Roman Nose Lakes Trail #165B

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Roman Nose Lakes are found deep in the wild, scenic Idaho Selkirks backcountry. Going north on US 95, about 22 miles north of Sandpoint and just south of Naples is a turnoff to the left/west onto Deep Creek Loop - take this turnoff. Once on Deep Creek Loop, it can take up to 2 hours to get to the trailhead, as the roads become increasingly rough. From here:
- go 6.3 miles north on paved Deep Creek Loop
- then turn left onto Lions Den/Snow Creek Road for 2.0 miles (this road turns right after the first half mile, and then left to cross the railroad tracks after another 0.9 miles)
- then go left at the Y onto the gravel FSR 402/Snow Creek Road for 9.1 miles
- then veer left onto FSR 1007 for 7.3 miles (this road gets worse and worse as it goes over Caribou Pass and Ruby Pass)
- then go right onto FSR 2667 for 0.5 miles
- then stay right (on FSR 2667) at the Y for 1.0 miles to overflow parking, and another half mile to the trailhead parking

Roman Nose Lakes Trail #165B is found at a signed trail junction after hiking 0.7 miles up Roman Nose Lakes Trail #165 from the parking area. Go right/north at this trail junction to hike Roman Nose Lakes Trail #165B that leads to the middle Roman Nose Lake.

Roman Nose Lakes Trail #165B descends gradually through the forest and over open rock slabs, for its entire length. Initially in the forest, after about a quarter mile the trail reaches an open rock slab area at the top edge of cliffs to the right/east. The expansive views to the north and east make this a great place for a break. Nearby forested foothills below, give way to the Kootenai River Valley. Beyond the river valley are the Purcell Mountains.

Leaving the viewpoint, the trail re-enters forest, veers left/west at the 0.5 mile mark, and the lake comes into view. This is the middle Roman Nose Lake, a pretty lake set in a high, rocky bowl. About 500 feet later, the trail ends at the lake's edge near its outlet creek.

Mixed conifer forest with abundance of subalpine fir. Larches at higher elevations. Dense undergrowth of bushes. Grasses in open areas. Deer live here.