You can’t go wrong hiking in the Sawtooths! Many alpine lake hikes are long and some people opt to backpack them to extend their stay overnight. This is a summer & fall hiking and backpacking guide only. Always follow the leave no trace principles.
Before hiking download AllTrails maps! It is worth the subscription to be safe and know where you’re going. (not sponsored) https://www.alltrails.com
I will share with you a couple of my favorite hikes, and if I recommend hiking to or backpacking to Idaho’s stunning alpine lakes. I’ll first list some of my favorite’s to park and walk right up to!
- Petite Lake
- Stanley Lake
- Alice Lake
- Twin Lakes
- Goat Lake
Ready to get all the photography you possibly can? Here is how I hook my camera to my pack for easy access: https://amzn.to/3PrT79r
Petite Lake
Petite Lake is an alpine lake located south of Stanley, Idaho. This lake is my favorite to bring my inflatable paddle board to! The shoreline is shaded with trees and the water is blue clear. The drive from hwy 75 is a bit of a long and bumpy one, so bring a reliable vehicle and take it slow.
*Please note; you CAN NOT leave any trash here whatsoever! There are no garbage cans.
(Side note) my favorite protein bar that doesn’t taste like a protein bar: https://amzn.to/3Zp7JuM
Stanley Lake
Stanley Lake is an alpine lake north/west of Stanley, Idaho. It is a quiet one with magnificent views of McGowen Peak. The road is paved and nice. There are rest rooms and garbage cans – make sure you do not leave any trace behind!
Alice Lake
Alice Lake is an alpine lake hike that is about 12 miles round trip. This one I recommend backpacking as the elevation gain isn’t too terrible (I am an avid hiker and runner so it be sure to train for this!) 6 miles up about 1,600 foot elevation gain. You will have to cross 4 rivers as well. Bring snacks, sun protection, and water and a water filter. Camping here can get cold. It got down to at least below 40 degrees when we visited, and can get much colder!
Backpacking? Here is my favorite Yogi Tea that puts me to sleep and warms my belly! https://amzn.to/3ZwVYTi
Hike rating: moderate-difficult
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is a 16 out and back mile trail. I recommend backpacking to Alice Lake, and hiking up to Twin Lakes from your camp at Alice Lake. It is 2 miles up hill, and 2 miles down to Alice Lake again.
Hike rating: difficult
Goat Lake
Goat Lake is a challenging 9 mile round trip hike near Stanley, Idaho. This hike is 1,800 foot elevation gain starting at Iron Creek Trailhead. The last half mile is where most of the gain is so be prepared with lots of water, proper foot wear, and snacks. Do not leave any trace behind. This place is too incredible to disrespect. I would recommend hiking this in a day rather than taking a heavy pack up the steep parts, but that’s only my opinion! Bring sun protection & a water filter; this hike gets long coming back down in one day. You will have to cross rivers however most have trees or rocks to hop across.
hike rating: difficult
Enjoy hiking in the Sawtooths of Idaho near Stanley! Remember to always pack out what you’ve brought with you and leave no trash behind. Be respectful of others who are enjoying nature. Hiking to Goat Lake, Idaho was one of my favorite adventures in the summer of 2023! Hiking to Alice Lake, Idaho and Twin Lakes, Idaho was one of my favorite backpacking trips of 2022. I recommend going in the early fall like my friends and I did. Lastly, visiting Stanley Lake, Idaho and visiting Petite Lake, Idaho is a must stop when visiting Stanley. Don’t forget to check out the Idaho hot springs nearby!
Find more information at the Forest Services’ website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sawtooth/recreation/hiking
See more Idaho adventures and other travels at @earthtosarahphotos on Instagram! If you like my photography, you can get prints here: https://earthtosarah.darkroom.com
Comment if you have more questions.
Happy Trails! Leave no trace!
Earth To Sarah 