One of the things that I wish I had done more of while I was living in North Idaho was take advantage of the bountiful wilderness around my hometown of Coeur d’Alene. That’s why, now, whenever I visit my family there I make sure to step out into the lush forest to enjoy the natural beauty that makes North Idaho such a magnificent place to live, visit, and play.
Stevens Lake is actually a pair of alpine lakes (Lower and Upper Stevens Lake) which sits at the base of Stevens Peak (summit 6835’/2084m), at approximately 5600′. This hike is rated moderate to hard on the alltrails app, but it is one worth striking out on if you’re interested in an out and back hiking adventure that will take you through the breathtaking Bitterroot mountain range in North Idaho’s panhandle, right on the Idaho-Montana border. In this video I show you the trail, the waterfalls, talk about the history of the Silver Valley a bit, and then plunge into the 62-degree water at the top.
This trail is well maintained by the Spokane Mountaineering Club, and the lake has several clearings suitable for tent camping. There is a large parking area at the trailhead and plenty of rest areas along the hiking path itself. There are no services along this trail and be prepared to pack out all garbage as there aren’t any trash bins in the parking area as well (I talk about that at the end of the video a bit).
All in all this hike, and more-so the swimming spot that is Lower Stevens Lake, is breathtaking, exhilarating, and fun. It is a great way to spend a day in North Idaho.