1. Lava Versus Lunar

The volcanic geology of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve made it a top pick for NASA’s Apollo 14 mission because it most accurately represented what astronauts would experience on the moon’s surface. The team trained for their lunar trip by maneuvering through through this unique Idaho landscape and collecting rock samples. The area is also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, which means all the brilliant stars you’ll experience at night will make you feel like you’re worlds away.

2. Battle of the Birds

Don’t let the long name throw you. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) has a prestigious designation as its home to the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey on the continent and more than 250 avian species. On the other side of the country, Florida’s Everglades National Park may have a more tropical climate — making it an ideal destination for the 300 bird species that visit the area — but both locations offer top-tier birdwatching. Drive through the NCA to spot hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons as they use the crags and crevices 700 feet above the Snake River to raise their young. The NCA is the considered “the best of the best” for bird viewing in Idaho.

3. Tall Tree Tussle

Towering trees? We’ve got that! Walk through an old-growth cedar forest where the treetops reach heights of 150 feet. The Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars is a smaller concentration of gigantic trees than the expansive Redwood National Forest, but you’ll still find mighty cedars that are wider than a two-car garage. Visit this tucked-away spot in northern Idaho for a picnic, or a trek to a waterfall.

4. Big Lake Brawl

Idaho is home to hundreds of amazing lakes, but Lake Pend Oreille holds the title of Idaho’s deepest lake. Despite being nearly 200 feet shy of Lake Superior’s whopping 1,300-foot depth, Lake Pend Oreille makes up for it with 111 miles of shoreline. Farragut State Park sits on the edge of this magnificent lake, where you can wander around the Museum at the Brig and learned about the former World War II naval training center stationed here. Even better, when the conditions are right, you might be able to spot the northern lights.

5. Super-Sized Showdown

While this may seem an unlikely matchup, Idaho’s Frank Church-Wilderness of No Return Wilderness spans more than 2.3 million acres, which is a close second to Death Valley in size. “The Frank,” as it’s lovingly known, is the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48 states and offers more mountains, waterways and trees than its counterpart in California and Nevada. Featuring world-renowned whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, four national forests and the Salmon River Canyon (which is also deeper than the Grand Canyon), there is no shortage of wild places to explore in this extraordinary part of Idaho.

6. Falls Face-Off

There’s a reason Shoshone Falls is nicknamed the “Niagara of the West.” At 212 feet high, this dazzling waterfall stands 24 feet taller than Niagara Falls. The falls are accessible from overlooks in the nearby park, but some of the best views can be enjoyed by paddling to the base of the falls and looking up from the Snake River below.

7. Clash of the Canyons

While the Grand Canyon has some serious name recognition, Idaho’s Hells Canyon still outranks its fellow natural marvel. In some areas, Hells Canyon is nearly 8,000 feet deep and 10 miles wide. That’s 2,000 feet — almost two Eiffel Towers — deeper than the Grand Canyon. Take a jet boat tour, a whitewater rafting trip or a drive along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to see how it stacks up.

8. Dark Sky Duel

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve stretches 1,400 square miles (two times the size of Los Angeles) covering the majestic Sawtooth Mountains, rugged wilderness areas and several mountain towns. It also holds the coveted Gold-Tier status, which means Idaho’s night skies are some of the best found on Earth. Arches National Park in Utah also holds an International Dark Sky Park designation, so those night skies are nothing to overlook. But the size of Idaho’s Dark sky Reserve means you have ample, and often uncrowded, ways to experience the stars — no special equipment needed.

Which of these natural attractions will you visit first?

Eagle Island State Park | Eagle

This 545-acre park is home to a year-round disc golf course that is challenging in all the right ways. The handcart-friendly route provides intermediate-to-advanced players with a mix of open fairway and wooded shots across 19 holes. The course is lined by water and features slight elevation changes.

Farragut State Park | Athol

This park’s five, yes five, year-round courses are known for their balanced mix of hole layouts and difficulty. Each course features 18 holes, with one geared toward beginners and children, three in the intermediate-to-advanced range and one highly technical, advanced course designed with professionals in mind.

Hells Gate State Park | Lewiston

This charming, intermediate nine-hole course sits along the Snake River and is available to play year-round, although summer access may depend on the park’s mowing schedule. Several holes prompt players to use strategy in avoiding light brush, tree groupings and water hazards.

Lake Walcott State Park | Rupert

With 21 holes open all year and various options for approaching play, the course at this state park is easily adjustable to suit a player’s skill level and is a fast favorite for first-time visitors.

Lucky Peak State Park | Boise

Sandy Point, a hillside section of this scenic state park near Boise, offers a welcoming 18-hole course with changing basket layouts. The park is generally accessible from October through May.

Massacre Rocks State Park | American Falls

This challenging, elevated adventure features nine holes available year-round and is best for intermediate-to-advanced players. There are drops and rises, narrow fairways and even several baskets located over ravines at this park. Beginners can get their throws in on an additional junior course.

Priest Lake State Park | Coolin

Harvey’s Hemlock Hideaway, a disc golf course located in the lovely Priest Lake area, was designed with beginners and families in mind. The nine holes feature scenic views and a mix of open shots and tree coverage. This picturesque location is technically seasonal, but baskets are left out for those willing to brave the elements throughout the year.

Three Island Crossing State Park | Glenns Ferry

Spend the entire day outside on a beautiful 18-hole course. This moderately challenging route along the Snake River incorporates water and can be tricky when it’s windy. The course at this park is accessible year-round despite occasional snow cover.

Thousand Springs State Park | Hagerman

Niagara Springs is one of six units at this renowned state park, where disc golf enthusiasts can find a well-designed course at a higher elevation with a mixture of shots. The play on this 18-hole disc golf course in Idaho leans toward intermediate or advanced, but beginners can also enjoy honing their throws here.

Castle Rocks State Park | Almo

Aim for an ace against a backdrop of ancient granite formations at this remarkable state park known for its rock climbing. The small, grassy course here has only three holes, but visitors can also take advantage of nearby scenic picnic areas, as well as hiking and fishing access.

Dworshak State Park | Lenore

Recently upgraded to 18 holes, the FoxBurrow fairway is found near the Freeman Creek Campground within the 850-acre park. The course allows ample opportunities for intermediate-to-advanced players to show off their skills over shots of differing lengths, inclines and technicality.

Looking for insider tips on visiting Idaho’s state parks? Check out Ranger Talks! This series gives you firsthand tips from the people who know each park inside and out: the rangers.

Find additional resources and check out more activities and adventures you can experience in Idaho State Parks.

When I’m traveling outside of Idaho and share that I live in the Gem State, people will often throw out the names of destinations that they’ve either been to or heard of. Boise. Sun Valley. Some mention the stunning natural beauty of Redfish Lake or the adventures that await near McCall. While I love hearing what people know of this beautiful state, I’m always keen to share that Idaho is full of memorable places to visit that are just off the beaten path.

Take a chance on one of these destinations that flies just-under-the-radar for many, but are perfect spots for exploring this summer.

Explore Island Park

Island Park is Idaho’s gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s not a destination in its own right. Whether you fish, hike, paddle, ATV, or simply like to relax on the riverbank with your favorite drink in hand, Island Park is your kind of place.

Tucked along Idaho’s border with Montana and Wyoming, Island Park is best known for the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (known simply as the “Henrys Fork”). The Henrys Fork is a world-class fishing river whose primary source, Big Springs, gushes forth from the ground just minutes from downtown Island Park. Anglers love the river for its large trout, prolific hatches, and accessible riverbanks. Everyone else loves it for its wide, sometimes lazy flow that is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Those looking for more terrestrial adventures will find them in spades in Island Park. Hiking and ATV trails criss-cross a landscape that was formed by the same volcanic forces that continue to shape Yellowstone National Park. Harriman State Park is a favorite hiking spot and features historic ranch buildings that are open for tours in the summer. A bit further south, stunning Mesa Falls careens for ten stories over an ancient caldera and is an ideal spot to relax with a picnic lunch.

Soak in Lava Hot Springs

If a family-friendly destination is what you’re after, look no further than a trip to Lava Hot Springs. Located in Idaho’s southeastern corner, this small resort town grew up around a series of natural pools that fill with crystal clear, odorless mineral water that emerges from the ground at perfect soaking temperature. The highlight of any trip to Lava Hot Springs is hours spent soaking, splashing, and playing in the pools themselves, but there is plenty more to explore beyond the hot springs.

Spend a morning at historic Chesterfield, a Mormon pioneer town that remains lovingly preserved by the families of the settlers who once called this quiet patch of prairie home. Free tours are given from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or you can walk the grounds yourself and get a taste of what life was like for pioneers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Adventure seekers will want to book an afternoon with Lava Zipline for hours of fun “riding the lines” across a wide, green canyon just outside of town. The experience continues with a run through a high ropes course that towers two stories above the ground.

Enjoy the Snake in Twin Falls

The Snake River that is! The Snake is one of the Northwest’s major rivers, cutting a broad smile across southern Idaho from the Wyoming to the Oregon borders. Halfway through its journey across the state, the Snake flows through Twin Falls, a city of 50,000 people nestled along the edge of the deep river canyon.

Though Twin Falls is known as the commercial hub of south-central Idaho, its trendy Main Street and desert beauty make this bustling city worth a trip. Start your explorations with a morning at Centennial Waterfront Park. Enjoy beautiful views of I.B. Perrine Bridge, whose distinctive truss arch rises almost 500 feet above the water. Kayak rentals are available right along the shore, and in summer, a zipline course whizzes overhead.

Those looking for an even bigger thrill might be inclined to book a tandem jump with a BASE instructor—the Perrine Bridge is one of the only structures in the United States that doesn’t require a permit to launch from the deck into the canyon below.

Make your way to Twin Fall’s newly revitalized Main Street for lunch at a local eatery before heading to the impressive beauty of Shoshone Falls. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” the river plunges 212 feet over a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The sight is most impressive during the spring snowmelt but worth checking out any time of year.

Get Your Thrills in Hells Canyon

The Grand Canyon may get all the fame, but did you know that the deepest river gorge in North America is right here in Idaho? Hells Canyon, located on our southern border with Oregon, plunges 7,900 feet at its deepest point. Its entire length is wild, dramatic, and a little hard to get to…but getting there is at least half the fun.

Start your journey by driving the 22-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which stretches north from the Oxbow Bridge to the Hells Canyon Dam. This narrow, winding road looks down into the canyon itself but peel your eyes away from the water to keep a lookout for mountain goats, deer, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. The Hells Canyon area was home to Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Tribe, and petroglyphs dot the cliffs.

The Hells Canyon Dam is the start of the designated “Wild and Scenic” section of the Snake River, and though the road stops here, you won’t want to miss what’s beyond. To explore, book a whitewater rafting trip from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburgh Landing. This 35-mile rafting adventure takes three days and will bring you through the wildest and deepest parts of Hells Canyon. If whitewater rafting isn’t your style, make your way north to the Riggins area, where you can book a jet boat adventure that motors for a half-day or a full-day up the Snake River and into the rugged canyon bottom.

Catch a Sunset in Sandpoint

From the arid high desert in the south to the jagged terrain of central Idaho’s mountain ranges, few are ready for the surprise of the north—a land that is densely wooded, hilly, and filled with beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers. Love those Pacific Northwest vibes? Northern Idaho is where you’ll find them.

Coeur d’Alene is a popular jumping-off point for northern Idaho adventures. This town of 50,000 sits on the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene, a lake popular with boaters and sightseers. Don’t have your own boat? Book a scenic cruise that leaves right from the downtown marina, or rent a paddleboard to ply the waters yourself. 

An hour north of Coeur d’Alene lies the resort town of Sandpoint, nestled on the shore of Idaho’s biggest and deepest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint has a quiet, beautiful charm that lures vacationers back year after year. Spend your days relaxing on the lakeshore, grabbing a bite to eat and a local pint at one of the many restaurants and breweries, and exploring the nearby hiking and paddling trails. Don’t miss the chance to catch a sunset over Lake Pend Oreille—the sight is one you won’t soon forget.

No matter where you visit this summer, Idaho is sure to leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. We’ll see you soon!

Featured image credited to Sara Sheehy.

Sara Sheehy is a writer and photographer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. When she’s not on the road, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dworshak State Park

Referred to as “mariners and mountaineers,” steelhead often climb more than 6,000 vertical feet and travel more than 900 miles during their life-long roundtrips from Idaho’s rivers to the ocean and back again.

Connecting with an Idaho steelhead, notoriously powerful, uniquely designed for the wildest terrain in the Lower 48 and unfortunately increasingly difficult to catch, is the experience of a lifetime for many anglers. 

What Is A Steelhead?

First things first: A steelhead is a native rainbow trout that migrates to the ocean as a juvenile and returns to fresh water as an adult to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, which always die after spawning, steelhead can rejuvenate so they may return to the oceans to start the anadromous cycle over. Otherwise, steelhead and rainbow trout are genetically identical. A rainbow trout is called a resident when they do not leave the stream to go to the ocean and spend their entire life in the stream. A steelhead is the name for a rainbow trout expressing anadromous or seafaring life history.

Stick with us: There are two subspecies of steelhead, the Redband steelhead trout (Oncorynchus mykiss gairdneri) which all are categorized as summer-run fish and enter the Columbia River from May through September. The other subspecies is called the Coastal steelhead rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss irideus) which can be summer, fall and winter run fish. If you remember one thing, remember that in the Columbia River basin, Coastal Steelhead trout are largely found west of the Cascade Range and all steelhead returning to Idaho are Redband steelhead trout (Oncorynchus mykiss gairdneri) and therefore are all considered summer-run fish

In Idaho, these steelhead are often classified into two groups, A-run and B-run, based on their size and ocean life history.

“Idaho’s A-run steelhead are usually found in the Snake and Salmon rivers,” Idaho Fish and Game explains “They (A-run fish) return from the ocean earlier in the year (usually June through August) and they most often return after spending one year in the ocean. Because of their early return and short stay in the ocean they usually weigh four to six pounds and are generally 23 to 26 inches in length.”

B-run steelhead, exclusively found in Idaho are revered by anglers around the world. Most often, B-run steelhead return to the Clearwater River and some tributaries of the Salmon River. These fish usually – but not always – spend two years in the ocean and start their migration to Idaho later in the summer or fall of the year (usually late August or September). After packing on the pounds an extra year and waiting an extra summer of growing in the ocean, B-run steelhead can return as significantly larger fish.

Steelhead can grow even larger when they spend a third year in the ocean before they return to Idaho to spawn. These steelhead are usually larger than 37 inches and often weigh more than 20 pounds.

When Are Steelhead in Idaho?

Steelhead can be found in the rivers of Idaho for the majority of the year and the sweet spot for fishing really depends on which river, time of year and method of fishing you prefer.

Fall Fishing: July-December

On the Snake River, fishing is best in September and October. The Clearwater River seasons open then, mostly for catch and release fishing, so be sure to check the regulations. As the run builds, fishing will get better and better all the way through to December when colder water is likely to slow down catch rates. The Salmon River, further upstream, doesn’t really get going until well into October in the lower and mid-reaches.

Spring Fishing: January to May

January and February can be great times to fish with a little more solitude. The days are shorter and colder and there are fewer anglers but the fish are out there. Things start to pick up again in late February and early March as ice dams begin to break up and allow the fish to continue their upstream migrations. The Salmon River, the Little Salmon River and the South Fork of the Clearwater generally provide the best fishing during the spring months before rivers are closed for steelhead fishing to allow the wild fish to spawn.

Fishing For Steelhead (Hint: You’ve Got Options)

Steelhead respond to a variety of angling techniques such as plunking, bobber and jig, fly fishing, side planer and spey casting with flies. Since steelhead are not feeding as they wait to spawn, it’s generally accepted that flies, lures and bait are agitating the fish enough to trigger a strike. While much is unknown about steelhead feeding habits, they are generally considered aggressive. As a general rule, the cooler the water temperatures the less active steelhead are therefore the less likely they are to move greater distances to take your fly/lure/bait.

Idaho fisheries are a mixed bag for anglers in the fall but are world renowned for fly fishing with spey (two-handed fly fishing rods generally over 13 feet in length used to cast artificial flies long distances.)

Alternatively, spring fisheries, with cooler water temperatures, generally lower water levels and clearer conditions are generally better suited for fishing a fly, lure or bait under a bobber.

As always, be sure to check Idaho Fish and Game regulations on tackle regulations specific to different rivers at different times of the year.

A Species in Decline

While Idaho’s fisheries largely depend on hatchery fish production to support a sportfishing season; the future of Idaho steelhead in no uncertain terms depends on recovering wild fish populations. Wild steelhead carry the biological adaptations and genetic diversity that allow these icons to return each year to their high mountain natal streams, survive surging spring run-offs, multiple fresh-to-salt water transformations and manage the 466-mile migration back to Idaho to spawn the next generation.

Historically, more than 40% of the salmon and 55% of the steelhead in the entire Columbia River system originated in the Snake River drainage. Before Idaho steelhead populations crashed in the late 1970s, records show more than 110,000 wild origin steelhead would return to the Snake River basin above what is now Lower Granite Dam. 

Identifying Wild vs. Hatchery Steelhead

Special fish deserve special treatment, and it is important before you head out fishing to be able to clearly identify and differentiate between a wild and a hatchery steelhead.

Hatchery steelhead or salmon may be kept – within regulation limits – if the adipose fin (fin on the back of the fish between the dorsal and the tail) has been clipped as evidenced by a healed scar. Anyone fishing for anadromous (ocean-run) salmon and/or steelhead, except those expressly exempt, must have a valid fishing license as well as a salmon and/or steelhead permit(s) on their person. For more details on being a licensed angler – resident or out-of-state and for much more information on seasons, bag limits and much, much more, please be sure to visit Idaho Fish and Game website.

Daniel Ritz is a recovering journalist turned outdoor writer. Currently, he is the Communications and Outreach Coordinator of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, the founder of Jacks Experience Trading Company and the Conservation Field Editor for Swing The Fly. He lives in Idaho with his partner Holly, a giant cat named Julio and a small bird-dog named Trout.

The Seven Devils Mountains sit on the east side of Hells Canyon Wilderness, which covers 218,000 acres of rugged terrain between Idaho and Oregon. The landscape varies between verdant meadows, craggy peaks and talus fields, but solitude is the one constant you’ll find here. The Windy Saddle Trailhead provides access to alpine lakes and many of the summits via the Seven Devils Trail #124 and the South Boise Trail #101A, which link to form the Seven Devils Loop.

Preparing for the Seven Devils Loop Trail

I timed my visit to the Seven Devils just after the snow melted—and during the peak of wildflower season, which is generally in mid-July. My friend and I were also hiking on the heels of a trail crew who cleared hundreds of downed trees along the route. Due to a number of major wildfires over the years, the area is notorious for having a significant amount of blowdown, which can make some sections challenging. There is a nearly nine-mile stretch in the middle of the loop with no water sources, and since Hells Canyon Wilderness regularly sees sweltering daytime highs in July and August, it is important to start early, take rest breaks and carry plenty of water. We chose to hike the loop counter-clockwise because the uphill stretches didn’t seem as long in that direction, and I had a few specific campsites in mind. However, plenty of hikers do the loop clockwise, and there are pros and cons to both directions.

Rattlesnakes are prevalent along open ridges and near the river in Hells Canyon, but I was thrilled to learn that they are not a concern on the loop trail. Black bears are present in the Seven Devils, so hikers and backpackers are advised to carry bear spray, make plenty of noise, use a bear can (or a proper bear hang) and pack out all food waste. Despite online reports to the contrary, dogs are allowed on the Seven Devils Loop, but they must be under control at all times (i.e., on a leash or under strict voice command) so as not to disturb wildlife or pack stock. Finally, while fires are permitted in the established backcountry sites along the loop, there are often restrictions in the summer, so visitors should always check with the US Forest Service ranger station in Riggins for the latest updates.

Day 1: Windy Saddle Trailhead to Basin Lake

Forest Road 517 to Windy Saddle Trailhead is a mix of gravel and dirt, and while RVs and trailers are not advised, a 4×4 vehicle is not necessary. Pit toilets are available at the nearby Seven Devils campground and at the trailhead. If you plan to hike the loop clockwise, start by following signs for Sheep Lake via Seven Devils Trail #124. The trail is surrounded by dead trees and a barren landscape for the first two miles, but just before the three-and-a-half-mile mark hikers are rewarded with shade from the forest, plus a flowing creek next to the trail. The stream crossings require careful foot placement on slippery logs, but they are neither deep nor treacherous.

After crossing the east and west forks of Sheep Creek, Trail #124 intersects Trail #140 and Trail #57, the latter of which leads to Bernard Lakes and Dry Diggins Lookout. We considered dumping our overnight gear at the junction and hiking to the lookout, but that would have added three more miles to our distance that day, and we were already burnt out. Basin Lake is just a mile and a half from the junction via Sheep Lake Trail #123, so it’s an appealing place to camp. From Windy Saddle to Basin Lake, we logged 6.5 miles and 1,600 total feet of gain. While this looks like an easy day on paper, we had a late start, and the heat hit us hard. I drank more than three liters of water, and we took countless rest stops to catch our breath and cool down on the rare occasion that we found a patch of mosquito-free shade.

Backpackers will also find campsites at Shelf and Gem Lakes, which are half a mile beyond Basin Lake. Sheep Lake is also an option, but it’s another two miles from Basin Lake and a bit of a bushwhack. Please note: Trail #123 to Basin, Gem, Shelf and Sheep Lakes via Seven Devils Trail #124 is not connected to the off-trail, unofficial “shortcut” from the Seven Devils Campground. The Sheep Lake shortcut appears on several route-sharing apps, and while it shaves off a significant amount of mileage, is a hazardous scramble, and the majority of rescues in the Seven Devils occur along this ridge.

Day 2: Basin Lake to Baldy Lake

The hike out of Basin Lake was about a mile and mostly flat, as was the next mile on Seven Devils Trail #124. However, after two more miles of easy downhill, our pace slowed when we encountered several dozen downed trees. While the trail crew had cleared almost everything between Windy Saddle and Basin Lake, this quarter-mile stretch was a different story. Some trees were easy to step over, but other sections were more difficult, and twice we had to take our packs off and pull them under massive trunks. It wasn’t impossible or technical, but it slowed us down by about ten minutes, and it certainly wouldn’t have been safe for equestrians and pack stock. The final mile to Baldy Lake took us up another few hundred feet, but it was gradual and easy. From Basin Lake to Baldy Lake, we logged seven miles and 1,150 total feet of gain, which allowed us to take plenty of breaks to photograph the incredible wildflower displays right next to the trail. 

We found several flat campsites tucked in the woods behind Baldy Lake, many of which had log benches, which was a treat. We were warned of aggressive rodents and mountain goats in the Seven Devils, so in addition to bringing a bear can for food, toiletries and trash, we hung our packs and hiking poles before we tucked into our sleeping bags each night. Salt from human sweat can be very enticing to some critters, and they will chew anything that smells or tastes like it. Earlier that day we bumped into a fellow backpacker hiking from Baldy Lake to Windy Saddle and marveled at the damage on one of his hiking poles. Not only was the strap chewed right off, but so was 90% of the handle!

Day 3: Baldy Lake to Dog Creek

Before leaving camp at Baldy Lake, we filled every water bottle and filter bag we had, as our next water source was nine miles away at Dog Creek. After an easy mile back to Trail #124, we gained 1,400 feet over the course of the next three miles. While it wasn’t steep, the majority of the trail was exposed to the sun, and we were definitely feeling the weight of the extra water. (I drank three liters on our first day, so I opted to carry four liters, which added nearly nine extra pounds to my pack weight.)

Just before hiking past Pyramid Mountain, we encountered the last remaining snowfield on the trail, which we were able to side-step via a small goat trail below. However, two weeks earlier this might not have been possible, and the crossing would have been much more technical. Almost immediately after passing the snow, the rocky landscape opened up to a beautiful alpine meadow that seemed to go on forever …

Shortly after crossing the meadow, Trail #124 meets with Trails #114 and #214, the latter of which leads to Horse Heaven and even more alpine lakes. At the Horse Heaven junction, Trail #124 ends, and hikers heading back to Windy Saddle switch to the South Boise Trail #101A. Two miles after the junction, we spotted a tarn on the east side of Trail #101A, but it was filled with brown water and surrounded by downed trees. Dog Creek was just two miles farther, and we each had a liter of water left, so we kept moving.

Not only did we find a blissfully cold water source at Dog Creek, but there were several cowboy camps (i.e., large, established backcountry sites with log benches and ample space for tents and stock) just a quarter of a mile from the junction with Trail #101A. We were planning on camping at Dog Lake, which was just a mile up the trail, but after hearing reports of more downed trees, we dumped our packs and gave it a quick scout. While it was beautiful, sure enough, the trail seemed to disappear after five minutes of hiking, so we returned to the cowboy camp and called it a day. We ended up logging 9.5 miles and 1,400 total feet of gain, with just as much descent.

Day 4: Dog Creek to Windy Saddle

While the trek from Dog Creek to Windy Saddle was just seven miles, we stopped by Lower Cannon Lake on the way out, adding a mile and three quarters, plus 600 feet of gain. If you have the time, this gem of an alpine lake is worth the extra distance, and we spotted at least one large campsite, too.

We collected our gear from the junction and continued on, and the next mile and a half was a breeze. However, the final mile and a half back to Windy Saddle was all uphill, and though it only climbed 1,000 feet, it felt much steeper in the heat of the afternoon. Including our side trip to Lower Cannon Lake, plus accidentally hiking up a section of road instead of the trail at the end, we logged 9 miles and 1,500 total feet of gain on our final day.

After the 45-minute drive back to Riggins, we were ravenous. We had been dreaming about the burgers and huckleberry cider at the Seven Devils Bar and Steakhouse all day, and it was the perfect post-hike meal. And after cleaning up at the Big Iron Motel and sleeping in well past sunrise, I was ready for the next adventure: rafting Hells Canyon.

Closing Thoughts

We hiked 33 miles with 5,650 total feet of gain over the course of four days. While that may seem mellow, the heat and sun exposure slowed me down tremendously, and even though there is no off-trail travel or scrambling, I wouldn’t say this route is beginner-friendly. Taking it slow is the secret to enjoying the Seven Devils Loop, so consider cutting your usual daily mileage by at least a third on this route.

I’m glad I ticked the Seven Devils Loop off of my list of Idaho backpacking treks, but when I go back, I’ll likely set up base camps at more accessible lakes, like Baldy or Lower Cannon, and spend a few days exploring the surrounding areas. While the Seven Devils Mountains don’t offer the same kind of breathtaking scenery as the Sawtooths, this range has no shortage of natural wonders. I can’t remember the last time I saw a landscape change so much around every bend on the trail—or found this level of peace and quiet in the mountains.

For more information on trail conditions in the Seven Devils Mountains, please contact the US Forest Service Office in Riggins at 208-628-3916, or check the US Forest Service website for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Not ready for a multiday hike in the Seven Devils? Check out these day hike options in these beautiful and rugged mountains.

Feature image credited to Elisabeth Brentano

Elisabeth Brentano is a writer and photographer based in California, but her passion for nature takes her all over the world to produce travel and environmental content. You can follow her at @elisabethontheroad on Instagram.

In the winter, Winchester Lake is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as ice fishing and ice skating.