The Payette National Forest contains an abun- dance of high mountain lakes, and by any reckoning, the two Grass Mountain Lakes and Coffee Cup Lake are some of the most sce- nic. The three lakes are located in the Grass Mountains—a subrange of the Salmon River Mountains—and are simply stunning. Aptly named, the two Grass Mountain Lakes are less than a quarter mile apart and are par- tially fringed by green grassy meadows and thick forest. Dramatic cliffs and talus slopes sprinkled with dark green grass and fir trees rise nearly 700 feet from the lakes’ southern perimeters. If you happen to be at the lakes during June and early July, lingering snow- fields make for postcard photography. The hike to the circular-shaped Coffee Cup Lake is more rigorous. You rise from the Grass Mountain Lakes along a wildflower-cov- ered slope to a 7,850-foot saddle. From this perch, the views are exceptional when look- ing over the Grass Mountain Lakes to the dis-
tant mountains. Beyond the saddle, the route winds down a hillside and drops steeply to the tree-fringed Coffee Cup Lake Outstanding scenery, modest elevation gain, and a short distance make the Grass Moun- tain Lakes an excellent outing for families. All three lakes offer good campsites. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout. Beautiful wildflowers are constant for most of the hike in late July and early August. the hike: From the trailhead, climb through open forest to a signed junction at 0.2 mile. Turn left (west) as the trail rises along an open slope with delightful vistas to the east. The trail levels at 0.6 mile, below a steep granite cliff. Over the next quarter mile, the wildflower bloom is spectacular in late July and includes paintbrush, sego lily, lupine, penstemon, spirea, and horsemint.
Hiking Idaho
discovering mountain gems near mccall from “hiker’s guide to mccall and cascade” by scott marchant
story and photos by SCOTT MARCHANT
getting there: From downtown Mc- Call, drive west on ID 55 for 5.5 miles and turn right onto the paved Brundage Mountain–Goose Lake Road. Reset your trip meter and proceed 6.1 miles (the road transitions to a dirt surface at 3.8 miles) to a Y-junction. Veer left toward Hazard Lake and continue another 12.1 miles to the signed trailhead on the left (west) of the road. Parking is along the east side of the road.
Location: Payette National Forest, northwest of McCall Mileage: 3.8 miles out-and-back
(Grass Mountain Lakes) 6.4 miles out-and-back (Coffee Cup Lake)
Elevation Gain: 750 feet (Grass Mountain Lakes) 1,800 feet (Coffee Cup Lake)
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