
Where is Black Lake in Idaho?
Usa, north-america
19 km
2,206 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Black Lake in the stunning Idaho wilderness! This alpine gem sits pretty high up at 7,237 feet in Adams County, nestled within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
The journey to Black Lake is half the fun โ if you're into that sort of thing. Black Lake Road, the only way in, clocks in at about 11.8 miles from NF-105. Don't let the length fool you; it's a climb! You'll gain around 1500 feet in elevation, making it a pretty steep haul.
Now, the road itself is where things get interesting. We're talking unpaved, gravel, and rough โ with plenty of rocks thrown in for good measure. This isn't a Sunday cruise; some sections are rugged enough to make you sweat. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle. Leave the RVs, trailers, and passenger cars at home, trust me on this one.
But hey, stick with it, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a fantastic trout fishing spot. Plus, you can chill at the Black Lake Campground right by the lake. Just be ready for an adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,206 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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