Bottleneck Lake Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bottleneck Lake is a sparkling, clear, blue-green lake at the foot of Bottleneck Peak, 6,782 feet.

This relatively short hike to Bottleneck Lake is a forest hike that climbs gently, with the aid of civilized switchbacks, for its entire length. A few small creeks are crossed. As the trail climbs the views of the surrounding mountains, near and far, get better and better.

The trails to Snow Lake and Bottleneck Lake 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 an hour 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
- just before FSR 1007 starts, there is a small parking area on the right, and trailhead sign for these trails

Snow Lake Trail #185 (1.5 miles)
The hike starts on Snow Lake Trail #185. From the trailhead sign, the path is wide as it enters the forest. The Snow Creek valley, with the creek at its bottom, drops off to the left. As the trail follows the creek upstream, it can often be heard, but rarely seen through the thick foliage. At the 1.5 mile mark a well marked trail junction with Bottleneck Lake Trail #187 is reached. Go right here onto Bottleneck Lake Trail #187, to continue hiking to Bottleneck Lake.

Bottleneck Lake Trail #187 (1.9 miles)
After turning off of Snow Lake Trail #185, the trail immediately makes a sharp turn to the right. The first switchback is then reached after only 0.3 miles. With the Snow Creek valley dropping off to the right/east, there are nice views of the forested far side of the valley along this stretch. Making a U-turn to the left at the switchback, the trail heads south, eventually leaving these views behind.

A small creek is crossed 1.1 miles after leaving Snow Lake Trail #185. About a quarter mile later the high switchbacks begin. Lasting about another 0.6 miles, this is a particularly scenic stretch of the trail. The steep hillside being climbed, drops off to the northeast, providing great views of the forested valleys and rugged mountains into the far distance. Nearby peaks also rise up to the northwest.

After the last switchback, the climbs eases as the trail heads to Bottleneck Lake. A wet grassy area on the east side of the lake is passed as the lake comes into view. Bottleneck Peak, 6,782 ft., and rocky ridges rise up across the lake. The trail veers right/west and passes side trails to the left. These side trails lead to the shoreline. Continuing on, the trail reaches the lake's northwest banks, where it ends.

Conifer forest with dense undergrowth. Summer wildflowers. Deer live here.