Kane Lake Trail

Kane Lake Trail is a stunning 8-mile out-and-back hike to Kane Lake, an alpine lake with waterfalls and a backdrop of the Pioneer Mountain Range. The trail is in the Salmon-Challis National Forest in central Idaho, part of the Lost River Ranger District. With almost 2,000 feet of elevation, the hike is not only pretty but challenging.

You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle with decent clearance to navigate the rocky, rugged dirt road to the trailhead. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead and no facilities. You can also hike the Summit Creek Trail from there.

The start of Kane Creek Trail

The first 2 miles of the trail are deceptively easy. Winding your way through the forest and crossing creeks, breath in the scent of pine and the quiet murmur of wind through the trees. Catch a peek of the mountains from a summer green meadow.

Pioneer mountain range

Kane Creek

Around mile 2, the landscape changes from lush forest to a field of rocks. The last 2 miles to Kane Lake entails carefully picking your way along a rough path through the rocks. Then there’s a scramble up cliff ledges with a spectacular view of the Devil’s Bedstead peaks.

Don’t slip on the rocks

Devil’s Bedstead Peaks

With rugged mountain walls, waterfalls spilling down the rock face, emerald-green waters–Kane Lake is well worth the trek.