PRIEST LAKE MUSEUM

Our most compelling series yet celebrates true legends of Priest Lake! We kick it off 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. The museum celebrates the many legacies of Leonard Paul on July 16, marking the 100th anniversary of his Coolin store, with PL 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! After the talk, you can visit a special pop-up exhibit at the Civic Center and then enjoy an insider’s store tour. As part of our featured exhibit, Out of the Smoke: Fighting Fire at Priest Lake for Over 100 Years, we are honored to welcome retired USFS veteran Gary Weber on July 23 presenting The Early Years of the Forest Service at Priest Lake. 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.

Rounding out our series is Mike Wagoner—a man whose music, alongside the Trapper Creek musicians, has served as the definitive soundtrack of Priest Lake for decades. 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."