If I were planning a day hike to Alice Lake here’s what things would look like for me. Sign Up. Create Recommended Route or Trail . A permit is required, but it is essentially a “walk-up” permit. These gifts are perfect for the avid hiker in your life, or even for yourself. The trail to Alice Lake is pretty straight forward and easy to follow. The beauty of Pass Lake is that since it is so close to the park’s main attraction, hikers often overlook the trails. You can’t go wrong choosing to hike on the Alice Lake trail. When somebody in North Idaho tells you to take a hike, they mean it! The Alice-Toxaway Loop is roughly 19 miles long with about 3,500 feet of total elevation gain. All the juicy data for the trail. There are, however, plenty of places to park in and around the Petite Lake area, you just may have to walk a little further depending where you end up. Standing tall and all alone at 11,401’ it’s ranked as Idaho’s 50th highest peak. I can't say which place is the most beautiful because each year I think I have found a new spot that is more beautiful than the ones before. The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. I was looking for something beautiful, dog friendly, and easily accomplished in 2-3 days, and Alice Lake met all the qualifications. Again, maybe this isn’t the norm for the area, but just what we experienced. Pass Lake in Custer County is 11.3 acres. We made it to the trailhead on a windless Saturday afternoon. If you’re new to hiking, expect that this will be a physical challenge since the hike is mostly uphill on the way to Alice Lake, but you’ll get a nice consistent downhill for your return back to the car. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 33 Best Gifts for Outdoor Women | The holidays are fast approaching and so we put together a gift guide based on products that we love for outdoorsy women. Stanley is home to Sawtooth Lake, widely considered Idaho’s best day hike— and for good reason. Norton Pass. Some enjoy an off-trail side trip down to the lakes via the southeast ridge of the mountain. Videos. Baron Pass to Upper Baron Lake is a 21 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lowman, Idaho that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Jul 7, 2014 - Easy to Moderate hike to beautiful alpine lake.. Blue Lake Trail is a hiking trail near Cascade, Idaho, United States - Pictures Once you spot this route (details in the link), the lake is about a mile down and many like to bring fishing gear to snag a trout for dinner. From Ketchum, drive north on Highway 75 to the Baker Creek Road; turn left until the Norton Creek sign and drive right about 1.5 miles to the trailhead. My below Alice Lake trail guide will cover the following: 1. Although the mileage on day two is shorter, you’ll be crossing over a high pass and will have several side trip options. 15 pages of my best hiking, backpacking and rock climbing tips, techniques and inspiration to help you get started today on honing your outdoor adventure skills & ultimately becoming more confident and self-sufficient on the trails. The cell service isn’t great out there though, so be sure to download your map to your device in advance, or print out instructions to get there. If you want to get away from the crowds a bit, head a little bit further past Alice Lake towards Twin Lakes and camp around there. Landon Otis . Date Species Quantity General Size; 8/31/2019: Golden Trout: 384: Less than 6 inches Good views and prime habitat for park wildlife. Day 5: Moraine Marathon - and here we have Idaho: Edna, over the pass to Edith Lake, to Yellow Belly Trail, completing the second loop. You can find the “GPX tracks” for this hike to load into your own GPS below. Alice Lake Trail Map & GPX File – I love maps and outdoor navigation, so I've created a map detailing the whole trail that you can explore. Best time to visit Alice Lake (When to Go) - Details about the best time to hike Alice Lake Sawtooth Mountains and typical weather to expect on your trip. 33 seconds ago Hiking to Hidden Sawtooth Waterfalls | Idaho. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 15 Unique Camping Gifts for Her | Picking a present for a woman who camps can seem overwhelming! Wilderness Trail to Echo Crater. Next to City of Rocks National Reserve is Castle Rocks State Park, boasting more spectacular scenery and a wide variety of hikes . Is there drinking water available along the Alice Lake trail? Green forested valleys provide a vital food source for grizzly bears and other species. Is hiking Alice Lake dog friendly? This may or may not be an issue for you when you hit the trails to hike Alice Lake, but we ran into quite a few bees during our time in Idaho. Dogs are allowed to hike with you (on leash) in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. Priest River, Idaho. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 43 of the Best Gifts for Rock Climbers and Boulderers | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a rock climbing gift guide based on products that I love. How to Get to Alice Lake in Idaho - Where is Alice Lake located and how do you get there? Alice Lake is one of the many stops along the famous Tin Cup Hiker’s Loop that connects Alice and Toxaway Lakes with several others by crossing over the Snowyside Pass. The lake is protected and calm, and brave visitors might enjoy a swim in the cold, high-mountain water. While I’m sure the Alice Lake area is beautiful year round, there are some more optimal times to visit... especially if you’re hoping to avoid snow and experience good weather. Turn right at onto Forest Rd 208 (look for signs for Petite Lake) and follow a gravel road for about 2 miles and turn toward Tin Cup Trailhead when you come to an intersection with several options. MickDuff’s Brewing Company . You can check the weather conditions at one of the following resources: Mountain Forecast – One of my favorite sources for mountain weather forecasts when checking a few days before a trip. After a few miles of mellow uphill, you’ll find a meadow and then head into steeper areas of rocky beauty and great views of Alpine Lake. Compared to many of my adventures in California, getting a permit to hike in this area of the Sawtooth mountains was a breeze. Palisades Creek Canyon • (Swan Valley Idaho) • Palisades Creek Trail is located about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls and about 60 miles west of Jackson Hole WY in Swan Valley Idaho, The four mile hike up to lower Palisades Lake or the 6.2 mile hike to Upper Palisades Lake provide some of the best mountain views in the Swan Valley region. Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. From wool socks to down jackets, these are all great products that we can personally vouch for. In the Gospel Hump Wilderness, take Forest Road 444 while keeping an eye out for the hidden trail to Lower Lower Gospel Lake . | shedreamsofalpine.com, 27 Campervan Gifts that Every Van Owner Would Love to Get | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a gift guide for the campervan owner. These gifts are perfect for the outdoor woman in your life, or even for yourself. : Deuter makes some of the best backpacking backpacks out there. (Hint: near Petite Lake, Idaho). Alice Lake Crowds: The hike to Alice Lake is a pretty popular hike in the Sawtooth Mountains, especially if you go during the summer and on the weekends. There are 4 primary river crossings to get to Alice Lake. We returned to Jackson from Idaho thru this pass. for my recommendations on hiking clothing and layering! Hiking Idaho . One Lake: St. Joe Lake Summer days see the St. Joe River in North Idaho lined with anglers working its blue-ribbon waters. If you’re up for an extra challenge, I highly recommend considering the Alice-Toxaway Loop. Roughly 7 miles, all descent. 7 Tips to Hiking and Summiting Your First Fourteener Mountain, Essential Backpacking Hygiene Tips & Feminine Care in the Outdoors, 15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Your First Time Backpacking, Hiking and Backpacking in the Rain Like a Pro. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the Sawtooth Mountains. : Petzl is one of the best brands for top-quality headlamps, and my go to for a lot of outdoor gear. Password help. This will be your “biggest” day. The Hike Follow hike 35 to the upper Norton Lake. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as this route can be very hot and dry. Day hikes in the Lake Louise area Along the spine of the North American continent, the Rocky Mountains rise high into the clouds and blue glaciers cling to their slopes. Grab my Packing Checklist below! Do I still need a permit if I’m not backpacking or camping overnight? 15-20 mile Hike Through From Lick Creek Summit to Chinook Campground- Via Loon Lake. Alice Lake is one of the many stops along the famous Tin Cup Hiker’s Loop that connects Alice and Toxaway Lakes with several others by crossing over the Snowyside Pass. To be extra safe, stop by one of the Sawtooth National Forest Ranger Stations along highway 75 to get updates on current trail conditions and water levels for the river crossings. When you get to the lake, take a moment to see the extraordinary set of peaks surrounding its shores. Gorgeous alpine lakes sit along the route, nestled in basins. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 25 Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Men | Get the outdoorsman in your life a birthday or Christmas gift that they’ll truly love to use in the backcountry by using this specially curated list of outdoorsy gifts for him. This loop can be tackled in a day (if you’re in really good shape), but is very enjoyable as a 2-3 day backpacking trip. Small lake next to Al... ice Lake Photo by Ky Rowberry # hikingidaho # hikingidahogroup See More. I’m so glad that our first introduction to the Sawtooth Range was the Alice Lake area, because it is hands-down one of the most beautiful trails I’ve ever been on (and I’ve been on a LOT of beautiful trails). Not because it’s too difficult, but because the first two attempts I didn’t give myself enough time. It's filled with 15 pages of hiking, backpacking and rock climbing tips, techniques and inspiration to help you hone your outdoor adventure skills and become the ultimate outdoor badass. All roads are suitable for passenger cars. Learn how to tackle the trail in this hiking guide. Join me and one badass group of women on a transformational adventure, where you will learn how to confidently go on your first ever (or perhaps your first solo) outdoor backpacking trip without the constant fear of getting lost, the crippling worry of being unprepared, and the lurking feeling that you lack the "know-how" and skills required to stay safe on the trails. Dogs are allowed on the trail. Also be sure to check out these essential hiking resources! Hike the rugged... 2. The trail is easy to follow all the way to the lake. Besides the natural and inherent dangers and challenges that come with backpacking or hiking in the great outdoors, sometimes trails have “specific” challenges or hazards that are good to be aware of. It’s a wooden stand along the trail, you won’t miss it. This will add a couple miles to your trip though, so be aware. An 8.5-mile RT hike, the journey to Sawtooth Lake will take you through over 1,700 feet of elevation gain and stunning vistas the entire way. Outdoorsy women are badass. Parking: When we went (mid September), we had no issues parking in the Tin-Cup Trailhead parking area. Hiking. Handheld GPS with Satellite Communicator: (Like the Deuter Act Lite 45 + 10L Backpack), Water Bottles and/or Camelbak Hydration Pack. Idaho Selkirks Harrison Peak is an easy approach once you get to the end of Upper Pack River Road which can take about 30-40 minutes after you turn off Highway 95. Though I have not done this one yet, I am planning on doing it at some point this summer, time willing. Intrepid hikers can tag Twin Lakes, just above Alice, in an additional four roundtrip miles. Follow the trail through the forest and alongside Iron Creek. Hiking Idaho Guidebooks. Don't forget! 6. The Hiking Trail Hiding Along The Idaho-Montana Border That Takes You To A Crystal Clear Mountain Lake Hiding right along the Idaho-Montana border at an elevation of 6,814-feet is a place known as Thompson Pass. 4. Santa's Christmas eve Owyhee hike. We never got stung, but I was definitely on edge around the parking lot where they were congregating. If you are going backpacking however, here’s a quick look at what we recommend: 1) Backpacking Backpack (Like the Deuter Act Lite 45 + 10L Backpack) This hike is off the beaten path and leads to the largest waterfall in the Sawtooth Mountains and a beautiful alpine lake. Camp at Twin Lakes. Hurricane Pass Includes Avalanche Divide, Schoolroom Glacier, Sunset Lake, Alaska Basin Trailhead: South String Lake Trailhead Distance: 10.9 miles (one way) Elevation Gain: 3,468 feet The hike to Hurricane Pass (elevation 10,338 feet) is without a doubt one of our favorite Grand Teton National Park hikes, and we highly recommend it for anyone to who's in reasonably good physical condition. 3-days on the Alice Toxaway Loop: Day 1: Start at Tin Cup Trailhead. Up top, you’ll see an old fire tower, spectacular mountains, and the Red Mountain Lakes below. : These puppies will save your knees! Below is a look at the Alice-Toxaway Loop Map (and you can also grab the GPX tracks for this if you join my GPS Tracks Library in Section 3). So far my favorite phone GPS app solution is the premium version of the GAIA GPS, which allows you to download maps in advance and take them offline into the backcountry (perfect for the Lost Coast Hike!). This jewel of the Sawtooths is complete with jagged peaks, ridges, meadows, creeks, waterfalls, and more. From down jackets to gear patches, these are all great products that we can personally vouch for. These gifts are perfect for the avid backpacker in your life, or even for yourself. This hike can be completed in 1-3 days depending on your goals and fitness level. Boise National Forest 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200 Boise, ID 83709 (208) 373-4100. Sawtooth Lake Hiking Basics. The main thing you need to watch for is that when you’re at the Tin-Cup Trailhead, hike clockwise to head toward Alice Lake. The Pass Lake Loop provides a nice, quiet forested trail near the popular Deception Point State Park. Then, you’ll keep going uphill for 1.5 more miles until you summit Red Mountain. 12) Trekking Poles Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Located in the Idaho panhandle on the Idaho-Montana divide, Stevens Peak is 2.5 miles south of the town of Mullan, Idaho and I-90. NOTE: There is no hiking trail that encircles Crater Lake in the summer. Hazards & Challenges of Hiking the Alice Lake Trail – a short list of the top hazards and challenges you might face along this trail. Get access to this trails GPX file PLUS my library of GPX files with tracks and waypoints for all the trails loaded onto the She Dreams of Alpine blog. Hike counter-clockwise toward Toxaway Lake. Hiking maps can be obtained from this site or area forest ranger stations. Even if you’re only day-hiking you still need to fill this out. Live like a Boise local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Day 1: Start at Tin Cup Trailhead. This Idaho Hike Leads To An Abandoned WWII Aircraft And Most People Don’t Even Know About It. There’s so much fun camping gear, it seems like she can never get enough stuff – but where do you start to choose the best camping gifts for her? The trail is above a deep gorge of Norton Creek and on the right is a high ridge. Maybe it was a particularly high time for bees when we visited, but they were obvious, buzzing, and not shy to explore. Roughly 4 miles and 1,400 feet of gain. In City of Rocks National Reserve , you’ll find over 22 miles of hiking trails situated among massive rocks and impressive scenery. Trailhead: The Mount Shark Trail Head. We ran into less on the trail. It’s about eight miles to the falls. Photo by Petya Stoyanova Johnson # hikingidaho # hikingidahogroup. These gifts are perfect for the van owner in your life, or even for yourself. District Offices. I own the Garmin inReach mini now and I pair it with my Garmin 64st, but you can save weight by getting this all-in-one solution. Yes. Grizzly bears used to inhabit the Sawtooth range, but are now locally extinct. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Sandpoint is a fabulous gateway for hikers of all abilities. Depending on whether you day-hike Alice Lake or go backpacking will greatly vary what you need to bring with you. If you’re new to my site, well then let me tell you one thing: I like to write EPIC trail guides. You won't go wrong with any of these outdoor gifts for her. Don't forget to pack rain gear! These 9 Hiking Trails In Idaho Are Completely Out Of This World. A Few Quick Facts About the Alice Lake Hike: Trail to Alice Lake: Starts at Tin Cup Trailhead (near Petite Lake) and heads toward Alice Lake, Type of Trail: Out and Back (if only hiking Alice Lake), can be connected into a loop commonly called the Alice-Toxaway Loop, How many miles is the hike to Alice Lake: ~12 miles round trip, but you can extend the trip to Twin Lakes if you want to hike a bit further (~2 miles extra round trip), OR backpack the entire loop (see section 10 for more details on the Alice Loop), Total Elevation Gain: ~2000 feet total elevation gain to Alice Lake and back, Alice Lake Hike Trailhead: Tin Cup Trailhead (at Petite Lake Campground). Hiking to Idaho’s oolite. If you’re using google maps, a quick search of “Tin Cup Hiker Trailhead Idaho” or “Petite Lake Campground Idaho” will get you where you need to go. DONT FORGET A BEAR CAN OR A BEAR SACK Thousands of acres of North Idaho are just waiting for you to discover its secrets. There is an established Campground right at the Tin-Cup Trailhead near Petite Lake called, the Petite Lake Campground, but all the sites are first-come first-serve and the campground fills up fast. Combine a variety of short trails to make your own longer routes that lead to arches, windows, and other natural features. Idaho Centennial Trail day 34: Porcupine Pass to paved road (exit Clark Fork) Hiking trail in Tuscor, Montana (United States). Hike counter-clockwise toward Toxaway Lake. Great Views, including some of the Tetons Tight switchbacks and curves, some of them very steep, … Since the Sawtooth area is a National Forest, there are also ample opportunities, pullouts, and camping spots that make for great “free-camping” alternatives to the established campground nearby. Contact Information. You’ve got a few options when it comes to camping at and around the Alice Lake area. REMEMBER: Leave No Trace website recommends that you camp at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from water sources to allow access for wildlife to the water. Bend is a MUST visit for anyone who loves to spend time adventuring in the outdoors. Hiking the Wilderness of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. The hike to the utterly gorgeous Bloomington Lake is just 1.4 miles out-and-back. The rules of the Sawtooth National Forest at the trailhead recommend camping at least 100 feet (roughly 35 adult steps) away from lakes, rivers, and trails. Hiking in Stanley, ID ... Stanley is home to Sawtooth Lake, widely considered Idaho’s best day hike— and for good reason. 6. You never know when weather can change, and it can’t often happen unexpectedly. All Waters Open All Year. Farley Lake is another two miles below Toxaway Lake, and this is another opportunity for camping, but the sites are harder to find. Looking for a Challenge? I want you to find anything and everything you need for your adventures into the mountains so you can feel fully ready and prepared for any trip you embark on. When you get to the lake, take a moment to see the extraordinary set of peaks surrounding its shores. July 14, 2018 . I own a Garmin 64st and LOVE this device. The Stanley Lake area is probably the hiking destination in Idaho. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 29 of the Best Gifts for Backpackers | The holidays are fast approaching and so I decided to put together a gift guide for those in your life that love backpacking based on products that I love. Stevens Lake is a 4,227 m popular blue singletrack trail located near Mullan Idaho. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. After packing up our site at Willow Lake, we hiked from 8,800 feet to 10,200 feet over the course of 3.7 miles. Plus I’ll also share the details about the Alice-Toxaway Loop if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge and extra-epic scenery and viewpoints to boot. If you are new to backpacking, the Sawyer squeeze is an affordable first water filter, however I do prefer my Katydn in most scenarios. The options are limitless out here! 54 km one way, 2-3 day hike ; Elevation gain: 1346 m, elevation loss: 1691 m ; Maximum elevation: 2470 m The details. We want to keep these places beautiful, and respect the land we are in. This is another good spot to camp for your second night out. Hiking Idaho. OR. The Twin Lakes area is beautiful though, and well worth the extra push if you can swing it. 5. However, I could easily see this area filling up quickly on the weekends in peak-season. I would drive in the night before my hike and camp either at the Petite Lake Campground or in nearby Forest Land. Oct 15, 2018 - Sawtooth Lake in Stanley Idaho is one of the most beautiful dayhikes in the Sawtooth wilderness. If you’re in Stanley, continue South along Highway 75 for about 18 miles. At mile 6.9 on the regular Alice-Toxaway Loop, split north onto Trail 7040, passing Edith Lake to find Trail 7092, which crosses the 9,200-foot pass to Imogene Lake, 3.4 miles from the main loop. Roughly 12 miles and 3,500 feet of gain. July 1 through Labor Day they are required to be on a leash. Please Note: The below links may contain affiliate links. They seemed particularly interested in hanging out around the hood of our car when we were getting our backpacking stuff ready. A little bit of research, and you’ll find some excellent spots to take a dip nearby. Stay Connected! 3. Upper Priest Lake Trail to Continental Creek Trail. Enjoy the Empire Trails in Spirit Lake, Idaho! : Microfiber Towels will be perfect for this trip since they don’t take up too much space in your backpack! Distance: 6.8 miles. The Empire Trails are located on Inland Empire Paper property and require a daily non-motorized permit or a motorized daily or annual access permit. Start on the Clear Creek Trail for a steep 2-mile jaunt to the intersection with the Red Mountain Trailhead. After a quick snack break, we had a decision to make: where to camp that night, and how to get there. 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. There are so many different trails in the area. Taking the Stanley Lake Trailhead we headed back into the Sawtooth National Forest, first searching ... Email Newsletter. Don’t ever risk getting lost, and don’t rely on other people for your safety outdoors. It's about a 45-minute drive from Idaho 21 to the trailhead. What to Bring - What are the essential items you should bring on your Alice Lake hiking trip? Check out the Alice Lake area weather average temperature map below for reference. 2) Handheld GPS: If you hike often or go backpacking, then I highly recommend you investing in a handheld GPS. Click an image to purchase and for more information. Leave the camper trailers behind and visit the headwaters of this world-class river, a pretty lake tucked in the shoulder of the Bitterroots. You can get immediate access to it below. Plus, I’m told organization and planning are some of my biggest super-power’s, so I might as well put them to good use here for you. From the rugged Sawtooth Mountains to the Gospel Hump Wilderness, Idaho offers adventures for every hiker, from those looking for an afternoon stroll to those seeking a hard-charging backcountry adventure. There are quite a few river crossing along this trail, and earlier in the season will make those crossings trickier and potentially dangerous. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. I always bring my Black Diamond Trekking Poles with me! Descend the trail the same way you came, but enjoy the ease of downhill on your way back to the trailhead. Share a Gem . Yes, you’ll need a backcountry permit (no fee). 7. Some may prefer to do this as a long, single-day hike or even a trail run. This Stevens Peak is the highest mountain in the western reaches of the main Bitterroot range. 10. Learning how to prevent and properly respond to animal encounters in the wild is an absolutely essential skill to learn in the backcountry, and one of many key skills we teach in my backpacking program, Become an Outdoor Backpacking Badass. Merriam Lake is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mackay, Idaho that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Camp spots range from $16 to $32 a night, no hookups, and runs from June to September.