Continental Trail #28

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · 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 a trailhead sign for Upper Priest River Trail #308 is on the left and there is a grassy parking area. After passing the grassy parking area, the road narrows to one lane and starts switchbacking up. Continue on for another 12 miles to a turnaround area just before the gate that blocks the road. The trail is found on the left (west) just before the turnaround area. There is no obvious sign along the road for the trail.

This trail is a forest trail for its entire length. Surrounded by tall cedars, hemlocks, yews, lush ferns and other vegetation, the trail switchbacks 1,000 feet down from the road to the Upper Priest River valley floor.

After finding the unmarked trailhead along the road, an obvious trail sign is soon reached. The trail descends continuously, gradually in places, and steeper for other short stretches. After about a half mile, the first swichback is reached. The second switchback is 0.4 miles later. Then comes six more swichbacks followed by a few boardwalks over wet spots, as the valley floor is reached.

The trail ends after a total of 1.5 miles, at its junction with Upper Priest River Trail #308 that is found on the valley floor. Upper Priest Falls AKA American Falls is a popular destination. At the trail's junction with Upper Priest River Trail #308, turn right/north to hike another half mile to 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. At the higher elevations there is some beargrass.