Idaho · Hiking

Square Lake

0.6 mi
round trip
1,167 ft
climb
6,238 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Square Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Square 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.

Square Lake is an easy out-and-back hike in Idaho's Idaho Panhandle National Forests, on the St. Joe Ranger District. The trail is about 0.6 miles long, with a total elevation gain of about 1,167 feet, and it's managed by the Forest Service. The trail climbs to a high point of about 6,238 feet from a starting elevation of about 6,237 feet, so the climb is essentially to the top and back down. The steepest section comes early, around the 0.2-mile mark, with a grade of about 41 percent, before the trail eases into a natural surface. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July and August highs around 70°F, with lows near 50°F and only about six wet days a month. Winter is cold, with January highs in the upper 20s. The hike is open year-round and takes about an hour. Bikes are allowed, and the trail is natural surfaced. Ward Peak is about 0.9 miles away, and Lower Ward Peak is about a mile away. Hub Hazel Lakes and Deer Creek Campground are both within about 7 miles.