Idaho trails › Lost River Range / Craters

Merriam Lake Trail

Hiking trail · Lost River Range / Craters · Trailhead near Mackay, ID

3.7 mi5.9 kmRound trip

≈1,480 ft≈451 mElevation gain

9,606 ft2,928 mHigh point

2 hr 31 minEstimated time

ModerateOut and back to Merriam Lake. Length and elevation gain are calculated from map data, so they're approximate.

1.8 mi (2.9 km) to Merriam Lake

High-clearance vehicle recommended: last about 8.2 mi (13.2 km) on FR 40118 and FR 40267

Pass: unknown, check before you go

Official listing: U.S. Forest Service, Merriam Lake (#4197)

Trailhead: West Fork Upper Pahsimeroi Trailhead

Off National Forest Development Road 118, near Mackay, ID

Coordinates: 44.12993, -113.72631

Directions

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Overview

Merriam Lake Trail is a round-trip hike of 3.7 mi / 5.9 km near Mackay, ID. Expect about 1,480 ft / 451 m of elevation gain, with a high point of 9,606 ft / 2,928 m. Difficulty: Moderate. At an average pace, plan on about 2 hr 31 min. High-elevation trail, usually snow-free from mid-July into October. Before then, expect snow and possible avalanche danger.

Elevation profile

Along the route: low 8,173 ft / 2,491 m · high 9,580 ft / 2,920 m

Nearby

Merriam LakeLake · 1.7 mi / 2.7 km
East Fork Upper PahsimeroiHiking trail · 1.9 mi / 3 km
Leatherman Peak TrailHiking trail · 2.1 mi / 3.3 km
Sacajawea PeakPeak · 2.6 mi / 4.2 km
Borah PeakPeak · 2.7 mi / 4.4 km
Mount IdahoPeak · 3 mi / 4.8 km
Pass Lake TrailHiking trail · 3 mi / 4.8 km
Pass LakeLake · 3.1 mi / 5 km

Sources

Route and map: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: AWS Terrain Tiles.
Official trail listing: U.S. Forest Service.