Mill Creek

Mill Creek Road is a rugged, rocky jeep trail that leads to one of the Lemhi Mountains’ best-kept secrets: Mill Creek Lake. This out-and-back route isn’t for the faint of heart. It is a challenging 6-mile climb marked by loose rock and uneven terrain. You’ll want a high-clearance 4x4 with solid tires and a good sense of adventure to make it to the top.

As you ascend through the thick timber, the landscape begins to open, revealing expansive views of the surrounding ridgelines. Eventually, the trail crests at Mill Creek Lake, a tranquil 15.8-acre alpine reservoir situated at approximately 8,800 feet. The lake was formed behind a historic earthen dam built in 1928, and it rests in a peaceful glacial basin surrounded by towering pines and firs.

The lake’s mirrored surface reflects the jagged peaks above, and it’s not uncommon to have the whole place to yourself. Dispersed campsites are scattered along the tree line, offering backcountry solitude in one of Idaho’s most serene high-altitude hideouts. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or casting a line for rainbow trout in the calm alpine waters, Mill Creek Lake rewards those who make the climb