Lake Estelle Trail #36 - ID Panhandle NF, ID

Overview: An easy-moderate hike up to Lake Estelle in the western Cabinet Mountains. There are a few places to camp along the shore of the lake, making backpacking an option.


Getting There: From the Moose Lake Trailhead, take Moose Lake Trail east for approx 0.90 miles to the signed junction with Lake Estelle Trail.Hike: From the signed junction, turn left and head north on Lake Estelle Trail. The trail gradually climbs uphill as you wind your way through the dense forest. Views are limited for the first mile. After a little more than a mile, a large rock outcropping appears above and to the left of the trail. As the trail curves around these rocks, views open up to the east and north. The slabs of rock are impressive as you hike along the base of them. Once you turn west around the rocks, you will be nearing the lake, which is not visible until you are right on the east shore. Large granite boulders strewn about remind you that this area was carved by glaciers in the past.

The lake is fairly small, just a few acres, but fills the cirque. A handful of campsites dot the shore, and a small use trail heads south towards a rocky slope, which has some nice places to sit and enjoy the views. While some lakes in the area have food lockers, there did not appear to be any at Lake Estelle, so plan accordingly if camping, as bears frequent the area.

Once done, retrace your steps back downhill. The hike back is easy, although there are some rocks and tree roots to contend with in places.

2023-07-01 LindaAnn