Challis Creek Lakes

Challis Creek Lakes 4268 is a jeep trail located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, an hour from Challis. The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers a vast 4.3 million acres of east-central Idaho which includes the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, the tallest peak in Idaho, Borah Peak,and the Salmon River. Challis Creek Lakes trail begins at the junction of Mosquito Flat Reservoir. It leads to a group of three alpine lakes that sits at the edge of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness at around 9000' in elevation, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. This is a rocky and bumpy trail with burbling creek crossings that meanders thru the forest and sometimes even in the road! There is also the Challis Creek trailhead access for hikers, equestrians, and motorcyclists midway on the trail. Once you reach the top of the trail, the lakes are a refreshing view after coming out of the forest and have plenty of space to disperse camp.