Upper Priest River Trail #308

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Although leashes are not required, dogs must be under control at all times.

The trailhead is found by taking ID57 north from Priest River, for 41 miles. After passing Nordman, about 4 miles later the pavement ends and the road is now FSR 302. Continue on for about 10 miles to the junction with FSR 1013. Stay right here and follow the sign for Upper Priest River Trail #308. Now on FSR 1013, in about 12 miles the trailhead sign is on the left and there is a grassy area for parking.

Upper Priest River Trail is a forest trail for its entire length. It travels through beautiful old growth forest dominated by huge, stately cedars and several types of lush ferns. It follows the Upper Priest River upstream, sometimes along the banks of the river, and other times a good ways from the river, too far to be heard. Several small creeks and and wet spots are passed along the way, typically on boardwalks and small bridges. The trail doesn't gain much elevation but there are short, little ups and downs to keep things interesting.

Stepping into the forest at the trailhead sign, one is immediately greeted by the huge cedars. They are everywhere! And will be everywhere for the entire eight miles. Milestones passed include:
- Cabinet Pass Trail #17 junction at the 0.5 mile mark
- Rock Creek is forded (ankle deep in mid September) at the 1.35 mile mark
- Upper Priest River access at the 2.0 mile mark, and then on and off for the next half mile
- Continental Trail #28 junction at the 7.6 mile mark
- Malcom Creek (bridged) crossing at the 7.7 mile mark

After crossing Malcom Creek, the trail runs next to Upper Priest River for its last half mile, where it ends at Upper Priest Falls AKA American Falls, in a bowl defined by cliffs, including where The Falls drop down about 40 feet. A beautiful, large, dark blue-green pool is at the bottom of The Falls.

Old growth inland temperate rain forest - Huge western red cedars, hemlocks, and yews abound. The forest floor is covered with lush ferns, and other vegetation where the sunlight can penetrate the tree canopy. Elsewhere, the forest floor is cover with conifer needles. There are fallen logs throughout. Bears live here.