As an Idaho local, I can honestly say that Idaho has some of the most beautiful terrain for hiking and backpacking in the United States. And I’m going to share the best Idaho backpacking trips you can go on. Because a lot of people still don’t know that Idaho isn’t just potatoes (!!) and is also known for its rugged mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and densely forested areas, they are blown away.
This state is a backpacker’s paradise due to its thousands of miles of backpacking trails. These dramatic terrains will bring you to remote and peaceful recreation areas where you can set up camp and enjoy the solitude. Spend a weekend out in the nature of Idaho, a place that has something for all of you wilderness lovers!
While researching more about each of these backpacking trails, I recommend visiting AllTrails to find the most updated conditions. I’ll also recommend this book, Backpacking Idaho. While it’s old and published in 2005, a lot of the information is still good, and you can cross-reference with AllTrails!
So, let’s get into it, shall we? Here are some of Idaho’s best backpacking trips that either I’ve personally been on, my husband has been on or our friends have done!
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Idaho’s Best Backpacking Trips
1. Alice Toxaway Loop in the Sawtooth Mountains
Mileage: 19.2 miles – Elevation Gain: 3,500 – Nights: 2
Located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the unforgettable Alice Lake Hike, which is accessible by backpacking the Alice Toxaway Loop. This multi-day trek is roughly 19 miles with an elevation gain of around 3,500. The views are completely gorgeous, thanks to the breathtaking alpine lakes you get to hike by, including Alice Lake. This is one of the most popular and favorite backpacking hikes in the Gem State, and the trailhead starts at the beautiful Pettit Lake. It is recommended to break the trail up into at least two nights and three days, making it a perfect weekend trip!
You do need a permit to hike this trail, and it is free of charge. When you hit 1.2 miles into the hike, you will see the free permit box, which is where you can grab it.
Trail Details: Alice Toxaway Loop in the Sawtooth Mountains
2. Goat Lake and Goat Falls via Iron Creek Trail, Alpine Way Trail
Mileage: 8.1 miles – Elevation Gain: 1,768 – Nights: 1
Hike the 8.1-mile trail of Goat Lake and Goat Falls near Stanley, Idaho. This trail can either be made as a long day hike or a stunning backpacking trip. I recommend both! However, turning the trail into an overnight trip is always preferred. There is an elevation gain of 1,768 ft, making it relatively uphill for most of the hike. The views at the top make it completely worth it. Once you reach the glass-like lake, soak your feet for a while or take a swim in the refreshingly cold water. Then, set up camp while you enjoy the sunset reflecting off of the lake.
Trail Details: Goat Lake and Goat Falls
3. Imogene Lake
Miles 13.4 mi – Elevation Gain: 1,459 ft – Nights: 2
Imogene Lake is in a unique area in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. It is a high alpine lake that has a unique shoreline, thanks to its bedrock, which sits beneath. There are also a few different islands that sit on the lake. The hike is 13.4 miles long and relatively enjoyable for the majority of it up until the end, which has a high elevation climb of around 1000 feet and a bunch of switchbacks. Once you take the final plunge, it will provide you with breathtaking views. You will pass waterfalls, ponds, and mountain lakes during this epic backpacking journey.
Permits will be located at the trailhead. Sign them and bring them with you in case you are stopped.
Trail Details: Imogene Lake
4. Tin Cup Hiker
Mileage: 20.6 mi – Elevation Gain: 3,169 feet – Nights: 2
For a two-night trip, take on the Tin Cup Hiker Route hiking trail. This route is 20.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 3,169 feet. You will even pass some of the other areas on this list, including Alice Lake. There are three other lakes you will hike along Twin Lakes, Toxaway Lake, and Farley Lake. You are guaranteed stunning views just from these four lakes alone. In addition to that, you will go through a thick forest. The hike is recommended to break into three days and two nights. Take your time at the lakes and take in the incredible views along your journey.
Wilderness trail permits are required and are available at the trailhead
Trail Details: Tin Cup Hiker
5. Marten and Kelly Lakes
Mileage: 9.16 miles – Elevation Gain: 1434 ft – Nights: 1
Experience the backpacking trail of Marten to Kelly Lakes. This 9.16-mile trail could be made in one day, but backpackers recommend it for a quick overnight trip. You can set up camp for the night at Marten, Kelly, or Elizabeth Lakes. This is one of the less popular trails, as crowds don’t know about it as much as other popular hikes in the area. The hike is relatively flat for half of it until you reach the creek. From there, you will take on a steady elevation until you reach the top. The lakes are very pretty as a full forest surrounds them. Set up camp near the lake as you enjoy the remote area of Marten and Kelly Lakes.
Trail: There is no detailed trail on All Trails for this. Use the Marten Lake trail and continue from there to Kelly Lake.
Trail: Marten and Kelly Lakes
6. Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek
Mileage: 10 – Elevation Gain: 1.8 miles, Nights: 1
Discover the beauty of this 10-mile out-and-back trail near Stanley, Idaho. Known for its challenging nature, this trail presents a rewarding adventure, with an average completion time of approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. This can either be done as a day hike or one where you spend the night. The optimal times to embark on this trail are from June to October, and dogs are welcome!
Trail: Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek
7. Two Mouth Lakes
Mileage: 9.1 – Elevation Gain: 9.1 miles Nights: 1
Sitting in the Selkirk Mountains are two high alpine lakes known as Two Mouth Lakes. This 9.1-mile backpacking trip is a quieter route that still packs in the views. The hike starts out on a logging road, which then turns into a climb through a forest above Slide Creek. About two miles later, the trail hugs a ridge as you start making your descent down to the lower lake. You can then explore the Upper Lake, which is only 0.4 miles down that trail. There are campgrounds located near the lower lake due to its sandy shoreline. However, the Upper Lake is deeper and has a forested shore instead. Two Mouth Lake is a serene and peaceful area, ideal for a night of backpacking that takes you away from it all!
Trail Details: Two Mouth Lakes
8. Redfish Inlet to Cramer Lakes
Mileage: 14.7 Elevation Gain: 2,080 ft Nights: 2
Take on the 14.7 backpacking route known as Redfish Inlet to Cramer Lakes, located in the Sawtooth Mountains. The first part of the hike will bring you to the chain of alpine lakes located in the wilderness, and the first part of the hike will showcase granite boulder fields and views of Redfish Lake. Around the 4-mile mark, you will see a split for Alpine and Cramer Lakes. This is a great place to camp to split the trail into shorter segments for a two-night backpacking trip. The next day, continue your hike until you reach the lakes. Best campsites are said to be near the top of the waterfall, which sits between the upper and middle lake.
Trail Details: Redfish Inlet to Cramer Lakes
9. Upper Palisades Lake Trail
Mileage: 15.0 miles – Elevation Gain: 1,679 ft Nights: 2
Get ready to explore the Palisades Lakes on the Upper Palisade Lake Trail. This 15-mile route will start from the trailhead with an easy route to the lower lake. Then, you continue on a flat trail toward the upper lake. The second part of the hike becomes very steep and can be a bit challenging. But the rest of the hike is relatively easy, with a lot of flat sections. I recommend breaking the hike into two days and two nights, allowing some to rest and enjoy the gorgeous lake views! There are about six campsites near the Upper Lake for you to set up camp at. Cook up a delicious dinner while appreciating the sunset.
Trail Details: Upper Palisades Lake Trail
10. Rainbow Lakes
Mileage: 7.7 mi – Elevation Gain: 2,221 ft – Nights: 1
Enjoy the easy backpacking route of Rainbow Lakes, which can also be done as a day hike. Located in the Boise National Forest is this 7.7-mile round-trip hike. Be sure to take the road from Featherville, as the other route requires a high clearance 4X4 vehicle. You will start your trek at the Rainbow Lake Trailhead and hike up to the lake. Then, you’ll pass a few lakes while also passing through Caton Meadows. You will then climb to a low saddle before you drop to Caton Lake. From there, you will continue until you reach Middle Rainbow Lake. Here, there are campgrounds by the lake for you to enjoy your night as you nestle up under the stars.
Trail Details: Rainbow Lakes
11. Saddleback Lakes
Mileage: 8.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2,237 ft Nights: 1
Another hike that starts at Redfish Lake Trailhead is the 8.6-mile Saddleback Lake hike. This strenuous hike has steep climbs, and it is known as the steepest trail in the Sawtooth Mountains! So I recommend making it an overnight trip rather than a long day hike. It is best to avoid this hike after heavy rainfall as you do need to cross the Redfish Lake Creek. This can be impossible if the creek has high water. So, if this gorgeous and hard hike is on your bucket list, just be sure to research the area before setting out for your adventure.
Trail Details: Saddleback Lakes
12. Trail Creek Lakes from Grandjean Trailhead
Mileage: 10.3 miles – Elevation Gain: 2,851ft, Nights: 1
Take a five-mile hike up to Trail Creek Lakes leaving from the Grandjean Trailhead. This 10.3-mile total hike is a collection of small alpine lakes that are set in the Sawtooth National Forest. The portion of the hike that is in the valley is exposed to the sun, so be sure to cover up to avoid any heat exhaustion or sunburn. You will reach a junction where one trail continues toward Stanley Lake, and another goes to Trail Creek Lakes.
As you continue to Trail Creek Lakes, the incline will become heavy, with the last section being straight uphill. Remember to take breaks and hydrate during this part.
After that, the trail will flatten out, bringing you around the lake. Here, you will find flat campsite spots, a few near the lake inlet and some on the path that continues along the shore. Most importantly, give yourself a pat on the back for making it up to the lakes as you enjoy your night out in the wilderness.
Trail Details: Trail Creek Lakes
13. Surprise Valley to Lake 10148
Mileage: 13 miles – Elevation Gain: 2900 ft
Hiking through Surprise Valley is a bucket list for many backpackers. This stunning valley will eventually bring you to the foot of Standhope Peak! This trial goes through rugged terrain and puts you near a few different lakes. There is a decent amount of elevation gain, making most of the hike an uphill climb.
You will eventually reach Lake 10148; from here, you can continue through the valley to visit the bottom of Standhope Peak. The lake is a perfect area for backpackers who want a remote area to set up camp. You may not see many other people out here due to the difficulty of this amazing hike.
Trail Details: Surprise Valley
14. Salmon River Trail
Mileage: 95.3 mi Elevation Gain: 442 ft
The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the furthest away from a road that you can get in the lower 48 states! This is a trail that goes along the Salmon River for about 95 miles and is broken out into different sections. The elevation gain is only 442 ft. Most backpackers choose a portion of the trail to complete, while others spend a week out in the wilderness. Here are the different routes along the Salmon River Trail.
- Section 1: Boundary Creek to Sheepeater Camp
- Section 2: Sheepeater Camp to Marble Creek Camp
- Section 3: Marble Creek Camp to Shelf Camp
- Section 4: Shelf Camp to Driftwood Camp
- Section 5: Driftwood Camp to Otter Bar Camp
- Section 6: Trail Camp to Big Creek Bridge
Trail Details: Salmon River Trail (note that all of these will have their own guide on AllTrails)
Let me know if you go on any of the best backpacking trips in Idaho in the comments! I’d love to hear what your thoughts are.
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