It’s no secret that Idaho is full of hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. If you’ve been craving a unique adventure that you won’t soon forget, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Fault Lake Trail. This hiking trail has it all. Here you’ll find magnificent views in the remote Idaho wilderness, and you’ll even end up at a picturesque hidden mountain lake. This is definitely one you’ll want to put on your to-do list. Take a look at this amazing trail below and prepare for an adventure like no other.
The Fault Lake Trail is located near Sandpoint, Idaho and it's by far one of the most scenic hikes you can take. The hike is rated as moderate, but it will definitely take a full day or more since it clocks in at 12 miles out-and-back.
The trail is easygoing for the first few miles before it starts to pick up elevation. However, with the elevation change comes breathtaking views of the surrounding Kaniksu National Forest. This trail is well-known, but it's lightly trafficked. You'll likely have the whole place to yourself.
After six miles of steadily climbing your way up through the mountains you'll come to the hike's namesake. Fault Lake is like an oasis in the mountains. This small lake is nothing short of breathtaking.
The water is a deep turquoise-blue color. It's absolutely mesmerizing. On a hot day, a dip in the lake is the perfect treat. However, the lake boasts some amazing fishing opportunities as well.
The surrounding rocky terrain is unlike anything you've seen before. You could spend hours traversing every nook and cranny of this mountain retreat. It's views like this one that remind us why we live in beautiful Idaho!
Nothing beats spending a night in the Idaho mountains. If you decide to spend the night, you'll find that there are plenty of places to set up camp and you'll even find a bear box located nearby for storing food. You couldn't ask for a more peaceful campground.
You'll likely have the entire lake to yourself. Surrounded by forest and with the mountains towering over you, spending some alone time here feels utterly magical. It's like having your own little slice of paradise.
Although the trail is often done as an overnight backpacking trip, this hike can easily be done in a day. The trail is well-marked and the elevation gain is reasonable at 2,800 feet. If you're looking for a peaceful escape into the wilderness, the Fault Lake trail is the perfect match.
