Payette National Forest Hiking Trails

Eagle Nest Trail (Easy to Moderate)

Turn right onto FH 22 (Warm Lake Hwy) from Hwy 55(0.5 miles north of Cascade) and travel approx. 11.5 miles to a marked FSR 497. Turn left and travel for 1.8 miles until you reach signed trailhead indicating Crawford GS 14 miles. Although there has been logging activity and a fire on sections of this trail, it is still relatively easy to follow. It becomes difficult in at least two sections where the trail is easy to lose due to grassy areas with little to no trees, but as long as you keep Horsethief Reservoir and the Cascade Valley to you left (east) and stay on top of the ridge, you’ll be fine. There are four areas that require water crossings which might make bike and horse travel difficult.

Blue Lake Walking Trail (Easy)

Take Cabarton Road (south end of Cascade) for about 6.3 miles until you come to a large red barn where Cabarton Road intersects with Snowbank Road #446 (close Nov. 16 – May 31) turn right onto Snowbank Road #446 (sign indicating Blue Lake 10 miles) follow #446 to within 2 miles of the Federal Radar Site. You can see Blue Lake to the south. There is a large parking area at the Blue Lake Trail #119 trailhead. This is an easy part-day or overnight hike into one of Idaho’s pristine mountain lakes. While there is no question you’re in the high country, it is a hike even young children can enjoy. The trail levels out midsection, meandering through meadows filled with wildflowers. There are several stream crossings and, depending on the time of year, occasional waterfalls cascade down the hillsides.

Crown Point Trail (Easy)

Turn off Hwy 55 on the Lake Way Road (north Cascade) and follow .5 mile to Crown Point parking area. Park car and ride to trailhead next to Crown Point Camping Area. This picturesque 2.6-mile stretch of land is easy access to all ages of hikers and bicycle riders. No motorized vehicles are allowed. Several spots along the way provide easy access to the sandy beaches along the shores of the lake for fishing, picnicking or sunning.

East Fork Lake Fork Creek (Moderate)

This is a good one-mile hike for kids along the creek where there are interesting rocks to climb and a few hidden fishing

Louie Lake & Jughandle Mountain (Easy)

(Trail #085 and Trail #082) Duck Lake is a short hike of approximately 2 miles round trip. It has little elevation gain and makes an ideal hike for most ages and abilities. Hum Lake trail takes off from Duck Lake and is a three-mile one-way hike with about a mile of steep grade. It takes hikers over a ridge, into a meadow and to the glacial Hum Lake.

Twin Lakes (Easy)

(Trail #165) This trail involves a 1-mile walk up to the Twin Lakes. It climbs steadily but not steeply for an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Fishing is good, however the lake is subject to drawdown at the dam so you will want to go early in the season. It’s a fun place to take the kids for a picnic.

Hazard Lake (Moderate)

(Trail #169) There are three Hazard Lakes: Hazard Lake, Upper Hazard Lake and Big Hazard Lake. All three are popular fishing lakes. The one-half mile walk to Big Hazard Lake is flat and suitable for most people. The trail to Upper Hazard Lake is a bit more strenuous covering 2 miles and gains about 348′ in elevation.

Twenty Mile (Moderate)

(Trail #085) This trail winds for six miles through the burn of the 1994 Corral/Blackwell fires and takes hikers to the Twentymile Lakes. The first three miles of the trail are relatively flat, then climbs steeply for the last three miles.

Duck Lake & Hum Lake (Moderate)

(Trail #085 and Trail #082) Duck Lake is a short hike of approximately 2 miles round trip. It has little elevation gain and makes an ideal hike for most ages and abilities. Hum Lake trail takes off from Duck Lake and is a three-mile one-way hike with about a mile of steep grade. It takes hikers over a ridge, into a meadow and to the glacial Hum Lake.

Goose Creek Falls (Easy)

(Trail #354) In a little over a mile, this trail takes hikers to Goose Creek and the waterfall. The first portion of the trail goes steadily downhill until it reaches Goose Creek Bridge and is not recommended for small children. Unlike most trails which gain elevation, Goose Creek Falls Trail starts at 5760′ and drops to 5080′.

Box Lake (Moderate)

(Trail #110) The starting elevation is 5680′ with an elevation gain of 1863′ and a 343′ drop from a ridge to the lake. This trail is 3.5 miles long and suggested as an overnight hike for many people especially if you plan on fishing and swimming. The trail switchbacks 800 feet in the first mile and continues to be steep for another mile.