Top 5 Lakes in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Silver Lake is a scenic, family-friendly lake teeming with wildlife, offering an outdoor experience away from more crowded areas. Aldous Lake is also considered a great family hike, known for excellent fishing and a memorable trip for children.

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers numerous scenic lake hikes. The Upper Palisades Lake Trail is a popular 14.6-mile out-and-back option with beautiful views and fishing. The Hell Roaring Trail provides access to Hell Roaring Lake for a true wilderness experience. For a challenging alpine hike, consider the Eightmile Trail loop to Pass Creek Lake, which takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes to complete.

The lakes and reservoirs offer a wide range of water sports. Palisades Reservoir is a go-to for waterskiing, jet skiing, speedboating, fishing, swimming, tubing, and paddlecraft like kayaks and canoes. Island Park Reservoir also provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and various water sports. Ashton Reservoir is excellent for water skiing and canoeing.

Many lakes in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest offer excellent wildlife viewing. Grassy Lake Reservoir is known for opportunities to observe waterfowl and moose. Silver Lake is teeming with wildlife. The Alaska Basin Lakes are excellent for wildlife viewing, especially in late summer when wildflowers are abundant.

The best time to visit the lakes is generally during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when trails are clear of snow and water activities are in full swing. Late summer offers rich wildflowers around high-elevation lakes like the Alaska Basin Lakes. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.

Moose Lake is secluded, located on the outskirts of Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, and sees fewer visitors. Hell Roaring Lake, accessible via the Hell Roaring Trail, offers a true wilderness experience. Sheffield Lake and Red Rock Lake also provide peaceful backcountry experiences.

Yes, many lakes offer opportunities for wild swimming, especially during the summer months. Palisades Reservoir has cool, clear shores and calm bays perfect for swimming. Always exercise caution, be aware of water temperatures, and check for any local regulations or advisories before swimming in natural bodies of water.

Beyond the most popular spots, the forest features Henry's Lake, known for excellent fishing; Island Park Reservoir, offering a scenic backdrop for activities; and Palisades Reservoir, a large body of water for various sports. Other notable lakes include Grassy Lake Reservoir, Big Elk Lake, Aldous Lake, Alaska Basin Lakes, Pass Creek Lake, Sheffield Lake, Red Rock Lake, Basin Lake, and Ashton Reservoir.

Dispersed campsites are available near some lakes, such as Moose Lake, on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry camping is also available at places like Upper Palisades Lake. It's always best to check with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest service for specific permit requirements for your chosen camping location, as regulations can vary.

Beyond water activities, the area around the lakes offers extensive outdoor opportunities. You can find various hiking trails, including easy options like those in the Easy hikes in Caribou-Targhee National Forest guide, or more challenging routes in the Hiking in Caribou-Targhee National Forest guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails detailed in the MTB Trails in Caribou-Targhee National Forest guide. Equestrian enthusiasts can access Big Elk Lake via the Big Elk Creek Trail and Sheffield Lake via the Sheffield Creek Trail.

Lakes like Henry's Lake and Island Park Reservoir are generally more accessible, with facilities and roads leading closer to their shores. Ashton Reservoir is also easily accessible. For a family-friendly option with good access, Silver Lake is a great choice. Always check current road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons.

Hikes to lakes in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest range from easy to difficult. For example, the Upper Palisades Lake Trail is moderately rated, while the Eightmile Trail loop to Pass Creek Lake is also moderate but involves significant elevation gain. Some high-elevation lakes like those in the Alaska Basin require challenging hikes. Always check trail descriptions and prepare accordingly for your chosen route.