My heart is full from my first hike of the season.
Hell Roaring Lake trail has an elevation gain of only 600′ in five miles. As a result, it’s usually one of the first snow-free accessible trails to an alpine lake in the Sawtooth Mountains and one of my first go-to hikes of the season.
Are you ready for all of your senses to come alive on this hike? Let’s go!
It’s 8:55am on Saturday morning. Sunny and 38 degrees. Not a car at the trailhead. Not a soul in sight. As a solo hiker, this is my heaven on Earth.
The energy within me is bursting to be released as I step onto the Hell Roaring Lake trail. As I start the moderate climb from the lower trailhead, there’s an extra spring in my step and a smile on my face.
I didn’t expect wildflowers to be popping out this early in the season especially since the lows are still below freezing. I gazed in wonderment at the brilliant red and orange Indian paintbrush dotting the landscape. Don’t you just love these wildflowers?
I begin to hear the soothing sound of rushing water. The powerful force of Hell Roaring Creek cascading over rocks is therapeutic to my mind, body and soul.
You can experience it too! Turn up your volume for the full effect.
After the first mile, the ground begins to level out. The roar of the creek fades away.
Silence……
except for the ground squirrels chattering and the sweet sounds of birds singing as I pass by. This is one of those moments when I’m able to breathe deep and take it all in.
I close my eyes and inhale the heavenly scent of pine needles as the morning sun heats up the lodgepole pine trees. It’s natural aromatherapy!
Hidden Treasure
Did you know there is a hidden treasure on this hike?
About 1.5 miles into the hike, there are small rocks scattered on the trail. It’s here that I know to look to my right for the sand-colored rocks. Hidden by these rocks is a large pond.
I make my way over the fallen down trees to the edge of the pond. Although I didn’t see any today, there are usually fish swimming near the shore and frogs basking in the sun.
I find my way back to the trail and continue hiking on.
Hell Roaring Creek comes into view again. It’s still calm as it meanders along its route.
Thinking Trail
My mind always wanders on this trail so I call it my ‘thinking trail.’ When the trail levels out, there are very little tree roots and rocks that I have to step over. It allows me to focus on my thoughts. If I have a lot on my mind, I’ll hike to Imogene Lake which is 18 miles RT from the lower trailhead. But that hike will have to wait for another day.
Also, this is the perfect ‘date trail.’ You can walk side-by-side while holding hands as the trail is fairly wide for about 4 miles. You can chat without losing your breath as there is very little elevation gain. So the next time you bring your sweetheart to the area, think about hiking to Hell Roaring Lake. They’ll thank you for it!
Spruce Grouse
At mile three, I reached the wilderness boundary and filled out my hiking permit. I’m giddy with excitement knowing that the lake is only two more miles.
The birds carry on with their morning tweets as I continue on the trail through lodgepole pine and past a few meadows. Their beautiful chirps are a welcoming distraction from my thoughts.
Out of nowhere, this low-flying bird comes into my sight from the right, tries to land on a branch and falls to the ground about 15 feet in front of me. Startling me, I peed a little. He takes flight again and lands successfully on a branch.
Well, hello there handsome!
I entered the spruce grouse’s territory. Of course, I had to snap a few photos as he posed for the camera.
Out of respect for him, I moved forward. That’s when he took flight again. He flew past me and as he landed, he made two loud clapping noises. AllAboutBirds.com states this is caused by striking his wingtips over his head. Fascinating!
Take a gander at those red eyebrows!
I didn’t want to cause him any stress so I put my head down and started hiking. The trail began to ascend moderately. At the junction, I turned left.
Hell Roaring Lake
That first glimpse of Hell Roaring Lake made my knees buckle. Here’s what I saw as I walked across the foot bridge over the outlet.
After I crossed the bridge, I dipped my hand into the frigid waters of Hell Roaring Lake. Oh my, it was numbingly cold, but so refreshing.
Side note: On those hot summer days, there are many places around the lake where you can take a rejuvenating dip into the water.
I sat down on an exposed boulder in Hell Roaring Lake and gazed at the Finger of Fate. Even on a gray day, it’s mesmerizing.
May your first hike into the Sawtooth Mountains be as awesome as mine!
Happy Hiking!
Are you happy you went on this hike with me? Let me know in the comments!
Trail Info
Trailhead: Highway 75 to Decker Flat Road. Drive over the bridge and bear left. Before the next bridge is the lower trailhead.
Distance: 10 miles RT
Elevation gain: approximately 600′
Duration: It took me about 2 hours to reach the lake. This included taking photos and videos, side trip to the pond, writing notes and peeing every mile (not including the time I saw the spruce grouse).