How thankful we are for our lakes in Idaho, of which there are hundreds. While some of these lakes are quite popular and attract thousands of individuals, others are the perfect destination when you are searching for some peace and quiet. Yellow Belly Lake, located along the edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area and north of Pettit Lake in central Idaho, is a remote lake where you can get truly get away.

Yellow Belly Lake is one of the larger lakes in Idaho tucked away in the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Wayne DeGrendele/AllTrails
This lake in Custer County is 192 acres, giving you plenty of space to spread out, enjoy the fresh air, and revel in the serenity it brings.
It will impress you in every way as the shimmering blue water, panoramic mountain views, and tree-lined shore are picturesque.
Brian Diehm/AllTrails
However, unlike other nearby lakes, it is without a well-maintained road on which to travel, so the best way to reach this gorgeous body of water is on a hike.
The Yellow Belly Lake Trail is moderately difficult - a 3.8-mile out-and-back hike that takes you right to the shores of this beautiful body of water.
Brooke Lawatch/AllTrails
You will find the trailhead off of forest service road #365 near Pettit Lake. The hike offers a few challenging areas along the way, but the majority is quite easy and even beginner hikers can tackle it with few issues.
We love how well the trail is maintained and easy to follow.
Andrea Larson/AllTrails
Be sure to pay attention to the ground as there are some rocky areas you must conquer.

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As you go along, you’ll find inspiration in the forested areas, which provide some shade on a hot summer day.
Zachary Calhoun/AllTrails
And keep an eye out for the beautiful natural features, such as waterfalls, moths, and wildflowers.
Yellow Belly Lake is recommended fishing water and is home to all types of trout, so if you love to fish, bring a fishing pole along.
David Foster/AllTrails
When you are searching for some peace and quiet, it is easy to find it at Yellow Belly Lake.
jennifer lee/AllTrails
Because sometimes it takes getting away to a hidden lake in Idaho to put it all in perspective.
Sharon Ball/AllTrails

For more information about fishing, visit Yellow Belly Lake’s web page. Have you ever been to Yellow Belly Lake, one of the best lakes in Idaho? We’d love to hear all about your experience on the trail and at this stunning lake in the comments!

Did you know that the Sawtooth Mountains are some of the most photographed mountains in America? If you have never explored these mountains and many of their hidden gems, add a visit to your Idaho bucket list today.

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More to Explore

Remote Parks In Idaho

Carolyn Harmon | June 16, 2023

What are the most remote parks in Idaho?

Take this unforgettable road trip to five of the least-visited state parks in Idaho. This unforgettable journey is approximately 375 miles, so plan for about 7 hours of drive time.

  • Bruneau Dunes State Park (27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Road, Bruneau, Idaho) This astounding 4,800-acre state park offers year-round activities, such as hiking, sandboarding, and camping.
  • Three Island Crossing State Park (1083 S. Three Island Park Drive, Glenns Ferry, Idaho) Located in the Owyhee Canyonlands, the views here are reason enough to visit, but history lovers pay attention: As the site of one of the most dangerous river crossings along the Oregon Trail, it is also home of the Oregon Trail History and Education Center.
  • Lake Walcott State Park (959 Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert, Idaho) In addition to fishing and boating, you'll find a 21-hole disc course on these beautiful 60 acres.
  • Massacre Rocks State Park (3592 W. Park St., American Falls, Idaho) Located near American Falls in southern Idaho, this park offers gorgeous images of the Snake River. It is also full of rich geological and pioneer history.
  • Land of Yankee Fork State Park (24424 State Hwy 75, Challis, Idaho) And for some interesting frontier mining history, this lovely park is home to such interesting historical sites as the Challis Bison Kill site, the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse and Bonanza, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge.

For more information about these cool places, visit the Idaho State Parks and Recreation website.

What is the most remote spot in Idaho?

Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness contains 2.4 million acres of astounding Central-Idaho mountain ranges, treescapes, canyons, and the acclaimed whitewater Salmon River. It is also here where you'll find the most remote point in the state - over 17 miles from the nearest road, where if you go, the payoff is immense.

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Yellow Belly Lake, Idaho 83637, USA