The name was gradually changed in the early 1900's from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, which refers to the early-day Jesuit missionary priests who had established a base camp at Kalispell Bay in the 1840's. It is believed that 'Kaniksu' was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designated this same lake as Kaniksu Lake on one of his maps. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome.

Winter provides thousands of acres for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Berry and mushroom picking and Christmas tree cutting are seasonally popular. Cold water and ice fishing are popular as are white water rafting, canoeing, and swimming. The District provides two lookouts and one cabin for rental to the public.

Four campgrounds provide developed recreation opportunities in addition to several picnic and camping areas and interpretive sites. Miles of gated road offer additional routes for mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.ĭispersed car camping is common throughout the District. Approximately 60 miles of that are open to motorized use the remainder is suitable for stock use, hiking, and camping. More than 360 miles of summer use trail are open and usable on the District. Emphasis tends to be placed on backcountry, non-developed, semi-primitive recreation, yet urban activities such as auto touring, white water rafting, and car camping are common as well. National Forest lands offer a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. There are many spectacular lakes, both low elevation lakes with easy access and high elevation, subalpine lakes, accessed only by trail or 'bushwhacking'. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge. Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north. The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north.

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