When you find yourself craving an outdoorsy adventure, a trek to one of our many hidden lakes is a must—especially if it’s the vibrant blue lake featured here. Not only is the trail to the lake downright exquisite, boasting stunning landscapes and endless scenery, but it leads you straight to a lake with the bluest water you’ve ever seen. The pictures of this backcountry lake are beautiful, but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes. You may just find yourself completely mesmerized by its vibrant color!
There are few things as breathtaking as that first sight of a vibrant blue lake after a long hike. There's one lake hiding in the Idaho backcountry that may just have the bluest water you've ever seen, and seeing it is so worth the trek it takes to get there.
Upper Palisades Lake is definitely a well-known spot among locals, and the trail is known for becoming especially popular during summertime. However, both the lower and upper lakes are well-worth braving the crowds (or planning around them) for their serene and wild beauty.
To reach them, you'll set off on the Palisades Creek Trail, easily accessed from the Palisades Creek Campground. Although rated as easy and considered popular among families, you'll want to plan a full day for this trip. At 13-miles out-and-back, this adventure is bound to fill several hours.
The hike to the lower lake is just four miles, and the beauty of Lower Palisades definitely stands on its own. However, the entire 6-mile trek to Upper Palisades Lake is more than worth it. Beauty surrounds every step of this wonderful hike.
Prepare to be left in total awe once you finally arrive at Upper Palisades. It's much larger than Lower Palisades, and it naturally receives less traffic since it's further along the trail. Tucked away in a valley and surrounded by forest, it makes for a great place to simply relax and take in the beauty of its vibrant blue water.
Additionally, the lake is a hot spot of recreational activities. Campsites are situated around the lake, and the lake itself is famous for its fishing opportunities. As one of the main spawning tributaries for the Snake River, the lake and nearby creek are usually fully stocked with native cutthroat trout.
However, the adventure doesn't end at Upper Palisades Lake. The trail continues and leads you straight into a beautiful natural oasis called Waterfall Canyon. Home to a lovely waterfall that flows well into late summer, it's definitely worth checking out if you have the energy for it.
Although popular, Upper Palisades Lake still feels like one of Idaho's greatest hidden gems. Tucked away in the eastern Idaho backcountry, its beautiful blue waters are well-worth the day-long adventure. Pictures of this lake are great but nothing beats seeing it in person, so be sure to see it soon!
