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- Two Mouth Lakes
Two Mouth Lakes Introduce
Hey there, fellow Idaho adventurers! If your idea of a perfect outdoor escape involves truly disconnecting, embracing the wilderness, and challenging yourself in some of our state's most pristine and remote landscapes, then Two Mouth Lakes near Bonners Ferry is calling your name. This isn't your average campground with paved roads and picnic tables; itβs a rugged, breathtaking backcountry experience designed for the well-prepared and seasoned outdoors enthusiast.
Two Mouth Lakes offers a fantastic hiking area, a place where the untouched beauty of Idaho's Selkirk Mountains truly shines. As local reviews emphasize, this location is "remote," meaning it demands respect for nature and a high degree of self-sufficiency. It's a place where you'll find solace in the vastness of the wilderness, surrounded by stunning granite cliffs, high mountain meadows, and the serene beauty of two shallow alpine lakes.
What makes Two Mouth Lakes particularly special for local users is its untamed character. This is "no country for greenhorns," as one experienced local put it β a testament to the authentic wilderness experience it provides. It's ideal for "very experienced horse back rider or hikers" who are comfortable navigating challenging terrain and being prepared for all conditions. This area is a proud example of Idaho's commitment to preserving its wild spaces, offering a genuine backcountry adventure.
For those who actively participate in maintaining our beloved trails, like the members of the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, Selkirk Valley Chapter, Two Mouth Lakes represents the fruits of their labor. It's a place where you can appreciate the volunteer efforts that keep these remote trails open and enjoyable for everyone. This overview will provide you with essential insights to help you plan a safe, responsible, and incredibly rewarding trip to this remarkable corner of Idaho.
Two Mouth Lakes is nestled deep within the Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho, specifically near Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA. Its remote address highlights the kind of backcountry experience it offers β far removed from urban hustle and bustle.
Accessibility to Two Mouth Lakes requires planning and the right vehicle, especially depending on the season. From Bonners Ferry, you typically head west on Riverside Street towards the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Past the refuge headquarters, you turn onto Myrtle Creek Road (Road #633). This road is then followed for a considerable distance (around 10-12 miles), bearing left to reach Forest Road 658, which leads to the trailhead for Trail #268.
Local insights confirm that access can be challenging. "Access in early spring months can be difficult due to high stream levels; this one is normally accessible by early to mid-June." This underscores the need for seasonal awareness. Reviews also warn that "Two-Mouth and Myrtle Peak access road is in bad condition, even suitable for some high clearance vehicles," further emphasizing that a rugged vehicle is often necessary to reach the trailhead. This means a sedan or low-clearance vehicle is likely not suitable for the drive to the trailhead.
Once at the trailhead, the journey continues on foot or horseback. The trail to the lakes is approximately 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 1,800 feet. It is classified as moderate difficulty. While some parts of the trail might involve boardwalks over marshy areas, there are also "quite steep pitches" and rocky passages. Given the remote nature, visitors should arrive prepared for a true wilderness trek. This inaccessibility by standard means is precisely what preserves its remote character and appeal to serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Given that Two Mouth Lakes is a remote, undeveloped backcountry area within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, it does not offer the typical "campground services" found at developed sites. Instead, it provides a wilderness experience, meaning visitors must be entirely self-sufficient.
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Undeveloped Campsites: While there are designated areas for camping, these are primitive, existing campsites around the lakes. Visitors are strongly encouraged to "use existing campsites or avoid camping in the area altogether" to protect the fragile meadow and shorelines. There are no marked individual sites, picnic tables, or fire rings provided.
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No Potable Water: There is no potable water source. All water must be filtered or treated from the lakes or streams, or packed in by the visitor. "On-demand water in shower" or similar amenities are not available.
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No Restroom Facilities: There are no developed restrooms or outhouses. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all human waste or burying it properly at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails.
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No Electric Hookups or Dump Stations: This is a completely off-grid experience. There are no electric hookups for RVs, and no dump stations. All waste, including garbage and greywater, must be "packed in, packed out."
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No Bear Boxes or Food Storage: Reviews explicitly state, "I haven't found any bear boxes in this area, so that should also be a consideration when camping." This means visitors must bring their own bear-resistant food canisters, bear bags for hanging food, or other approved methods for securing food and scented items from wildlife, especially bears and other opportunistic animals.
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No On-Site Staff or Emergency Services: There is no on-site staff or ranger station. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and must be prepared for emergencies. As one review warns, "No emergency room up here!"
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Trail Maintenance: While direct services are minimal, the trails leading to and within the area are maintained through the efforts of organizations like the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, who volunteer to keep them cleared for public enjoyment.
The core "service" of Two Mouth Lakes is access to a pristine, remote wilderness. Visitors must be fully equipped for a self-sufficient backpacking or horse-packing trip.
Two Mouth Lakes offers a truly rugged and rewarding backcountry experience, distinguished by several unique features and highlights that appeal to seasoned Idaho adventurers.
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Stunning Alpine Lakes: The namesake "Two Mouth Lakes" are beautiful, shallow alpine lakes set on a relatively flat bench, surrounded by high mountain meadows. These pristine water bodies provide a focal point for the scenic beauty of the area, offering serene views and a refreshing destination.
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Important Wildlife Habitat: The high mountain meadow around the lakes is critical wildlife habitat. Visitors have the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including elusive mountain caribou, grizzly bears, and other native species. This makes it a prime location for wildlife viewing for those who practice patience and observation.
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Panoramic Selkirk Crest Views: The hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas of the granite-faced Selkirk Crest. As one account describes, you can reach ridgetops with "spectacular panoramas of sheer granite faces" and "down-valley views toward Bonners Ferry." This provides incredible photographic opportunities and a sense of awe-inspiring scale.
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Diverse Trail Scenery: The 9-mile round-trip Trail #268 meanders through varied landscapes, from old logging roads and forests of hemlock, fir, and spruce, to areas with granite slabs and marshy sections with boardwalks. This diversity keeps the hike engaging and visually stimulating.
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Opportunities for Scrambling and Exploration: Beyond the main trail, there are opportunities for "easy scrambles" up relatively gentle ridges to the north and south, offering delightful higher ground views. For the more adventurous, there's even talk of scrambling peaks like Harrison Peak, though this requires significant experience.
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Remote and Secluded Wilderness: The "remote country indeed" aspect is a major highlight. For those seeking true solitude and a break from crowded recreation areas, Two Mouth Lakes provides an unparalleled sense of seclusion and untouched wilderness. It's a place where you can genuinely disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
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Challenging but Rewarding Terrain: While rated as moderate, the trail has "quite steep pitches" and rough sections, requiring physical fitness and proper gear. However, the effort is richly rewarded with incredible views and a deep sense of accomplishment. This challenge makes it a perfect destination for experienced hikers and horseback riders.
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Volunteer-Maintained Trails: The involvement of local groups like the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho in keeping the trails cleared and maintained adds to the appeal, showcasing community effort in preserving these wild spaces for everyone's enjoyment.
These features combine to make Two Mouth Lakes a challenging yet profoundly rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic Idaho backcountry adventure, promising stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and a deep connection with the untamed wilderness.
As a remote backcountry area, Two Mouth Lakes does not have a direct, on-site contact person or a dedicated phone number for the specific campground. It falls under the management of the U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
For inquiries regarding trail conditions, wilderness regulations, safety information, or general details about the area, it is best to contact the relevant Forest Service Ranger District:
Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Address: 6286 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
Office Phone: (208) 267-5561
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays (Closed on federal holidays)
Given the remote nature of Two Mouth Lakes, it is absolutely critical to contact the Bonners Ferry Ranger District before planning your trip. They can provide essential, up-to-date information on:
- Current trail accessibility and conditions (e.g., snowmelt, stream levels, downed trees)
- Any active alerts or notices for the area (e.g., fire restrictions, wildlife warnings)
- Specific regulations for camping in the Selkirk Mountains, including food storage requirements due to grizzly bear presence
- Information on obtaining maps (USGS Roman Nose, The Wigwams, Idaho Panhandle National Forests Travel Map)
- Safety guidelines for remote backcountry travel, especially concerning bear encounters and emergency preparedness.
Remember, there is "no emergency room up here," so being fully informed and prepared is paramount for a safe and enjoyable experience at Two Mouth Lakes.
Two Mouth Lakes is an exceptional destination for locals throughout Idaho, especially for those who cherish authentic wilderness experiences and possess the skills for self-reliant backcountry travel. Its suitability for Idahoans stems from its unique offerings and challenges, perfectly aligning with the spirit of our state's outdoor heritage.
Firstly, for locals seeking to truly "get away from it all," Two Mouth Lakes delivers. In a world of increasing crowds, this remote area provides the solitude and quiet immersion in nature that many experienced Idaho outdoor enthusiasts crave. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from technology and reconnect with the wild.
Secondly, it represents the rugged beauty and challenging terrain that defines much of Idaho's wilderness. For hikers and horseback riders who have honed their skills on various trails, Two Mouth Lakes offers a rewarding test of endurance and navigational abilities. The breathtaking views of the Selkirk Crest and the chance to encounter diverse wildlife are well worth the effort. It allows locals to experience the "remote country indeed" that is so iconic to Idaho.
The emphasis on preparedness and self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with the ethos of Idaho's outdoor community. This area encourages responsible recreation and a deep understanding of wilderness ethics, including "pack it in, pack it out," which is vital for preserving our pristine natural resources. Locals who are members of groups like the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho will particularly appreciate how their volunteer efforts directly contribute to keeping such areas accessible and enjoyable.
Finally, the thrill of venturing into an area where grizzly bears and caribou roam, and where natural conditions dictate accessibility (like snowmelt and stream levels), adds an element of genuine adventure. It's a place that demands respect but generously rewards those who venture forth with unforgettable memories and a profound connection to Idaho's wild heart. For those looking for an unparalleled backcountry experience right here at home, Two Mouth Lakes is an unrivaled gem.
Location
IdahoBoundary CountyBonners Ferry
Customer Reviews
Two mouth lakes is a fantastic hiking area! This place is remote, so make sure you are well equipped to be there. I haven't found any bear boxes in this area, so that should also be a consideration when camping. Access in early spring months can be difficult due to high stream levels; this one is normally accessible by early to mid june.
Rode horses up there many years ago with our good friend Merle. We started the Selkirk Valley Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, and did volunteer work for the Forest Service, keeping trails cleaned out & maintained for all to enjoy. Remote country indeed, for the very experienced horse back rider or hikers.... this ain't no country for greenhorns! No emergency room up here! Go very prepared & be safe, and remember-- pack it in, pack it out-- Idaho is too great to trash it up!!
Very nice place and hiking πβ€οΈ
Very nice place and hiking πβ€οΈ
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