Idaho selkirks the trip to the trailhead for long lake means a bit of a drive from sandpoint since it is beyond the kootenai wildlife refuge outside of bonners ferry. It was also quite beautiful with the snowcapped mountains reflecting in the treelined lake. The trail is a pleasant walk and a great option for young children. Our ebooks offer you the same great guidebooks and same great hikes in digital format. The grade of the trail is mellow in the beginning, but there are a number of rocky areas. If you love to get outdoors, hike, and explore spectacular idaho mountains, you have.
Here are some of the best trails and what you need to know. Stanley lake 2020 all you need to know before you go. Once we have helped you find a deal on one of the great homes for sale in boise metro, we will introduce you to a few of idahos hidden gems. Our ebooks come in downloadable pdf format readable on smartphones, ipads, kindles, nooks, pcs, macs, and a host of other ereaders. There are hundreds of lakes in the sawtooth mountains, most of which have been created by alpine glaciers. Hiking in idaho is paradise, for the solitude, scenery, superb fishing, and unspoiled nature. Pettit lake campground is on pettit lake, halfway between redfish lake and alturas lake at the foot of the sawtooth mountains. Awesome trails, biking and hiking so blessed that this is out my back door. It appears that the access road north from alturas lake. There is ample wildlife along the trail, with possible sightings of elk and moose. The most popular trails are deer flat national wildlife refuge.
Alturas lake is an excellent location to base your exploration of the sawtooth national recreation area. Explore the best trails in hauser, idaho on traillink. Backpack to imogene lake, hell roaring lake trailhead. Ict travelers will cross many mountains, streams and rivers in between. Since 2001, inland empire paper company has been providing recreational use of their managed timberlands to the general public on a user driven fee basis. Smokey bear campground is located on the north shore of alturas lake with an elevation just over 7000 feet.
Game fish identification pdf, 3 mb section 1 fishing in idaho. Idaho trails have wide variations in length, difficulty and environment, attracting adventurers from across the u. Nature trail habitat hike, stoddard path and wilson trail. Thus, resulting in me recalling some trails off of alturas lake from margaret fullers book. This one easy hike in idaho will lead you someplace unforgettable. Trail guide books is a small independent publishing house and book distributor located in weiser, idaho.
The majority of the lakes are within the sawtooth wilderness, but several are not yet still within sawtooth national recreation area the largest lakes are redfish, alturas. I want to thank scott marchant for his the day hikers guide to stanley, idaho. The hidden lake hike in idaho thats one of the most. Just south of the quaint mining town of wallace is a hiking trail that is both serene and beautiful, with a heroic and historic backstory that only adds to its magic. Once you reach the trailhead, the hike is fairly easy up and over pyramid pass and along ridgeline hugging long canyon.
Idaho high mountain lake trips guaranteed to leave you starry eyed. Alturas lake is located in the sawtooth national recreation area in central idaho. Alice lake is a mustsee, jawdropping alpine lake in the sawtooth wilderness. He has degrees from missouri state university and idaho state university and has always been involved. Hiking idahos trails idaho hiking guidebooks by trail. Idaho trails offer extraordinary scenery and outdoor activities for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and fishermen, as well as for those who simply love to be out in the mountains and desert. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and inform builders and other riders about any issues on a trail. The simplicity of the property creates the perfect home base for your idaho excursions. Apr 28, 2018 the hike to this hidden mountain lake is one of the most beautiful trails in idaho. Idaho state parks in every region of the state have excellent opportunities for hiking and learning about the natural and historical significance of the environment. Alturas lake is an alpine lake located just over 20 miles south of stanley, idaho, in the sawtooth mountains. Activities at pettit lake include camping, fishing and hiking. The road from the town to bloomington lake is a narrow dirt road.
Day hikes in the sawtooth national recreation area list 1. The alturas lake creek trail starts on an old road that was decommissioned around 2003. Plus, you are just moments away from the amenities and fun redfish lake lodge offers. Alturas lake inlet campground has 28 large family campsites and is located next to the lake in the sawtooth national recreation area. Alturas lake creek trail hiking trail, sun valley, idaho. Altruas lake inlet campground is home to 28 large, nonelectric sites including eight double sites. The 232page guidebook highlights 60 of the greatest walking adventures in the sawtooth, white cloud and salmon river mountains, all surrounding the stanley basin. That means its time to start planning what swimming spots youd like to visit this year. Bcrd trails alturas lake trail alturas lake trail trail in, currently trail is open. The book also presents the latest available information on changes in the land. With more than 18 spirit lake trails covering 4271 miles, youre bound to find a perfect trail like the spokane river centennial state park trail or palouse to cascades state park trail. Looking for a great trail in sawtooth national forest, idaho. The trail offers some nice views of the clear water lake, small inlet sandy beaches, pine woods, small meadows and ponds. Steve has produced a whole new edition of boise trail guide, featuring 95 hiking and running trails in the greater boise area greenbelt trails, mountain trails in the boise foothills, bogus basin trails, new routes in the owyhee canyonlands, and sweet trails in the boise national forest near idaho city, garden valley and smiths ferry.
Everything you need to know about alturas lake triangle. There are 5 double sites, and campsites 2, 27 and 28 are the only ones on the smaller side 24 foot maximum. We have selected books and hikes available in ebook format pdf. The descent down the trail to blue lake is relatively easy, the pathway is slightly rocky, has a gradual decline, and, depending on the season, winds through droves of vibrant wildflowers or beautiful pines until you reach the lake. Smokey bear campground alturas lake camping and fishing. The trail has really filled in on the old road section and now has a nice bridge over alturas creek. Cabin creek lakes pair of lovely mountain lakes without the typical sawtooth crowds distance. Sawtooth wilderness idaho backpacking iron creek th to alturas lake th. Sawtooth wilderness idaho backpacking iron creek th to. Spring has finally settled in and summer is just around the corner. And, located just an earshot from the areas namesake lake. The trail follows the side of the canyon until about 12 mile before the lake, where it levels out on a shelf. Alturas lake is an alpine lake in blaine county, idaho, united states, in the sawtooth valley in the sawtooth national recreation area.
Thousands of acres of north idaho are just waiting for you to discover its secrets. Alturas lake is a fantastic place to camp out along the shore on a sunny summer day. The campground is set in a sparse forest on the north side of the lake. The empire trails are located on inland empire paper property and require a daily nonmotorized permit or a motorized daily or annual access permit. Hiking idaho is excited to announce the completion of the hikers guide idahos sawtooth country. Southeast idaho bear lake and lava hot spring are found in southeast idaho, both exciting destinations for travelers from all over.
The 1,311mile idaho centennial trail ict weaves through the most scenic portions of idahos wild country. List of lakes of the sawtooth mountains idaho wikipedia. Sep 20, 2015 the trail maps and route info are very well done plus it offers a number of eastside hikes often not found in local hiking books. Hikes within two hours of the city is my second favorite book for finding good hikes around seattle. Utah, colorado and idaho since 1966, holiday expeditions has provided trips to the most spectacular landscapes on earth. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. Discover the remote secesh river, the moonlike lava terrain near the lava lakes, the breathtaking vistas from pollock mountain and so much more. Sep 15, 2015 big, blue, and beautiful alturas lake, with a side trip up to the granite knob along the alpine creek trail for an awesome view of the valley. I knew of the alpine creek trails, but had no idea what this trail had in store for me. For more information and printable trail maps please visit us at.
The 900mile 1,448 km idaho centennial trail ict is a scenic trail through idaho. The publisher specializes in outdoor guidebooks to the intermountain west, particularly hiking idaho trails. Idahos most popular campsites require longterm planning. The hikers guide idahos sawtooth country hiking idaho.
The idaho entennial trail provides a unique glimpse of the states tremendous diversity and grandeur. When you park at the lower, you will be trekking 9 miles. Whether its a day hike or a multiple night backpacking trip, it surely wont disappoint. To get to pettit lake from stanley, idaho, drive south 18 miles on state road 75. Wellknown idaho author and hiker, margaret fuller, is trail guide books primary author.
Sep 01, 2001 hiking idaho, 2nd state hiking guides series maughan, jackie, maughan, ralph on. You will want to turn onto nf209 off of highway 75, about 10 miles outside of stanley, idaho. A guide to the states greatest hiking adventures state hiking guides series. Alturas lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for bull trout and kokanee salmon. Upper priest lake navigation trail is an excellent mountain bike trail near priest lake. The trailhead starts at the crown point campgrounds in lake cascade state park.
You can also purchase the guidebooks here on our website or look to meet the author and purchase books directly from hiking idaho during spring, summer, and fall at the capital city public market in downtown boise. I used it to find this hike and plan to continue using it for other hikes in the years to come. Recreation this site is part of the sawtooth national recreation area, where outdoor activities abound. It is home to a large stretch of the rocky mountains, the snake. The deseret hiking route is a true gem, by far the most rewarding route ive ever walked. Whether you are a budding angler or a seasoned veteran, the angler guide can help you plan your next fishing adventure.
Visit these idaho state parks for exceptional hiking opportunities. It winds its way through various ecosystems from high desert canyonlands in southern idaho to wet mountain forests in northern idaho. The crown point railtrail is a nice and easy walking path. Descriptions of 100 hikes, with the help of photos and maps. Day hikes in the sawtooth national recreation area map. Alturas lake creek canyon is also the jumping off point for the alpine creek and eureka gulch adventures. Empire trails, spirit lake idaho, spirit lake, idaho. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and inform builders and other riders about any. Luke kratz grew up in pocatello and has been hiking in idaho since he was very young. Today, we offer whitewater rafting in utah, colorado and idaho, on the colorado, green, yampa, san juan, and salmon rivers.
There are the popular spots like redfish lake, bear lake, etc. Alturas lake inlet campsite photos, reservations and. Theres plenty of parking at the trailhead and some bathrooms as. If you are interested in purchasing his guide books check out his website at. The hiking idaho guidebooks are available through many retailers throughout boise, stanley, ketchum, mccall, and cascade. This guide to rock climbing, mountain biking, crosscountry skiing, and hiking trails in eastern idaho is an excellent companion to trails of eastern idaho by margaret fuller and jerry painter. Alturas lake inlet campground is located on the shores of scenic alturas lake at the foot of the sawtooth mountain range. The blue lake trailhead is a twoacre site with restroom facilities and hitching racks. The trail ends on a beach where you can lay down a blanket a warm summer day and. A guide to the states greatest hiking adventures state hiking guides series kratz, luke, maughan, jackie, maughan, ralph on.
The lake is approximately 21 miles 34 km south of stanley and 30 miles 48 km northwest of ketchum. Home to a large and reservable amphitheatre, alturas inlet campground is home to dozens of primitive campsites including two groupsites that allow for upwards of fifty campers. Explore the sawtooth mountains in central idaho, reaching heights of almost 11,000 feet, or northern idahos mineral ridge, overlooking beautiful lake coeur dalene, and home to idahos famed bald eagle population. Read these sections to explore the wide variety of fishing idaho offers across the state.
The best and most reliable information about where to go hiking in idaho can be found in published trail guide books. Its already time to book your camping reservations for next summer if you want to visit one of idaho s most popular state parks. Alturas lake trail reports no reports have been added for alturas lake yet, add a trail report. The alturas lake trail is not part of the official forest service network. Bear lake is often called the caribbean of the rockies due to its vibrant blue color.
Pettit lake ketchum 2020 all you need to know before. The hills are open sagebrush, while to the west are the sawtooth mountains which provide a majestic backdrop to pettit lake. Alturas lake creek to mattingly divide outdoor project. I wanted the solitude with the least amount of human interaction as possible.
It was one of the first books to have a good map plus route information. Several woodpecker species can be found in the lodgepole pine forest surrounding alturas lake and nearby perkins lake, including rednaped in aspen patches and williamsons sapsuckers, and american threetoed and pileated woodpeckers. Hiking to the bench lakes by way of the shuttle to redfish. Best trails in sawtooth national forest idaho alltrails. While its not an official trail, a hike around the shores of alturas lake is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in central idaho. Pettit lake campground camping near redfish lake and. Oct 31, 2012 video hiking trail guide for upper and lower palisades lakes in southeast idaho. The sawtooth national forest gives the gem of idaho its sparkle. Hundreds of easily accessible trails and climbing routes in eastern idaho are detailed in this book.
It may be a combination of the historic route connecting the eureka town site with sawtooth city, or simply a usercreated trail along the shore of the lake. When somebody in north idaho tells you to take a hike, they mean it. Lace up your boots and sample more than 100 trails in idahos vast. Except as modified in special rules fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap daily bag limits. You will then turn left onto 315, and you can either park at the lower or upper trail head for trail 097. From craggy sawtooth peaks to numerous alpine lakes and dense. Alturas lake also has a dayuse picnic area at its eastern end with a spectacular view of the lake and the sawtooth mountain range. Alturas lake inlet campground is about 25 miles south of. Hiking maps can be obtained from this site or area forest ranger stations. South to north makes sense the idaho centennial trail ict follows existing trails and primitive backcountry roads throughout the state. The guide is organized by regions of the state, which allows you to focus on specific areas. How to get out on the water with a redfish lake boat. Experience the natural beauty of the sparkling lake. One of the best things to take advantage of here is a redfish lake boat rental.
The dhr was consciously designed to tie into other established longdistance hiking trails on either end. Alturas lake inlet campground, sun valley, idaho rei. A few scattered campsites lay along the trail with campgrounds located at the north and south end of the lake. With more than 19 hauser trails covering 4308 miles, youre bound to find a perfect trail like the spokane river centennial state park trail or palouse to cascades state park trail. Alturas lake can be accessed from state highway 75 via sawtooth national forest road 205 in the southern section of the sawtooth valley, alturas lake.
Explore the best trails in spirit lake, idaho on traillink. Big, blue, and beautiful alturas lake, with a side trip up to the granite knob along the alpine creek trail for an awesome view of the valley. If youre looking for great idaho state park trails, check out lucky peak. Why do you need to explore these alturas lake activities. A guide to the states greatest hiking adventures state hiking guides. Youll find an incredible variety of species here, including rainbow trout, bull trout, kokanee, and cutthroat trout. Hiking to the bench lakes by way of the shuttle to redfish inlet trailhead. The 232page guidebook highlights 60 of the greatest walking adventures in the sawtooth. Great friends, great scenery, great fishing, great trip. Bloomington lake is deep in the mountains west of a small town called bloomington. Wed read reports that the lake was full of fish, but there wasnt a. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your bag, and embark on some of the best hikes in idaho. Empire trails, spirit lake idaho spirit lake, idaho.
It is a bit smaller than its northern neighbor, redfish lake, but it has plenty of recreation opportunities and fewer crowds. Explore the sawtooth mountains in central idaho, reaching heights of almost 1 feet, or northern idahos mineral ridge, overlooking beautiful lake coeur. Hiking idaho, 2nd state hiking guides series jackie maughan, ralph. The beach at the northeast corner is a nice spot to spend the day or have an evening picnic. If youre looking for the best trails around lake cascade state park or weilmunster park, weve got you covered. It takes about 35 minutes to take this road and most cars should be able to handle it.