Coeur d'Alene, ID

If you are looking for an adventure with a great view, try hiking into Crystal Lake. With a rugged hike over rocks and down steep paths, the trek to the lake is good exercise and well worth the trip. The lake is a great spot for swimming, fishing, or snorkeling. Crystal Lake is located about 65 miles southeast of Coeur d’Alene at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. At this elevation, it can snow into June, making July and August the best months to visit.

The drive up to the hiking trail is scenic and beautiful. In July plan on stopping several times along the way to pick huckleberries and thimbleberries. At the base of the trail there is a restroom and parking area for use by hikers and even a place to camp for the night with a fire pit. Two trails lead to the lake, the first, which is the harder of the two is located across from the restrooms and is not recommended for younger children. While this trail is pretty rocky and uneven, one advantage is that is does pass by a natural spring with clear water. The second trail, a mile further up the road, takes you up a short jeep trail before getting to a cleared hiking path. This trail is suitable for children as young as six and isn’t as strenuous. If you have a strong 4-wheel-drive vehicle the jeep trail can make your hike a little shorter and definitely less steep.

Once you get to the lake, you will find several camping spots with fire pits. This is a fantastic place for a camping trip if you are prepared. Water and light snacks are a must for the hike, and for camping bring warm sleeping bags and food that is easy to pack in. I suggest taking MREs (meals ready to eat) and carrying your water in a water pack. This is a small backpack that features a bladder to hold water and is equipped with a line and sipper end to drink from while you hike. Both the MREs and the water packs can be purchased at any outdoor sporting goods store.

To Bring:

Food

*Bag for garbage

Water

Fire Starter

Map

Compass

First Aid Kit

Pocket Knife

Toilet paper

Whistle

Cell Phone (reception available along the trail and in certain spots at the lake) *Remember you must pack out everything you brought in.

Directions:I-90 east from Coeur d’Alene for 25 miles to the Cataldo exit (exit 40) then south on Latour Creek/ Rochat Divide Road for 30 miles.