Snowslide Lake to Louie Lake Hike

One-way hikes are packed with wonderment and wonderful views. Explore various terrains, indulge in the beauty of the mountainscape, and get a great workout in on the Snowslide Lake to Louie Lake Hike. Traveling through several landscapes and to high elevations, it is important to be prepared for inclement weather. Dress in layers, check the forecast and be mindful of altitude storms. Before heading out, make sure to download the trail GPS prior to departure, as there are sections of terrain that remain un-signposted. As this is a point-to-point hike, make sure you arrange for pick up or drop a car off at the trail’s end.

Embark on your journey along the Snowslide Lake to Louie Lake Hike from the National Forest Development 104 Pack Trailhead. Setting out from here, you will ford Lake Fork before beginning an intense climb up to Snowslide Lake. From here, you will ascend the pass between Snowslide Peak and Sawtooth Peak. Now gradually descending into a forested valley bound by the Salmon River Mountains, you will eventually reach an intersection. Here, veer left, and you will be diverted onto the Paddy Flat Lake Fork Pack Trail—this route demands several stream crossings, so take your time and mind your footing.

From here, you will reach Anderson Lake and a subsequent intersection. If time permits, take a detour up to the summit of Boulder Mountain. Head back down to the saddle and continue south down to Boulder Lake. At this point, take the unmarked trail heading southwest up to Twin Peaks and then down to Louie Lake framed by Jughandle Mountain. Beyond this point, you will follow the Louie Lake Trail down to the trailhead, which marks your adventure’s end.