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Nothing reconnects and recenters you like an evergreen escape in the Pacific Northwest. And Idaho is a much-overlooked travel destination for outdoors enthusiasts and luxury travelers alike. Planning a trip to Idaho in the wintertime is virtually unheard of. Unless you’re a ski bum, that is. But Priest Lake, Idaho, is far from the nearest ski resort. This oddly shaped emerald lake attracts crowds to its swimmable shores all summer long, offering excellent boating, jet-skiing, hiking, and huckleberry-picking.
But I’ve been visiting Priest Lake year-round for my entire life. The powdery winters and sparkling snow-covered trees are a backdrop to some of my favorite family bonding memories of the last few years. Elkins is at the heart of them. A family-run, nearly 100-year-old establishment with dozens of cozy cabins offering ample room for the whole family.
3 Reasons We Love Elkins Resort in Priest Lake, Idaho
Here’s why you should consider planning a winter wonderland visit to Elkins for your next family-friendly getaway.
1. The Cozy Cabins Are Perfect for a Tech-Free Escape
We spend most of our time sitting around the crackling fireplace and playing endless board games while cooking tasty snacks late into the evening. The remote Idaho wilderness provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed getaway.
2. It’s Always Huckleberry Season at Elkin’s Resort
One of the biggest draws to Elkins (and the entire region) is the succulent berries growing within the mountain bushes. And no, huckleberries are NOT the same as blueberries. That’s something only a person not from the PNW would believe.
Elkins employs local pickers who scour the bushes across the region during the very short harvest season to stockpile the berry in their freezers. Why? Because the entire menu at Elkins Lodge relies on it. From the duck sauce to daiquiris, this is one of the only places in the world where you can enjoy huckleberries year-round. It’s not an artificial huckleberry sauce, either. This is a true berry puree where you can really taste the essence of the fruit.
3. Eating Dinner at Elkins Lodge
If I had to pick one of the most impressive attributes of Elkins, it would be the lodge dining experience. With the feel of a ski lodge but meals as elegant and perfectly executed as a 5-star resort, you should eat at least once at Elkins Lodge.
With plates including freshly harvested morel mushrooms, a behemoth tomahawk steak, and of course, the signature peppercorn sauce. I recommend all of it. Just be sure to try the Huckleberry daiquiri (or margarita) during your meal.
Wintertime Attractions at Elkins Resort on Priest Lake
Summertime attractions to the region are obvious. There is an abundance of spectacular hiking trails, golf courses, boating or other on-the-water attractions, swimming at the various sandy beaches, outdoor movie viewings, mountain biking, and fishing. But here are the things you can only do in the wintertime if you choose to stay at Elkins.
- Watch the annual Sled Dog Races.
- Snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of scenic trails.
- Snow-shoeing through the evergreens.
- Taking in the relaxing scenery of the Selkirk Mountains.
- Dining at the world-class Elkins Lodge.
- Family (or friend or romantic) bonding time in the cabin by the crackling fire.
How to Book Your Favorite Elkin’s Cabin
Cabin 19 is my personal favorite cabin for groups of around six. You can browse the whole lot of around 30 hand-crafted cedar cabins here with options ranging from two bedrooms to six bedrooms. Cabins number 29 and 32 are some of the more remote and secluded options, while cabin 16 is right next to the Elkins Lodge for those hoping to have easy access to the huckleberry drinks.
Road-trip Routes To Extend Your Stay in the Region
Explore the American West via Montana and Wyoming on this wintertime road trip route. Some of our favorite local hotels are also featured on that list.
Road Trip Yellowstone in Winter: What You Need to Know
How to visit Yellowstone in Winter and spot the famous wolves of Lamar Valley.…
Our family has visited Elkins every winter for years now. So, this particular Idaho lodge holds a special place in my heart. As with all properties that I recommend, this is a locally-owned establishment, NOT a major hotel chain. You’ll get a family-run touch here while still enjoying the amenities more commonly associated with a high-end resort.
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