Where the River Leads
Three Summer Outings Near Oldtown and Priest River, ID
Oldtown and Priest River put some of Idaho’s best summer scenery within easy reach.
From drives along the Pend Oreille River to afternoons in Sandpoint and walks beside Priest Lake, there is plenty to discover nearby. It is one of the many corners of the region CityServiceValcon is fortunate to serve.
“For our team, these aren’t just places on a map,” said Josh Dolim, CityServiceValcon’s Oldtown Site Manager. “They’re the roads we drive, the lakes and trails our families enjoy, and the communities we’re proud to call home.”
Here are three spots to add to your road trip bucket list.
Follow the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage
On the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage, the journey starts as soon as you hit the road.
The scenic byway begins in Washington and continues down U.S. Highway 2 to Sandpoint, carrying travelers beside the Pend Oreille River and alongside farms, forests, and stretches of open water that make a strong case for taking your time. Depending on the season, keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Near Oldtown, stop at the Albeni Falls Dam Visitor Center for a closer look at one of the area’s defining landmarks. The center overlooks the dam and features interpretive displays, a theater, and information about the surrounding river system.
To help plan your route, grab a free Scenic Byways brochure or state highway map from Visit Idaho’s website.
Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho
Make a Day of Sandpoint
Continue east on Highway 2 and you’ll find Sandpoint. Start at City Beach, where sandy shoreline and grassy spaces make it easy to settle in for a few hours. Visitors can swim, lounge beside the lake, share a picnic, or take advantage of the playground and recreation courts.
The park sits next to downtown, making it simple to venture out to one of the many breweries, wineries, coffee shops, or shops.
Photo courtesy of Visit Sandpoint.
Walk the Shores of Priest Lake
For a quieter day outdoors, head north to Beach Trail #48 at Priest Lake, just over half an hour away from both Priest River and Oldtown.
The trail can be reached from Luby Bay Campground, and visitors can choose a shorter out-and-back walk rather than covering the entire path. As the shoreline appears between the trees and the Selkirk Mountains rise beyond the lake, the surroundings invite you to slow down and look around.
For a full day by the water, check out Priest Lake State Park to the east. The park offers swimming, paddling, picnicking, and camping. It is also home to wildlife including whitetail deer, black bears, moose, bald eagles, to name a few.
Access to the trailhead can vary depending on weather. We recommend checking current information about the trail before your trip is set in stone.
Priest Lake State Park, courtesy of the Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Service Close to Home
Because our team lives and works in the communities we serve, providing propane to homes and businesses across Oldtown and Priest River is more than a job. It means helping our neighbors keep their homes comfortable and their businesses running.
Located in Idaho and seeking reliable propane services? Contact CityServiceValcon today.
