Also known as American Falls, this roughly 40-foot cascade on the Upper Priest River sits near the Canadian border at the end of a hike through old-growth forest in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. A splashpool sits at its base.
At 40 ft, it stands above roughly 33% of the 775 documented falls in this guide.
Upper Priest Falls sits on Upper Priest River. You'll find it in Bonner, Idaho. It is protected within U.S. Forest Service (Idaho Panhandle National Forests).
This is a moderate hike waterfall: a longer day hike, roughly one to several miles each way. Plan for a moderate hike; sturdy shoes, water, and a little time on the trail are worth bringing. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 4.4 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Nordman, the closest town.
When to go: June to September. Expect the strongest flow in spring and after big storms, with a quieter trickle by late summer; confirm current conditions with the land manager before committing to the drive.
