Heritage Series 2026
Join us on Thursday nights in July as we present a mix of well-attended presentations on both sides of the lake.
July 9 “Early Climbs and Adventures along the Selkirk Crest“
With John Roskelley and Chris Kopczynski, Legendary Mountaineers
July 9 at 7:00 @ the Priest Lake Elementary School
The Priest Lake Museum’s Heritage Speakers Series starts on July 9 with world-renowned climbers John Roskelley and Chris Kopczynski as they recount their early adventures on Chimney Rock and other sites on the Selkirk Crest. Come discover why John claims, “Our climb of the east face of Idaho’s Chimney Rock is why I’m alive today.”
They met as high schoolers through the Spokane Mountaineers and became lifelong friends. Over the years of scaling the tallest and most difficult mountains, they have received international accolades for their many contributions to modern alpinism. Both are authors and engaging speakers. The museum is honored that they are sharing their Priest Lake stories.
Photo of John Roskelley and Chris Kopczynski, Chimney Rock, 1966
July 16 “Leonard Paul’s Legacy”
July 16 at 7:00 @ The Inn at Priest Lake
The museum celebrates the many legacies of Leonard Paul on July 16, marking the 100th anniversary of his Coolin store, with museum historian Kris Runberg Smith. Paul opened his first log cabin store in 1906 but outgrew it by 1926 when he built the present store. He witnessed generations of changes at Priest Lake, beginning with his earliest adventures in 1904. He also instigated and championed many of the lake’s changes over the decades. After the talk, you can enjoy an insider’s store tour.
July 23 “The Early Years of the Forest Service at Priest Lake“
July 23 at 7:00 @ The Inn at Priest Lake
Retired USFS Gary Weber on July 23 presents The Early Years of the Forest Service at Priest Lake. As part of our featured exhibit, Out of the Smoke: Fighting Fire at Priest Lake for Over 100 Years Gary offers a rare perspective on the legacy of the early Forest Service. Through historic photographs he collected, he will lead us through the challenges and triumphs of managing the developing wilderness of Priest Lake. Gary draws from his Priest Lake knowledge that began in the elite ranks of the Kaniksu Hotshots, USFS fire management, and his leadership with the Idaho Department of Lands. His current role is champion for the Forest Fire Lookout Association.
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July 30 “Goin’ to the Lake“
July 30 at 7:00 at Priest Lake Elementary School
Mike Wagoner’s music, alongside that of the Trapper Creek musicians, has served as the soundtrack for Priest Lake. On July 30, Mike will share his personal lake journey through his new memoir, Goin’ to the Lake. Drawing from a half-century of performing and living in the region, Mike captures the pull of the lake. “I’ve visited and lived elsewhere… but I could never completely leave Priest Lake, both physically or emotionally.
“Out of the Smoke” Exhibit Hikes and Programs
Saturday, July 11 – Hike to Hughes Ridge Lookout
Meet at Nordman to carpool to the trail @ 9:00 a.m.
A one-hour drive and a 1-1/2 -hour moderate round-trip hike
(Photo of the Hughes Ridge Lookout under construction in the 1930s)
Saturday, Aug. 1 – How to Pack a Mule!
Come to the Priest Lake Museum @ 11:00 a.m.
Bring the kids (and the rest of the family) to meet Jolene and learn how firefighters pack mules with everything they need as they head to the roadless mountains.
August 11/Sept. 15/Oct. 5.
Bismark Mule Barn Restoration Progress Tour –
August 11/Sept. 15/Oct. 5. A short mile hike to the former Bismark Ranger Station and Mule Barn
Just south of Nordman, look for the sign @ 10:00 a.m.
Call Kristen to RSVP and get directions to the Barn (971-563-6681)