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Ship Island Lake


Highlights:

Well known, large beautiful lake deep in the Bighorn Crags
Near:Cobalt, ID
Scenery:
Distance:22 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:6000 ft
Hike Time:12 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: Ship Island Lake, the largest lake in the Crags area is a popular destination due in part to the great scenery on the way to and from and because of the beauty of the lake itself. Good fishing, big game and rugged mountain beauty combine to make this a photographers dream.
Trailhead: he trailhead is located near the Bighorn Crags campground. From Challis, drive 9 miles north on H 93 to the Morgan Creek Road turnoff. (on the left) Follow this pavement / gravel road for 20 miles to the Morgan Creek Summit where it becomes the Panther Creek road. Follow this road another 14 miles to the sigend turn-off at Porphyry creek. Follow the Porphyry creek road 6 miles to a four way intersection. Turn right at this intersection pn Forest road 114. There will be another intersection with the road to yellowjacket lake. Bear right continuing on road 114 past the Crags campground to the trailhead. Water is available at the campground before starting. (Lat:45.06235 Lon:-114.31453)
Trail Guides for Ship Island Lake:
Hiking Idaho
by Ralph & Jackie Maughn  (Falcon Guide)

Best Seasons: Fall, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Cobalt Ranger District, Salmon Natl Forest, 208 756 5100
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Don Evans, who has posted  31 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Cyn on 9/2/2009
August 2009: Excellent backpacking trip. Challenging, rewarding, jaw dropping scenery. Lack of water can be an issue if you travel over the ridge going in or coming out. Prepare!!! My husband and I enjoyed 6 days in the backcountry. We had Harbor Lake, and Airplane Lake to ourselves. A great time to go is at the end of August. We will definitely go back. It is a very Challenging hike. But so worth it! The scenery reminds me of Yosemite. The rangers we met on the trail told us it is refered to as "Little Yosemite". Enjoy!!!!!

Reviewed by Dave on 8/11/2008
I did this hike in Aug 2006. On the way in, I veered left which is the longer route but is cooler and has water. The shorter ridge route may be shorter along the ridge line but has no water whatsoever. The scenery is beautiful. This hike is not for the faint hearted. There is one scary section, Fishfin Pass. In a couple of weeks, I'm going back but plan to take 4 days instead of 3. It is well worth the effort to see this beautiful lake.

Reviewed by RS on 5/31/2008
Hiked this trip many years ago with family. It was a great experience, beautiful scenery. There is a lot to see on the way in and out. Recomend that you do this in the middle of July. Lots of wildlife.

Reviewed by Robyn on 11/24/2007
Beautiful scenery, very breath-taking. Came across quite a bit of snow, it was even dangerous in some points. Hiked at the end of June, so that might make a difference. Didn't quite make it to Ship Island..about 1 mile away. I'd recommend it to anybody up for a big challenge.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Idaho Hiking, Idaho Trails, Idaho Hikes, Lemhi County Hiking, Lemhi County Trails, Lemhi County Hikes

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