Here at Only In Idaho, we’re firm believers that it’s never too early to start planning your summer adventures. After all, summertime in Idaho provides all sorts of fantastic adventure opportunities that are worth getting excited for, like the incredible hiking trail featured here. This trail is only accessible during summer, starting in July and sometimes extending into October, and you’ll see that it definitely belongs on your outdoor bucket list. Leading you straight to a chain of four alpine lakes, you’ll be left in total awe once you reach the end. Every step of this summer hike pays off, so consider tackling this adventure in the upcoming months.
If you love exploring Idaho's alpine wilderness, consider the Independence Lakes Trail in the Albion Mountains a must. From the trailhead, the 3.5-mile trek takes you to each of the four lakes on Mt. Independence.
The Independence Lakes Trail starts out in a small and unimproved campground. It's a moderately difficult trail and it climbs approximately 1,300-feet in elevation, but the sight of these pristine alpine lakes makes it worth every step.
Alternatively, hikers can opt to summit nearby Cache Peak which provides an inspiring birds eye view of the entire chain of lakes. Each option will leave you with an experience to remember, that's for sure.
From the campground, the trail takes you across Dry Creek and through a shaded area dense with towering pine trees and lush foliage. The beginning of the trail is the easiest, only increasing in difficulty during the last stretch of the entire hike.
As the trail takes you out of the forest, you'll be treated to wide open views of the valley below and mountains in the distance. After a fork in the trail, you'll head right and start the final ascent to the lakes
You'll reach the first lake in the chain after about three miles from the trailhead. You'll then be taken along to the rest of the three lakes. Depending on the year's water conditions, you could even witness a fifth body of water at the end of the chain.
Hiking in and out to the four Independence Lakes makes for a summer day trip that you're bound to remember. The sight of those pristine lakes surrounded by such mountainous beauty makes the moderate trek worth every step.
