As fantastic as river floating, rafting, and fly fishing are, sometimes the best lakes in Idaho are where all of the best things happen. Boating, beach-lounging, sunset-watching, just listening to the ripples lap against the shore … it sounds pretty dreamy! But while our major lakes — beautiful as they may be — are well worth a visit, Idaho is home to dozens more that don’t get the accolades that they should. Today, we’ve decided to highlight just a few of the best lakes throughout the state: the hidden gems, local swimming holes, family outing-perfect hideaways, and intense hiking destinations.
- Browns Lake
Steve/Flickr Like so many of the Idaho alpine lakes tucked away in the Sawtooth Mountains — or even the Sawtooths themselves — Browns Lake takes quite the hike to get, but is well worth the effort. The well-known Queens River Trail is much less traveled than the Sawtooths’ more popular Alice-Toxaway loop and makes an idyllic side trip. Not for the faint of heart, this blue-tinged water body sits gloriously surrounded by the sheer granite mountains and you’ll no doubt find evidence of wandering bears. Browns Lake, Idaho 83716, USA
- Round Lake
D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr There’s a lot to love about this sparkling lake in the Panhandle. Neatly tucked away in its own state park, Round Lake is a beautiful, woodsy spot for camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying the majestic scenery of Northern Idaho. Ice fishing and ice skating are popular in winter as well, and cozy cabins add a homey touch, while extra rentals and amenities found at busier lake locales make for an unforgettable experience. Hike to Cocolalla Creek, stargaze in the evenings without the threat of light pollution, and just listen to the bullfrogs croak. It’s positively magical. Round Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
- Lone Lake
D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr For one of the best fall lake-loop hikes of your life, a 4.5-mile round-trip hike offers views of incredible cascades in the Silver Valley, complete with vibrant colors and rich foliage. Lone Lake is aptly named for its isolation, and you won’t find much of a trail to get here … but you will find multiple creeks and waterfalls guiding you to your destination. Lone Lake, Idaho 83846, USA
- Chatcolet Lake
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr Construction of the Post Falls Dam in 1906 backed water through Lake Coeur d’Alene and raised the level of Chatcolet Lake to merge it with Round and Benewah lakes. However, the banks of the St. Joe are high enough to form a natural tree-lined levee that creates a river within the lake — the only “river between lakes” in the country. Chatcolet is particularly delightful to visit with a unique bridge over the water and a large, blue expanse that is reminiscent of the larger Pend Oreille. Chatcolet Lake, Idaho, USA
- Crimson Lake
U.S. Forest Service While Mount Borah and its surrounding peaks are the tallest in Idaho, they don’t get nearly the same amount of attention as the Sawtooths due to their oval-ish, rocky facades. But tucked within the Frank Church Wilderness — specifically the Salmon-Challis National Forest — sits picturesque Crimson Lake. Far removed from the busyness of Sun Valley, but absolutely stunning in every way, this little alpine gem north of Bonanza offers colorful views of Cape Horn and easy access from the Middle Fork of the Salmon — meaning a wild and rugged frontier no matter which way you turn. Crimson Lake, Idaho 83278, USA
- Kane Lake
Pixabay/CC0 Just a short trek from Sun Valley, a challenging hike through meadows, dense forests, and rock fields, ends at this pristine high mountain lake, which is dwarfed by the 11,000-foot peaks of the Pioneer Mountains. The hike follows Kane Creek nearly the entire way. Blissfully overlooked, however, you’ll find all the peace, quiet, and breathtaking views you can hope for. Kane Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
- Tolo Lake
Jasper Nance/Flickr This quiet, shallow lake near Grangeville is a true hidden gem, despite being the largest lake in the Camas Prairie. Once a historic gathering place for the Nez Perce, named after and a pivotal spot during the Nez Perce War, this pond-like body of water is perfect for fishing and relaxing. Named after a prominent Nez Perce woman, buried beneath the centuries of silt, a Columbian Mammoth was unearthed here as well. Plus, some of the prairie silt was refashioned in the lake to create nesting and safety islands for local waterfowl and wildlife. Tolo Lake, Idaho 83530, USA
- Iron Bog Lake
silent7seven/Flickr Iron Bog Lake is a gorgeous and unexpected destination not too far from Smiley Mountain or Craters of the Moon, featuring abundant campsites, great views, and fruitful fishing. A mountain peak rises straight out of the lake, making for an impressive and unique sight, but you’ll also find flower-filled meadows to the south to add even more magical greenery to this south-central Idaho oasis. Signs mark the way to the steep trailhead, but the path evens out as you get closer to your waterfront destination. Iron Bog Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
- Spirit Lake
Idaho Fish & Game/Flickr Set in the town of the same name, this haunted lake is a delight to visit during the daytime. With 12 miles of shoreline, it is also the highest small lake in the region with an elevation of 2,400 feet. Crystal clear and surrounded by gorgeous greenery, this lake was once a part of the same glacier that carved the Pend Oreille and Coeur d’Alene lakes. Quaint waterfront homes and cabins dot the shoreline, but public use areas are easy to find and offer exceptional views of this “bottomless” lake! Spirit Lake, ID 83869, USA
Idaho has more waterfront views than most people realize. Where is your family’s favorite lake getaway? What do you believe are some of the best lakes in Idaho? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Steve/Flickr
Like so many of the Idaho alpine lakes tucked away in the Sawtooth Mountains — or even the Sawtooths themselves — Browns Lake takes quite the hike to get, but is well worth the effort. The well-known Queens River Trail is much less traveled than the Sawtooths’ more popular Alice-Toxaway loop and makes an idyllic side trip. Not for the faint of heart, this blue-tinged water body sits gloriously surrounded by the sheer granite mountains and you’ll no doubt find evidence of wandering bears.
Browns Lake, Idaho 83716, USA
D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
There’s a lot to love about this sparkling lake in the Panhandle. Neatly tucked away in its own state park, Round Lake is a beautiful, woodsy spot for camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying the majestic scenery of Northern Idaho. Ice fishing and ice skating are popular in winter as well, and cozy cabins add a homey touch, while extra rentals and amenities found at busier lake locales make for an unforgettable experience. Hike to Cocolalla Creek, stargaze in the evenings without the threat of light pollution, and just listen to the bullfrogs croak. It’s positively magical.
Round Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
For one of the best fall lake-loop hikes of your life, a 4.5-mile round-trip hike offers views of incredible cascades in the Silver Valley, complete with vibrant colors and rich foliage. Lone Lake is aptly named for its isolation, and you won’t find much of a trail to get here … but you will find multiple creeks and waterfalls guiding you to your destination.
Lone Lake, Idaho 83846, USA
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
Construction of the Post Falls Dam in 1906 backed water through Lake Coeur d’Alene and raised the level of Chatcolet Lake to merge it with Round and Benewah lakes. However, the banks of the St. Joe are high enough to form a natural tree-lined levee that creates a river within the lake — the only “river between lakes” in the country. Chatcolet is particularly delightful to visit with a unique bridge over the water and a large, blue expanse that is reminiscent of the larger Pend Oreille.
Chatcolet Lake, Idaho, USA
U.S. Forest Service
While Mount Borah and its surrounding peaks are the tallest in Idaho, they don’t get nearly the same amount of attention as the Sawtooths due to their oval-ish, rocky facades. But tucked within the Frank Church Wilderness — specifically the Salmon-Challis National Forest — sits picturesque Crimson Lake. Far removed from the busyness of Sun Valley, but absolutely stunning in every way, this little alpine gem north of Bonanza offers colorful views of Cape Horn and easy access from the Middle Fork of the Salmon — meaning a wild and rugged frontier no matter which way you turn.
Crimson Lake, Idaho 83278, USA
Pixabay/CC0
Just a short trek from Sun Valley, a challenging hike through meadows, dense forests, and rock fields, ends at this pristine high mountain lake, which is dwarfed by the 11,000-foot peaks of the Pioneer Mountains. The hike follows Kane Creek nearly the entire way. Blissfully overlooked, however, you’ll find all the peace, quiet, and breathtaking views you can hope for.
Kane Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
Jasper Nance/Flickr
This quiet, shallow lake near Grangeville is a true hidden gem, despite being the largest lake in the Camas Prairie. Once a historic gathering place for the Nez Perce, named after and a pivotal spot during the Nez Perce War, this pond-like body of water is perfect for fishing and relaxing. Named after a prominent Nez Perce woman, buried beneath the centuries of silt, a Columbian Mammoth was unearthed here as well. Plus, some of the prairie silt was refashioned in the lake to create nesting and safety islands for local waterfowl and wildlife.
Tolo Lake, Idaho 83530, USA
silent7seven/Flickr
Iron Bog Lake is a gorgeous and unexpected destination not too far from Smiley Mountain or Craters of the Moon, featuring abundant campsites, great views, and fruitful fishing. A mountain peak rises straight out of the lake, making for an impressive and unique sight, but you’ll also find flower-filled meadows to the south to add even more magical greenery to this south-central Idaho oasis. Signs mark the way to the steep trailhead, but the path evens out as you get closer to your waterfront destination.
Iron Bog Lake, Idaho 83251, USA
Idaho Fish & Game/Flickr
Set in the town of the same name, this haunted lake is a delight to visit during the daytime. With 12 miles of shoreline, it is also the highest small lake in the region with an elevation of 2,400 feet. Crystal clear and surrounded by gorgeous greenery, this lake was once a part of the same glacier that carved the Pend Oreille and Coeur d’Alene lakes. Quaint waterfront homes and cabins dot the shoreline, but public use areas are easy to find and offer exceptional views of this “bottomless” lake!
Spirit Lake, ID 83869, USA
While the small lakes in Idaho are beautiful in every way, sometimes you want to spend your day at one of the larger lakes in the Gem State. Payette Lake, located in McCall, is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho and perfect for a day on the water. However, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Sharlie, the legendary Payette Lake Monster.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lakes in Idaho May 20, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the most beautiful places in Idaho to visit? Every mile of the Gem State is breathtaking! However, we do have a few favorite areas that we believe are some of the most beautiful places in Idaho such as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Located in central Idaho, this area is an outdoor lover’s paradise with gorgeous lakes, hikes, mountains, and more to explore. In total, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is 756,000 acres of pure beauty. The Palouse Region is also at the top of our list of the most beautiful places in Idaho. This entire region is one of the best natural wonders in Idaho as it features more than 18,000 square miles of small rolling hills. However, what is interesting about these small hills is that they are actually made from dust and silt called loess. It is believed these hills were formed by dust storms thousands of years ago. If you want to explore the Palouse, we suggest a visit to Moscow, home of the University of Idaho. This small town is nestled in the heart of the Palouse and is gorgeous in every way. What are some other hidden lakes in Idaho? If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet near one of the best Idaho alpine lakes, Bloomington Lake in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is an absolute must. You will have a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to conquer but the trail is rated easy and the lake is absolutely magical. Bring your entire family along to visit this Idaho hidden gem.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lakes in Idaho
May 20, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the most beautiful places in Idaho to visit? Every mile of the Gem State is breathtaking! However, we do have a few favorite areas that we believe are some of the most beautiful places in Idaho such as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Located in central Idaho, this area is an outdoor lover’s paradise with gorgeous lakes, hikes, mountains, and more to explore. In total, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is 756,000 acres of pure beauty. The Palouse Region is also at the top of our list of the most beautiful places in Idaho. This entire region is one of the best natural wonders in Idaho as it features more than 18,000 square miles of small rolling hills. However, what is interesting about these small hills is that they are actually made from dust and silt called loess. It is believed these hills were formed by dust storms thousands of years ago. If you want to explore the Palouse, we suggest a visit to Moscow, home of the University of Idaho. This small town is nestled in the heart of the Palouse and is gorgeous in every way. What are some other hidden lakes in Idaho? If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet near one of the best Idaho alpine lakes, Bloomington Lake in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is an absolute must. You will have a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to conquer but the trail is rated easy and the lake is absolutely magical. Bring your entire family along to visit this Idaho hidden gem.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Every mile of the Gem State is breathtaking! However, we do have a few favorite areas that we believe are some of the most beautiful places in Idaho such as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Located in central Idaho, this area is an outdoor lover’s paradise with gorgeous lakes, hikes, mountains, and more to explore. In total, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is 756,000 acres of pure beauty.
The Palouse Region is also at the top of our list of the most beautiful places in Idaho. This entire region is one of the best natural wonders in Idaho as it features more than 18,000 square miles of small rolling hills. However, what is interesting about these small hills is that they are actually made from dust and silt called loess. It is believed these hills were formed by dust storms thousands of years ago. If you want to explore the Palouse, we suggest a visit to Moscow, home of the University of Idaho. This small town is nestled in the heart of the Palouse and is gorgeous in every way.
What are some other hidden lakes in Idaho?
If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet near one of the best Idaho alpine lakes, Bloomington Lake in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is an absolute must. You will have a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to conquer but the trail is rated easy and the lake is absolutely magical. Bring your entire family along to visit this Idaho hidden gem.
