About Upper Priest Falls
Upper Priest Falls is a named waterfall in Boundary County, Idaho, located about 35 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Continental Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°59′35″ N, 116°56′27″ W (48.99311, -116.94072). Historical sources also record the name American Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Malcom Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), Continental Creek (stream, 1.0 mi), and Kaniksu Mountain (summit, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Caribou Falls, 14 miles to the southeast.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 11,T65N,R5W, Boise Meridian
More Photos
12 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Upper Priest Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Upper Priest Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Upper Priest Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Upper Priest Falls holds a 5.0 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Priest Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Malcom Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Continental Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Kaniksu Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
- Spread Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 48.99311, -116.94072. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Priest Falls
- Snow Creek Falls, ID32 mi southeast
- Copper Falls, ID36 mi east
- Sheep Creek Falls, WA39 mi west
- Upper Falls, WA39 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Priest Falls located?
Upper Priest Falls is in Boundary County, Idaho, about 35 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry. Its coordinates are 48.99311, -116.94072 (48°59′35″ N, 116°56′27″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Priest Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Bonners Ferry, ID, about 35 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Priest Falls?
The closest is Caribou Falls (14 mi southeast). Others within reach include LaSota Falls (16 mi), Granite Falls (17 mi), and Smith Falls (18 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Priest Falls?
Upper Priest Falls appears on the USGS Continental Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.