Early Season Backpacks in Idaho
In the Spring one gets the itch to get out and walk trails, backpack, and camp. But depending on the snow load, the high mountains are full of snow till late july, so you can’t go to the Sawtooths, White Clouds, or other high mountain ranges. So where do you go? Here are some early season places suitable for day hikes of overnight backpacks.
Camel Falls: Camel Falls is in the Owyhee, off the Owyhee Scenic Byway, a paved 2 lane road. Its a 3 mile hike across a level plain with no trail. You have to park your car near the hiway, walk up a short road to the plain, then head for 3 miles across the plain till you hit a dropoff where the falls are. The falls might be dry, but there is a nice pool at the bottom of the falls, perfect for a swim. Directions here: Camel Falls
Hellroaring Lake: Hellroaring Lake is an easy hike in the Sawtooths. Its fairly low elevation, so its good for spring and late fall backpacks. It is about 3 miles one way, 300’ elevation gain. From the Highway 21 Junction, drive south on Highway 75 for approximately 14.8 miles. From Stanley, head east past Redfish lake turnoff.
Turn west onto forest road 209 (44.029032, -114.833462). This road may not be signed, but signage is present for Fourth of July Road, which is located just across the street and about 200 feet south.
The dirt road immediately crosses the Salmon River and arrives at a junction.
Turn left at the junction onto forest road 315.
Continue south for 0.3 miles to the signed trailhead for Hell Roaring Lake
Moondipper Hot Springs: Located out of Crouch, these hot springs are about 3 miles in on a trail. You don’t have to cross the creek if you take the left fork of the trail when you reach the creek. If you wade the creek, you have to cross it a second time a few hundred yards down the trail. Pineburl is next to Moondipper, and I don’t actually know which one is which. The good one is up a creek on a trail, about 100 yards. It is a pool built up with rocks, with hot water welling up from the sand. You have to find a spot that isn’t too hot, The best plan is to just hang around camp till late in the evening, because day hikers will come and go all day. In the evening you’ll likely have the springs all to yourself. The trail starts at Boiling Creek Campground above Crouch, is about 3 miles and zero elevation gain.The trail goes to the left of the North Fork of the Payette River, to Dash Creek The secret campsite is on a ridge next to the hot springs.
Mores Mountain Loop ; A great day hike near Boise is the Mores Mountain Loop. Drive past the Bogus Basin ski area to the Shafer Butte Campground, and hike a signed loop trail on Mores mountain, about a 3 mile easy hike.
Wees Bar: A great early season day hike or overnight is to Wees Bar, on the Snake River near Swan Falls Dam. It is the site of a large number of ancient petroglyphs pecked into boulders. You can camp there, or have lunch and hike back the same day. Its about a 3 mile walk, with no elevation gain. Drive to Swan Falls dam, cross over the dam to the south side of the river, and walk downstream for 3 miles. You’ll come to a boulder field and close inspection will reveal lots of petroglyphs. Take plenty of water with you, and a water filter for when you need a refill. You will also see an old settlers stone house.
