Caribou Lake, Idaho Selkirks

Chic Burge - Oct 22, 2015 2:21 pm - Voted 10/10

There are three Caribou Lakes in the American Selkirks. Below is the northern lakes. It uncanny how much they look alike from the air. If you have never been to these lakes and West Fork Peak, you are missing out. I would suggest a long semi-hard day hike to West Fork Lake then on to West Fork Mt with its old fire lookout tower. The ridge line stretches about 1.5 miles to the SE and about 2.5 miles to the NW. Once you have visited the tower, head NW along a ridge line worth walking just for itself. At alittle over 2 miles Upper Caribou Lake appears below you. Once at the lake continue NW around the lake for views into Canada. We chose to stay on the ridge to head back towards Lower Caribou Lake, then scrambled down over massive boulders to the lake. Because my long time hiking partner and I like scrambling, we headed straight up to the original ridge line to the east from lower lake. Expect some exposure and a lot of fun. As you head back towards the high point between you and the tower, look for a "trailish" route that skirts the east wall of West Fork Mt. It intersects the summit trail about 3 minutes above West Fork Lake. Head down and take a siesta next to the lake before walking back to the car. I would assume that the USFS & the Backcountry Horseman are responsible for all the new boardwalks being built over the wet areas. We counted 20 boardwalks. This trail also wonders thru a great old growth of Western Red Cedars forest, some of which takes 3 or 4 people to reach around. Altho this trail isn't very strenuous, it is a challenge especially along the ridge to upper lake, and back up from the lower lake. Absolutely a must.