Roman Nose Lakes, ID

Overview Easy to slightly moderate hike to the three Roman Nose Lakes in the Selkirk Mountains. Camping and swimming are also an option.


Hike The first lake is immediately south of the parking lot and is reached via a handicapped-accessible boardwalk. The boardwalk takes you to two viewpoints along the edge of the lake. There is also a use-trail along the lake and a short trail that heads east to the adjacent campground. After taking in the views of the first lake, retrace your steps along the boardwalk back to the parking lot.The trail to the other two lakes starts on the west side of the parking lot. You will quickly cross a bridge, then head uphill, using some more boardwalks along the way. The trail winds through the trees and granite boulders and is generally easy to travel. After a short distance, the trail splits and is marked with a metal sign. Turn right to head to the lakes (taking the left option utilizes a longer loop that reconnects to the trail in less than a mile). Continuing uphill, views start to open up in most directions. Once again, there is another split in the trail, and again take the right turn to continue up to the lakes (the left turn is the optional loop reconnecting to the main trail). At roughly the high point of the hike, a large granite outcropping appears ahead of you with excellent views to the north.

After enjoying those views, the trail splits again--right for Lake Two and left for Lake Three. Take the right spur and drop down to Lake Two, which is fed by a waterfall from Lake Three and discharges (along with Lake One) into the beginning of Caribou Creek. Retrace your steps back up to the junction between the two lakes, then take the other spur over to Lake Three. Lake Three seems to be the largest of the lakes and sits directly below Roman Nose Peak, which sits about 1100' above the lake. It appears the summit of Roman Nose could be reached via a scramble up the west side of the lake, then by following the ridge around to the top. Like the other two lakes, the water is clear and clean and you can see reasonably deep into the lake.

The hike back down to the parking lot is easy and goes by quickly. Be aware of wildlife in the area, which could include moose and bears (black & grizzly). Due to the area's popularity, camping is only permitted at the campground near Lake One, although several fire rings were seen by the lakes and along the trail. Bring bug repellent, especially during the summer months--autumn might not have as many mosquitos.

2023-06-28 LindaAnn