Upper Priest Lake

Priest Lake is dotted with resorts, homes, and campgrounds, but all it takes is a 4-mile pedal to leave the crowds behind. A trail from Beaver Creek Campground at the quieter north end of the lake leads along the Navigation Trail just more than 4 miles to Upper Priest Lake. Motorized boats can navigate from the main lake to Upper, but there are no roads leading here, ensuring a mostly quiet afternoon. A tiny hike-in campground on the south end of Upper Priest Lake offers shade, a few tables, and an unparalleled view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail here is wide and nearly level -- so level that Cooper pedaled his bike here in little more than an hour.