Idaho · Hiking

Clear Lake

0.8 mi
round trip
59 ft
climb
6,409 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Clear Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Clear Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Clear Lake is a short, easy hike in the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 0.8 miles long and rises roughly 60 feet from its low point of 5,841 feet to a high of 6,409 feet. It is an out-and-back route, and the natural-surface trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs stay near 28°F. Bikes are allowed on the trail. The closest neighbors are Hub Hazel Lakes and Lower Ward Peak, both about 1.6 miles away, and Ward Peak at 1.8 miles. For an overnight stay, Up Up Lookout campground is about 5.7 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Clear Lake

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 17.1 mi away at 6,028 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.