3 miles of this route follows formerly abandoned spur road complete with twists, curves, switchbacks and some steep spots. Fun riding, plus excellent views of Selkirks as you descend from Nickelplate Mountain.

Challenges are over once route rejoins trail at Road 302. From there, take groomed trail northwest toward Granite Pass. In spring, sledders can drive into ancient cedar grove parking area and walk on firm snow to view Granite Falls. Beyond Granite Falls, bear left onto Hemlock Loop, where you’ll find several nice open playgrounds. Return to main trail and continue east, crossing Upper Priest River. Bank of signs will direct you north onto Mollies Loop, which leads to elevations approaching 6,500 feet and spectacular views of several mountain ranges, plus Priest Lake. Loop back westward on North End Trail. For variety, go south at Granite Pass on Boulder Trail (often slow going because of moguls) and return to Nordman via Beaver Pass, where there’s another favorite play area.

Nordman Store (208) 443-2538 and Grandview Resort (208) 443-2433 have services and grooming information. Snowmobiles must be licensed from state of origin. However, $3 Priest Lake sticker, which pays grooming costs, is voluntary. It’s available from Priest Lake businesses along with $1 trail maps.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of Upper Priest Snowmobile Tour

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