5 Lake Backpacking/Hiking Trips Anyone Can Do
Guest writer Jason Rojas is an outdoor enthusiast who has explored all around Idaho's beautiful wilderness. Here are his picks for the top 5 lake backpacking/hiking trips that anyone can do. For more of his amazing Idaho photos, check out his Instgram @hiking_stuff.
Looking for a hike around Idaho but
not sure where to start? With 19,000 miles of trails in Idaho the good news is
there are no shortage of trails for day hikes or backpacking. Depending on how
snowy the winter, some trails are ready to hike as early as April or May. This
post will detail some hikes that I have done personally over the last few years
since moving to Idaho.
Difficulty: Beginner
You could do this hike in the
morning and still have plenty of time to shop and eat in nearby Sun Valley. To
get to the trailhead from the south, drive through Sun Valley on Highway 75 for
about 20 minutes until you turn left on NFD 162. Simply follow the dirt road
until you see the Norton Lakes sign and turn right. There is parking for about
12-15 cars. Signage at the trailhead is pretty clear where to go.
The well maintained trail begins by
climbing sharply and never quite lets up. Luckily, after only 2 miles you’ve
reached Lower Norton Lake at about 9,000ft with towering peaks as you look
across the emerald lake. Along the way you’ll have a mix of pine forest and
meadows that give varying views of a rugged mountain ridge to your right, and
tons of wildflowers and sage in the meadows. You may even run into deer. To
make this hike really satisfying, continue another half mile up the trail to
Upper Norton Lake. This glassy lake is about the same size but more isolated. Both
are stocked with fish and have a few small camping areas if you plan to make
this an over-nighter. Because of the proximity to Sun Valley and the short
trail expect to see other hikers. If you are feeling really ambitious, go past
the upper lake to Norton Peak along a multiple switchback trail to the 10,336 foot
Norton Peak. You’ll be rewarded with great views of both lakes and the Smoky
Mountains. This area has many alpine lakes and over the crest lies Miner Lake
if you want an even longer trip.
Imogene and Hell Roaring Lakes
Difficulty: Intermediate to
Strenuous
Imogene Lake boasts 3 islands, one
of which is sometimes accessible, waterfalls and ample camping. I recommend
making it at least an overnight trip as the hike is approximately 9 miles one
way, with the last four miles being fairly strenuous. The trailhead is the same
trailhead for Hell Roaring Lake. From the south, take Highway 75 and turn left
just before Fourth of July Creek Road onto Decker Flat Road. This is a very easy
turnoff to miss. There are no signs and as soon as you see some cars, you’ve
missed it. After the turn, drive over the bridge, past the large parking area
for a short distance and park right by the sign. Unless you have a rock
crawling 4X4, I wouldn’t continue driving to the upper trailhead.
The trail begins flat and rocky,
out of reach of the easily heard creek. There
is much evidence of forest fires and old burn areas. Don’t expect much shade
before you reach Hell Roaring Lake. The trail winds away from the creek only to
meet it later just as you think you’ll run out of water. This is also a horse
trail, which means manure and lots of dust on the trail certain times of year. It’s
usually not too bad until late in the season or after heavy use. I’ve done this
hike over 4th of July weekend (HOT!), Memorial Day weekend (creek
too high to reach destination), and late July/early August (just right). It’s
about 5 miles to Hell Roaring Lake and a foot bridge crosses the creek outlet
to reach the final goal. Early in the season this may be impassible from snow
runoff.
This is a perfect lunch pit stop,
turn around point, or end to the first day of hiking. At least half a dozen
camp sites are available at this 7,407 ft lake. Admire the rocky spire across
the lake known as the Finger of Fate before continuing. As you pass Hell Roaring, the trail begins
climbing rapidly with a lot of switchbacks in addition to steep, but well
graded, slogs up to Imogene at 8,430 ft. This portion of the trail is more scenic
since you are now higher with good views of the lake you left behind and Mount
Cramer. Also, cooler temps and more shade mean less misery. You cross a foot
bridge near a staggeringly beautiful and rocky waterfall immediately before
reaching Imogene Lake. Imogene is a large, truly beautiful glacial lake with smaller
surrounding lakes and waterfalls. Spend a layover here searching for them. If
you have the time or energy, I’d recommend circumnavigating the entire lake on
the easy to follow trail. You’ll get a quite a different view from the opposite
shore.
Independence Lakes
Difficulty: Beginner
A drive of approximately two hours
from Twin Falls will have you ready to start an enjoyable 2 mile hike to
mountain lakeshore camping. A favorite for scouts and horse riders, anyone from
Oakley or the surrounding area will probably be well aware of this short but
steep hike to 4 lakes in the Albion Mountain Range. Nearby Cache Peak and Mount
Independence form the basin for these alpine lakes.
To start your hike, head south of
Burley toward the city of Oakley on ID 27. Head east on Oakley’s main street
which turns into the Oakley-Elba road and finally Independence Lakes road. This
is a relatively steep and rough gravel road but going slow in a mid-size SUV
was no problem. There is a good sized parking lot with an outhouse and picnic
area.
This is a beginner trail because it
is wide, well-worn and short, but some may consider the continuous incline for
2 miles and 1,100 feet of elevation gain moderate hiking; Especially if you are
carrying more than 30 pounds of gear. I did this hike at the end of July and was
rained on the entire time so plan accordingly. As you make your way up somewhat
confusing switchbacks, the stunning views of the valley stretch for miles. You
can see the South Hills and, in the far off distance, catch a glimpse of Utah.
As you come off the mountainside to climb, the trail is very wide and easy to
follow. The pine trees provide shade for a break if needed. After some vertical
walking, the first lake is at roughly 8,800 feet and the second 9,000. There is
no trail after the second lake to the others. Pick your way over the boulders
because they’re worth a visit and also short walks. Some clear campsites can be
found at the lakes and several have fun boulder fire pits and plenty of tent
space.
Bench Lakes
Difficulty: Beginner
Redfish Lake website for
details. If you start at the southwest boat drop off, this relatively
exposed hike is 3.3 miles one way with approximately 1200ft elevation gain to
the first Bench Lake. It is flat with lots of switchbacks.
Along the way are magnificent views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The serene first lake is very clear water with trees right up to the bank and mountain backgrounds. There are plenty of logs and rocks for resting and snacking. Continue the less than half mile to the second lake around the left side of the first. The next three lakes are off trail and I had a difficult time finding even one, so be careful if you decide to veer off for some bushwhacking. This hike can be hot midday and it will probably take you at least 2.5 hrs round trip. Thankfully, you can head back to the Redfish Lodge for dinner and a drink afterward.
Kane lake
Difficulty:
Beginner to Intermediate
Although
the hike is not strenuous, the last few driving miles are. I was amazed to see
a Volvo station wagon at the trailhead. I would seriously consider/recommend a
high clearance 4WD vehicle due to deep muddy troughs in the road with water in
them. Make sure to check your spare tire before going. To get here from Sun
Valley, take Trail Creek Road up the mountain until you see a sign for Kane
Lake, about 20 miles. Make a sharp right and buckle up for several miles of
bumpy road. However, there are beautiful mountaintop views as you creep along. Once
you reach the trailhead with minimal parking a small sign lets you know you’ve
reached the right place. Go through the gate, close it behind you, and you’re
on your way.
Located in the oft traveled Pioneer
Mountain Range, this hike has quite varied terrain over 3.5 miles. It will take
you through open marshy meadows, forest, rocky fields, small boulder scrambling
and finally an unspoiled high mountain lake at 9,000 ft., overshadowed by
11,000 foot peaks. If it’s high water, consider holding off on this hike until
later in the summer due to some creek crossings. Late summer or early fall
should be no problem. Located in a large mountain cirque, Kane Lake was one of
my favorite and most scenic trips. It has cliffs on one side and Goat Mountain
on the other.
When you reach the top of the
ridgeline, you’ll wonder if you’re off track as Kane Lake is still another 100
yards or so up and over a slight ridge. Once you arrive you are greeted by a
mountain wall with a tent like point. There’s wildflowers, rocks to jump off
and a waterfall across the lake. In addition, there were lots of icicles at
this time of year and we could hear ice splitting and falling down at various
times throughout the day, echoing of the mountains. In late September this hike
was variably rainy, sunny and windy. Night time temps were low 20s.
I hope you enjoyed this article and
learned about some spots you’ve never been. Douglas Lorain has written a great backpacking
book about Idaho if you want more hikes and greater detail.
Nice writing Jason, thanks
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