Priest Lake State Park

06/18/2026

Priest Lake State Park is hiring for several seasonal positions for the summer of 2026. These roles typically last through early September.
Available Positions
Maintenance: Responsibilities include building and grounds maintenance, trail upkeep, cleaning restrooms, and operating equipment.
Registration/Visitor Services: Duties include answering visitor questions, responding to information requests via phone or radio, and providing directions. Checking in visitors.
Seasonal store staff: Duties include but are not limited to: Cashier Duties to sell all merchandise. Perform opening and closing procedures. Stock shelves and coolers/freezers. Perform general store cleaning and organizing duties.

Seasonal housing available.
How to Apply
You can apply for 2026 seasonal positions through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) portal.
Online Application: Submit your details through the IDPR Seasonal Employment Application. https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/seasonal-employment.../
Paper Application: You may also print and mail a paper application directly to the park at 314 Indian Creek Park Road, Coolin, ID 83821.
Contact: For specific inquiries, contact the park directly at (208) 443-2200.

06/17/2026

Some gorgeous lake shots taken by John McNeiece.

06/05/2026

Flora fun fact Friday.

Indian basket grass, also known as Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax), is a grass-like perennial native to western North America, famous for its tough, olive-green leaves and tall, fragrant flower stalks that bloom in cycles. Native Americans used its leaves for weaving baskets and clothing, and its roots for medicinal purposes, while today it's valued as an ornamental plant and for wildlife habitat, providing food and shelter for various animals.

Characteristics
Appearance: Forms clumps of long, sharp, grass-like leaves. Produces a dramatic, 6-foot flower stalk with fragrant, creamy-white flowers every 5-7 years.
Size: Grows to about 4.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, with flower stalks reaching up to 6 feet.
Habitat: Found in subalpine meadows, coastal mountains, and dry slopes from British Columbia to California and east to Wyoming.
Growth: Evergreen, clumping habit, and can form large colonies.
Uses
Traditional: Woven into baskets, mats, and clothing; roots used as a hair tonic and for sprains.
Ecological: Provides food (seeds, stalks) and nesting material for birds, deer, elk, and even grizzly bears.

05/28/2026

Planned Power Outage in the Priest Lake Area June 15 - 16
Northern Lights members in the Priest Lake area will be impacted by Bonneville Power Administration outage on June 15 and 16, 2026. The planned outage will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days and affect nearly 3500 Northern Lights members. This includes all Northern Lights members north of Priest River and those in Priest Lake and the surrounding areas including both sides of the lake, Coolin and Nordman.

05/23/2026

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

05/22/2026

We love our Park Directors!

Director Buxton of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation recently celebrated an historic investment in Heyburn State Park, the oldest State Park in the Pacific Northwest, and was joined by her neighbor Director Dupuis from Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission! Congratulations to all who made this happen!

https://www.stateparks.org/news-events/chatcolet-marina-saved-as-part-of-heyburn-state-park-improvements/

05/21/2026

5.21.26
Hunt Creek Bridge on Eastshore Rd Open 5.21.26:

Received word from the Contractors, J7 Contracting, that the Hunt Creek Bridge is now open. There will not be any more night closures this week.

Thank you.

05/16/2026

On Armed Forces Day, we acknowledge the selfless service of the men and women in all branches of the United States military. Their unwavering commitment, valor, and sacrifices do not go unnoticed, whether they serve globally or locally. To all service members, past and present, we express our heartfelt gratitude.🇺🇸🎖️🪖

05/13/2026

UPDATED

UPDATE 5.13.26:

The dates have changed to 5/20 - 5/22. The closure times are still the same from 6PM - 6AM.

Please plan accordingly.

5.12.26
Hunt Creek Bridge on Eastshore Rd Night Closure 5/19/26 - 5/21/26:

Eastshore Rd will be closed to all traffic at the Hunt Creek Bridge crossing during the hours of 6 PM to 6 AM from 5/19 - 5/21 due to a culvert replacement.

The only traffic that will be allowed through will be Emergency Vehicles. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you.

05/12/2026

FYI

UPDATE 5.13.26:

The dates have changed to 5/20 - 5/22. The closure times are still the same from 6PM - 6AM.

Please plan accordingly.

5.12.26
Hunt Creek Bridge on Eastshore Rd Night Closure 5/19/26 - 5/21/26:

Eastshore Rd will be closed to all traffic at the Hunt Creek Bridge crossing during the hours of 6 PM to 6 AM from 5/19 - 5/21 due to a culvert replacement.

The only traffic that will be allowed through will be Emergency Vehicles. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you.