Easy Hikes in Idaho
Fourth of July Lake: This hike is signed at 1 mile distance, but I think its more like 2 miles one way. Its at high elevation, but not much elevation gain. To get there you go through Stanley, past Redfish Lake, past the tiny town of Obsidian, and look for a sign on the left of the road that says Fourth of July trailhead. Its about 15 miles on dirt road to the trailhead, and an easy 2 mile hike from there. There are camp sites at 3 o’clock (with the outlet being 6 o’clock), 8 o’clock, and 12 o’clock, and maybe others in the nearby woods. The lake is shallow, not very swimmable, and fishable for small trout.
Hellroaring Lake is an easy hike in the Sawtooths. Its fairly low elevation, so its good for spring and late fall backpacks. It is about 3 miles one way, 300’ elevation gain. From the Highway 21 Junction in Stanley, drive south on Highway 75 for approximately 14.8 miles. Head east past Redfish lake turnoff.
Turn west onto forest road 209 (44.029032, -114.833462). This road may not be signed, but signage is present for Fourth of July Road, which is located just across the street and about 200 feet south.
The dirt road immediately crosses the Salmon River and arrives at a junction.
Turn left at the junction onto forest road 315.
Continue south for 0.3 miles to the signed trailhead for Hell Roaring Lake. You can park on the road and walk up the last 3/4 mile, or try to drive it and risk doing damage to your car. Its 3 miles one way, 300’ elevation gain.
Baker Lake is a super easy hike near Ketchum. Its a 1 mile hike to a nice lake stocked with golden trout. In the fall it was deserted, but I bet it could be very busy with dayhikers in the summer. This lake is where my mind goes when I’m trying to be relaxed in the dentist chair. Peace and calm and wonderful views.
Boulder, Summit, and Rapid Lakes are nice lakes in the McCall/Donnelly area, with an easy 4 mile one way hike to Rapid Lake. I’ve seen big fish caught here, from a float tube. This a great destination when the mosquitoes are gone, like late July or later.
To get there you go south from McCall past the airport, and turn left on Elo Road just past the McCall Airport. Elo Road turns into Boulder Lake Road and winds through pastoral ranches and forested hills. There are many side roads in the hills, created by logging activity. Keep to the most well traveled branch, and at 7.4 miles you will be at Boulder Meadows Dam. Hike past the dam 2 miles to Boulder Lake, or keep going about 2.5 more miles to hit Rapid Lake. This lake has a lot of camping sites, and is not heavily visited, so its great for a large group. Below:: Rapid Lake, and below that, Summit Lake.
Camel Falls is a 3 mile hike in the Owyhees, with no elevation gain. This can only be done in the shoulder seasons, because it gets so hot in the summer. Camel Falls is off the Owyhee Scenic Byway, a paved 2 lane road. Its a 3 mile hike across a level plain with no trail. You park your car near the road, walk up a short road to gain the flat plain, then head for 3 miles across the plain till you hit a dropoff where the falls are. The falls might be dry, but there is a nice pool at the bottom of the falls, perfect for a swim.
Directions:
from Boise drive to Grand View
Highway 78 to MudFlat Road
Travel Mudflat Rd to past Bennett Reservoir, park on dirt side road on left of road, past Bennett Reservoir parking at 42 34 58.06N, 116 37 21.25W
Hike past Bullhead reservoir, to top of plain
Follow road a short distance, ¼ mile, then take compass bearing from an oriented topo map, and head cross country on the compass heading straight for Camel Falls. You wont see it till you get there
Camel Falls is at 42 32 57.57 N, 116 36 23.26 W
Camp on plain overlooking the falls.