Engle Lake Trail

The Engle Lake Trail is a must-add to your adventure bucket list—assuming you don’t mind a relentless climb, technical terrain, or heights. Those are all part of the fun in our opinion! This epic expedition tours the preserved wilderness of the Kootenai Forest, offering a wicked workout and wonderful views. Make sure to dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions. Additionally, a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots are required, and trekking poles are highly suggested. Furthermore, as this route gains a lot of elevation and the trail is quite long, it is important to head out in the early morning to return to the trailhead before nightfall. Finally, note this is bear country, so consider bringing along some bear spray!

Setting out from the trailhead, the Engle Lake Trail climbs eastward, up a switchback, gaining a ridge. Traveling through the alpine firs, the route will redirect you northeastward up a gradual grade before commencing the arduous ascent up to Engle Lake. Take your time and take breaks as needed as you navigate the precipitous terrain via countless switchbacks. After a relentless ascent, you will summit the saddle to the southeast of Engle Peak. Admire the panoramic vistas of the Cabinet Mountains from here, then descend the ridge into the mountain basin.

Explore the gorgeous lake that sits in the shadow of the craggy peak and rejuvenate your tired feet in the refreshing water. When you are through reveling in the beautiful alpine setting, head back the way you came all the way down to the trailhead.