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    Looking for the best backpacking in Idaho? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Idaho. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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    Top Backpacking Spots in and near Idaho

    • Stanley, Idaho

      Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek

      4.9
      10.04 mi / 1962 ft gain
      Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...
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    • Salmon, Idaho

      Hike & Soak in Goldbug Hot Springs

      4.7
      3.52 mi / 1350 ft gain
      Reaching the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is pretty straightforward. It is located South of Salmon, Idaho and north of Challis, Idaho. The turnoff is near mile marker 282 on highway 93. This turns into a short dirt road (heading east) with a trailhead at the end; wooden fences and a restroom wil...
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    • Ketchum, Idaho

      Alice Lake via Petit Trail

      5.0
      11.97 mi / 1673 ft gain
      Alice Lake is a must-see, jaw-dropping alpine lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether it's a day hike or a multiple night backpacking trip, it surely won't disappoint. Put on the Idaho playlist, we're headed to Stanley! In Stanley, hang right at the T in the road and continue 17 miles south alo...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

      5.0
      10.85 mi / 1893 ft gain
      Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of the...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Saddleback Lakes

      5.0
      8.64 mi / 2129 ft gain
      The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish...
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    • Cascade, Idaho

      Camp at Blue Lake

      5.0
      Blue Lake is a great spot to spend a night next to the lake but is also the perfect escape if you're looking to get away for just the day. The stars at night are worth the trip alone, as it's far away from light pollution. It gets a little windy sometimes but there is plenty of cover and trees to...
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    • Boise County, Idaho

      Jennie Lake Trail

      4.0
      8.38 mi / 1998 ft gain
      Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines. Getting There: Make ...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Cramer Lakes via Redfish Inlet Trailhead

      4.0
      14.78 mi / 1880 ft gain
      Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Marten Lake and Kelly Lake

      5.0
      9.16 mi / 1434 ft gain
      The Sawtooth mountain range consists of hundreds, maybe thousands, of small, crystal clear lakes. Because of the sheer number of lakes, there are many destinations where the foot traffic is considerably low. Most weekend packers will stick to the familiar: they find themselves hiking to Sawtooth ...
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    • Ketchum, Idaho

      Alice Toxaway Loop

      5.0
      27.71 mi / 5515 ft gain
      The Alice/Toxaway Loop is a standard loop in the Sawtooth Mountains, ID.  The basic route is around 20 miles and takes 2-3 days.  This trip report will outline our Aug 2016 trip and also give multiple options for you to use your own imagination when coming up with your own route.  Below is my tak...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Imogene Lake

      5.0
      13.41 mi / 1496 ft gain
      You will want to turn onto NF-209 off of highway 75, about 10 miles outside of Stanley, Idaho. You will then turn left onto 315, and you can either park at the lower or upper trail head for trail 097. When you park at the lower, you will be trekking 9 miles. If you choose the upper, you will be t...
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    • Mackay, Idaho

      Hike to Kane Lake

      4.7
      6.8 mi / 1717 ft gain
      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 roc...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Trail Creek Lakes

      4.5
      10.39 mi / 2923 ft gain
      Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure. The hike starts at 5200' above...
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    • Sandpoint, Idaho

      Winter Backpack on Mt. Roothaan

      4 mi / 1200 ft gain
      The Selkirk Mountains in northern Idaho don’t see nearly as many visitors as neighboring ranges in Washington and Montana, but it’s not for a lack of scenery and rugged backcountry. Mt. Roothaan sits along a jagged crest in the western Rocky Mountains above scenic Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhan...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Thompson Peak Trail

      4.0
      12.59 mi / 3976 ft gain
      The Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of...
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    • McCall, Idaho

      Hike to Loon Lake

      4.8
      10 mi / 3355 ft gain
      This pretty simple hike is just outside of Burgdorf, though it is fun enough that my friends and I hike it every year. The trailhead starts out at Chinook Campground where there is free parking if you are making the hike; you can also camp there for a small fee. There are two trails you can take ...
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