Moose Mountain Trail #213 • Hike • Idaho • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Sep 22 2025

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,668
Photos 15,215
Triplogs 2,796

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Hiking		Sep 22 2025
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,796

Hiking	12.68 Miles	2,777 AEG

Hiking	12.68 Miles	6 Hrs 3 Mns		2.43 mph
	2,777 ft AEG	50 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

Linked

linked

Blacktail Lake Trail #24

Moose Mountain Trail #213

Moose Lake Trail #237

Lake Estelle Trail #36 - ID Panhandle NF

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

The heavy fog on the way in blocked some of the distant views, but when it lifted, it created some eerie and dramatic scenery.

The loop we chose is remote, but Idaho does an excellent job with trail construction and maintenance. Heavy-duty boardwalks (made from 6x12s) spanned swampy areas, and the pit toilets were impressively clean.

With the temperature starting at 42 degrees and moist air throughout the day, the hike stayed comfortable.

Blacktail Lake Trail #24
Our counterclockwise loop first took us on a 3.3-mile side trip through tall pines to Blacktail Lake. This was the first of many lakes we would see during the week. Sweet.

Moose Mountain Trail #213
This section begins the steady 800-foot climb to the top of Moose Mountain (6,543 feet). Along the way, we sampled ripe huckleberries. Linda kept telling us, “The top is just above our heads.” Five false summits later, we finally made it. The panoramic views were worth it, including a great look at Moose Mountain Lake below—our next destination.

Moose Mountain Views: [ youtube video ]

The 1,100-foot descent to the lake was steep and loose in places, which made us glad to be hiking the loop counterclockwise.

Moose Lake Trail #237
Moose Lake is another beauty—clear, quiet, and perfect for a weekend backpack from the trailhead. There are quite a few established campsites scattered around.

Moose Mountain Lake Views: [ youtube video ]

Lake Estelle Trail #36
As an optional addition, we made the 3-mile round-trip detour to Lake Estelle. This turned out to be a highlight of the day. The side trail offered sweeping canyon views, early hints of fall color, and ended at a small, scenic lake. While resting on the shore, we spotted several of Idaho’s state fish—the Cutthroat Trout—swimming past.

Lake Estelle Views: [ youtube video ]

Hike
Peaks: 1
Lakes: 3
Moose: 0

Trip Summary
Peaks: 2
Lakes: 3
Moose: 0

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Huckleberry Old man's whiskers Western Mountain Ash

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cutthroat Trout

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blacktail Lake Lake Estelle Moose Lake Moose Mountain

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

Blacktail Lake

76-100% full

Lake Estelle

76-100% full

Moose Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

3 archives

Sep 22 2025

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 682
Photos 7,434
Triplogs 4,695

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Hiking		Sep 22 2025
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,695

Hiking	12.32 Miles	2,900 AEG

Hiking	12.32 Miles	6 Hrs 4 Mns	2.38 mph
	2,900 ft AEG	53 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Blacktail Lake Trail #24

Moose Lake Trail #237

Lake Estelle Trail #36 - ID Panhandle NF

Moose Mountain Trail #213

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

The_Eagle

today's hike was moose lake and moose mountain with side trips to blacktail and estelle lakes
quite a bit of fog on the drive to the trailhead
set out on the loop trail around 0830 with temps in the 40s and moist trail conditions
counterclockwise on the loop, taking the spur to blacktail lake
good trail, slightly uphill, a few boardwalk sections
we stopped at the lake for a few minutes, then returned to the main loop
we made the ascent to moose mountain along a scenic ridgeline
took in the views at the summit, including of our next stop at moose lake
dropped to the lake and had a snack break
back on the main loop, we opted for the two miles to lake estelle
different terrain along the side of a hill and drier, more open forest
arrived at the lake, the prettiest of the three complete with a few trout
back to the main loop and then to the trailhead
saw no one all day
no moose either

there were huckleberries

good hike, nice variety, great choice for the day

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Blacktail Lake Lake Estelle

_____________________

hazhole

Sep 22 2025

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,283
Photos 9,160
Triplogs 2,634

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Moose Lake and Mountain Trail Loop

Northern, ID

Hiking		Sep 22 2025
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,634

Hiking	12.32 Miles	2,688 AEG

Hiking	12.32 Miles	6 Hrs 4 Mns	2.33 mph
	2,688 ft AEG	47 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Blacktail Lake Trail #24

Moose Lake Trail #237

Lake Estelle Trail #36 - ID Panhandle NF

Moose Mountain Trail #213

Partners

partners

The_Eagle

trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Foggy drive up to Moose Mtn trailhead. Temps around 42 degrees at the start. We opted to do the loop counter-clockwise, adding two more lakes along the way. Muddy trail in places, and lots of wet vegetation. Wood boardwalks span the boggiest sections of the trail.

At the first junction, we headed south, enjoying the gentle incline. Took the turn towards Blacktail Lake. There was a surprising amount of still edible huckleberries along the trail, so Bruce and Kelly took advantage of the availability of a local treat. Quick break at Blacktail Lake, then we headed back to the main loop.

The climb up to Moose Mtn was steeper than I remembered. Great views along the climb, and the ridge along the summit is one of my favorite parts of the loop. Once past the summit, we dropped down to a saddle, then descended to Moose Lake. Had a snack break at the lake. Chilly breeze.

Heading west from Moose Lake, we decided to take the side trip up to Lake Estelle. Easy hike up to the lake. Good views and rock features. I think Estelle is the prettiest of the three lakes. Took another break at the lake. Easy hike back to the loop, then a quick finish back to the trailhead. 55 degrees at the finish.

Not much in the way of wildlife today. No other hikers. Saw some campers along the road. Saw a crew grading the road. The final couple of miles to the trailhead is a little rough, requiring medium clearance. The other seventeen miles of forest road is in great shape. Great day and hike. Awesome views. And perfect weather. There is so much to do in the Cabinet Mtns, and this hike is a good sampler.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Memorial

Blacktail Lake

76-100% full

Lake Estelle

76-100% full

Moose Lake

76-100% full

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

1 archive

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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