Fault Lake Trail #59

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Fault Lake is found deep in the wild, scenic Idaho Selkirks backcountry, up against the Selkirk Crest. Going north on US 95, about 10.5 miles north of Sandpoint and just after crossing the Pack River, is a turnoff to the left/west onto Pack River Road - take this turnoff. Once on Pack River Road, it can take up to an hour to get to the trailhead, as the last 6 miles is unpaved and gets increasingly rough. From here go:
- 12 miles on Pack River Road that becomes FSR 231
- then bear left onto FSR 293 for 1.2 miles. After the first 0.6 miles, there is a junction, continue straight here to a small parking area at the trailhead.

A great trail to take a youth group on for an overnight trip. It's also great if you just want a bit of time out in the beauty that surrounds this whole area. Overall, this trail has a fairly steady climb with a real gem of a lake as a reward.

From the trailhead, Fault Lake Trail immediately descends to cross McCormick Creek. The trail then climbs above the creek with views of the hills to the east before it enters the forest. Following McCormick Creek that is far below, upstream, the creek can be heard, but one only gets occasional glimpses of it.

At the 1.6 and 2.1 mile marks are two switchbacks that gain enough elevation that views of the rugged peaks to the west, emerge. A creek with a cute, little waterfall is passed at the 3.3 mile mark. Continuing on, great views of the distant mountains to the east are soon seen.

Climbing higher, although the low vegetation is still dense, the trees thin and are smaller. As one nears Fault Lake, some interesting steep sections on rock slabs are crossed - watch for a few cairns to help guide the way. Another pretty, little waterfall is passed at the 5.9 mile mark, just before reaching Fault Lake.

Mixed conifer forest with lush undergrowth at lower elevations, to sparsely forested rocky alpine with low bushes. Summer wildflowers. Elk live here.