Trail 308 Upper Priest River

According to the Forest Service Map for the Priest Lake Ranger District, this trail runs from Road 1013 to Trail 28, the Continental Creek Trail (see note at bottom of page). The trail is fairly level as it follows along the path of the Upper Priest River. The trail offers many views of the river. In some places the trail is a bit boggy and in other places it is blocked by fallen trees; however, these are mere inconviences, not major obstacles to passage.

Looking Along US Forest Service Road 1013 from the Trailhead Marker

Trailhead Marker for Trail 308 Cautions Anglers of Bull Trout Country

To reach the trailhead shown in the photographs above, take Highway 57 north out of Priest River until it becomes US Forest Service Road 302. Continue on Road 302 to Granite Pass. At Granite Pass, proceed on Road 1013. Continue past the turnoff to Hughes Meadow. Continue across the Upper Priest River bridge. Continue on Road 1013 to the turnoff to Trail 302 at Road 655. At this point, Road 1013 becomes straight and level. Continue on Road 1013 to the Trail 308 trailhead.

Puncheon Bridge Over Stream

Stream and River Valley Vegetation

The intersection with Trail 317 is approximately 1/2 mile out on Trail 308. Trail 317 crosses the Upper Priest River (well, actually you have to ford the river) and heads up to Hughes Ridge. There is a very nice primitive campsite 4.5 miles out on Trail 308. Continue for another mile and you will be at the intersection with Trail 349, the Little Snowy Top Trail. Contine past Trail 349 for 2.2 miles and you will be at the intersection with Trail 28, the Continental Creek Trail. You can then proceed to the American Falls (refer to my writeup for Trail 28).

Note: If you look on the USGS Quadrangle for Continental Mountain, you will see that Trail 28 is marked as going from Road 1013 to Trail 308, the Upper Priest River Trail, and that Trail 308 is marked as going from Road 1013 all the way to the American Falls.

View of Snowy Top Mountain from Trail 308