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Hike to Kane Lake

Mackay, Idaho

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

6.8 miles

Elevation Gain

1717 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Radley Peterson

Hike through meadow, dense forest, rock fields, and end at a pristine high mountain lake at 9,000 ft. surrounded by 11,000 foot peaks. Located in the Pioneer Mountain Range, it's only 20 minutes from Sun Valley, ID.

This hike into the Pioneer Mountain Range starts out in a small meadow near Kane Creek, which you will follow for nearly the whole hike. Once you hit the forested area the uphill climb begins and doesn't stop until you get to the lake. About half way up the trail will begin taking you through rock fields that can be slightly difficult to traverse. Though once you are through those the lake is just ahead and the views are well worth it.

To get there from Sun Valley, follow Trail Creek Rd. east for 19.3 miles until you reach a Forest Service sign telling you to turn right towards Kane Lake, follow this road for about 5 miles and you will reach the trailhead. It is highly recommended that you have an off road capable vehicle for this final section of driving.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Hike to Kane Lake Reviews

Trailhead is an approximately an hour from Ketchum. The turnoff and last 4 miles to the trail is rough, rocky and narrow. Has to be a high clearance vehicle. Not passable with any car. Parking lot is small, can fit 10 or so vehicles Trail is fairly gentle most of the hike. The last mile is a bit of a scramble with rocks. There is a path most of the way til the very end when you have to climb a few large rocks. Lake a beautiful.

This trail is not just 20 minutes from Sun Valley. From Boundary Campground on Trail Creek Road it's 55 minutes. About 30 minutes from Boundary Campground to the right turn you have to take towards Kane Lake. There is a sign. Then another 25 minutes along a rough rock and gravel road. We did see a Subaru there but we were happy with a high clearance truck. The hike itself starts out very easy and through the forest. As you hit mile 1 it starts up hill, as you pass multiple streams and waterfalls. At 2 miles you hit a lot of rocks and some trail finding and at mile 3 you are well into scrambling some rocks and some serious incline. This hike is at a minimum 7 miles and we logged 7.5. The signs do say 3.5 miles one way from the gate. I would say this is a moderate hike but because of the incline at the end (most of the 1,700' in elevation gain is in the last mile and a half) it could be rated as difficult with the rocks. The lake is absolutely beautiful, but not the most in Ketchum (go to Lower Norton Lake for that), but it was worth the challenge of the hike and the long drive. There were places to camp and have a lunch near the water. The water was freezing! Other hikers on the trail pointed out wild raspberries and so we sat for a minute eating a delicious snack! We highly suggest checking this trail out but just know that it is a long drive, can be a difficult hike and there is zero cell service.

When I went there was no shortage of rain in late fall. But don't be afraid to pack a rain coat and your rain fly and head on up. This lake is gorgeous and surrounded by stunning peaks. We weren't able to catch it during waterfall season but if you go in May or June, expect waterfalls galore cascading from the mountainside. The hike is not long but definitely has some major altitude gain. It is beautiful though and gives a very intimate view of Idaho wilderness. Hike on!

Leave No Trace

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