Crystal Lake Trail #299

From the trailhead at Wildhorse campground, the trail heads west, gaining 900 feet in its first 1.5 miles, then continues west along a ridge to just below North Pole. Kelly Lakes are a cross country walk from here. From North Pole the trail switchbacks steeply down to a mine ruin and into a small valley. It crosses a ridge and drops into a large cirque basin dominated by Crystal Lake. This lake covers 41 acres, making it the largest lake in the Buffalo Hump region. Its water was used to power a 20-stamp mill at Calendar. The dam and flume at the outlet of the lake can still be seen. Continuing south around the lake, the main trail climbs out of the basin for one mile, at first steeply and finally leveling out. At mile 6, the trail passes Hump Lake, nestled below Buffalo Hump. This is the highest peak on the Red River District with an elevation of 8938 feet. The trail ends on the south end of Hump Lake at its junction with Hump Trail #313.

At a Glance

Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	No motorized vehicle use allowed.
Closest Towns:	Elk City, Idaho
Water:	None
Information Center:	Red River Ranger District, 208-842-2245

General Information

Directions: Eight miles west of Elk City on Highway 14, turn south onto Crooked River Road #233. Follow Road #233 for approximately 21 miles through Orogrande Town, past junction with Road #311, and up to its junction with Wildhorse Road #233-I at Orogrande Summit. Turn west onto Road #233-I and follow it for 3 miles to Wildhorse campground. The trailhead is on the west edge of the campground.

Activities

Day Hiking

From the trailhead at Wildhorse campground, the trail heads west, gaining 900 feet in its first 1.5 miles, then continues west along a ridge to just below North Pole.