Two Mouth Lakes

For Idahoans who truly embrace the wild, untamed spirit of our state, the notion of a remote backcountry adventure holds a powerful allure. If you're an experienced hiker, a seasoned equestrian, or a dedicated wilderness enthusiast in search of an authentic, challenging, and breathtaking escape, Two Mouth Lakes, nestled deep in the Selkirk Mountains near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, offers an unparalleled opportunity. This is not your average front-country campground; it's a raw and rugged landscape designed for those who come fully prepared to immerse themselves in Idaho's magnificent wilderness.

Two Mouth Lakes is renowned as a "fantastic hiking area," celebrated for its stunning alpine scenery, including two shallow lakes surrounded by high mountain meadows. However, it comes with a clear and important caveat: this place is genuinely "remote," demanding a high level of preparedness and experience. As one reviewer aptly put it, "this ain't no country for greenhorns!" It's a testament to the dedication of groups like the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, who have done volunteer work for the Forest Service to maintain these trails for all to enjoy.

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our fellow Idaho residents, with a clear, engaging, and most importantly, informative overview of Two Mouth Lakes. We’ll delve into its challenging yet rewarding location, discuss what to expect in terms of facilities (or lack thereof), highlight its unique features that draw experienced adventurers, and emphasize the crucial preparations needed for a safe and memorable trip. Prepare to discover a truly wild Idaho gem, where self-reliance and respect for nature are paramount.

Two Mouth Lakes is located in the Selkirk Mountains, near Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA. This places it within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, specifically the Kaniksu National Forest managed by the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. The Selkirk Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, characterized by towering peaks, rolling granite fields, and pristine alpine lakes, making this area a truly special place.

Access to Two Mouth Lakes involves a significant commitment to backcountry travel. The primary route is via Trail #268, which is approximately 5.5 miles long (or 9 miles round trip, with some variations up to 14 miles for longer traverses) with an elevation gain of around 1,800 feet. The trailhead can be reached from Bonners Ferry by heading west on Riverside Street towards the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, then bearing right on the West Side Road for about 1.5 miles past the refuge headquarters, and finally turning left onto Myrtle Creek Road (Road #633). You'll drive approximately 10-12 miles on Myrtle Creek Road, bearing left to the trailhead for Trail #268.

It is crucial to note that accessibility can be challenging, particularly in the early spring months "due to high stream levels." Reviewers state that the area is "normally accessible by early to mid-June," indicating that snowmelt and water crossings can make early season travel difficult or even impossible. The terrain itself can be "rough and uneven," with some "boggy areas" that may require careful navigation on boardwalks built by the USFS to protect sensitive marsh areas. This remote setting means there's "no emergency room up here," reinforcing the need for self-sufficiency and careful planning.

It's vital to understand that Two Mouth Lakes is a remote, backcountry camping and hiking area, not a developed campground with extensive services. When considering a trip here, "services" should be understood in the context of a wilderness experience:

• Undeveloped Campsites: There are "campsites available around the lake," but these are typically primitive, undeveloped sites. Visitors are encouraged to "use existing campsites or avoid camping in the area altogether" due to the "fragile nature of the meadow and shorelines." This means no designated pads, picnic tables, or fire rings provided by the Forest Service. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles strictly.
• No Bear Boxes: A critical piece of information for campers is that reviewers "haven't found any bear boxes in this area." This necessitates careful planning for food storage to prevent attracting wildlife, especially bears (grizzlies have been seen in the Selkirks). Proper bear hangs (at least 10-14 feet high and 5-10 feet from the tree trunk) or bear-resistant canisters are essential.
• Limited or No Potable Water Facilities: There are no developed water sources like spigots. Campers must filter, boil, or treat water from the lakes or streams before consumption.
• No Restrooms or Toilets: There are no established restroom facilities. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, digging catholes well away from water sources and trails.
• No Trash Services: There are no trash receptacles. The mantra "pack it in, pack it out" is strictly enforced, meaning all garbage, including food scraps, must be carried out of the wilderness.
• No Cell Service (Generally): While one review mentioned a map of "nearest cell service," the area is generally considered remote, implying unreliable or nonexistent cell coverage. This reinforces the need for satellite communication devices (like an inReach or SPOT) for emergencies.
• Hiking Trails: The primary "service" is access to well-maintained hiking trails, thanks in part to volunteer efforts from groups like the Back Country Horsemen of Idaho, who help keep trails "cleaned out & maintained for all to enjoy."

Two Mouth Lakes, despite its ruggedness, offers a wealth of incredible features and highlights for the prepared adventurer:

• Stunning Alpine Lakes and Meadows: The "two shallow lakes" sit on a "relatively flat bench" surrounded by "high mountain meadow" and "fir and spruce forests." The basin is described as "huge, with towering peaks, rolling granite fields, and the sense of seclusion," creating a truly "special place." The upper lake is "bigger and deeper" than the lower.
• Exceptional Wildlife Habitat: The area is important wildlife habitat, with "Caribou, grizzlies and other wildlife" having been seen. It lies within a narrow wildlife migration corridor, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing (from a safe distance). Thick huckleberry patches are also abundant.
• Remote Wilderness Experience: This is the ultimate highlight for those seeking true solitude and a disconnect from modern life. It's "remote country indeed," offering an authentic backcountry experience where you must be "well equipped to be there" and "go very prepared & be safe."
• Volcanic Features and Unique Rock Formations: The landscape features "giant boulders intermingled with marshy and grassy areas." There are "rolling granite fields," "towering peaks," and unique formations like "Myrtle's Turtle" and "The Wigwams" that can be explored by experienced climbers and scramblers.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: Trail #268 is a "fantastic hiking area" that offers "delightful views" and leads through varied terrain, from old roads to hemlock, fir, and spruce forests. USFS has built "walkways to protect the many small streams and marsh areas."
• Opportunities for Exploration: Relatively gentle ridges to the north and south allow for "easy scrambles" to gain higher ground and even more spectacular views, including looking "due south down the Selkirk Crest."
• "No Country for Greenhorns" Challenge: For those with the necessary skills and experience, the challenging nature of this remote area is itself a highlight, offering a rewarding test of self-reliance and outdoor prowess.
• Horse Riding Access: The area is known for horse riding, with reviewers mentioning riding "horses up there many years ago," making it a notable destination for experienced equestrians.

Two Mouth Lakes is located within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. As such, there is no direct campground phone number. For information, alerts, and detailed maps related to the area, you should contact the relevant Forest Service Ranger District:

Address: Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA (This is the general vicinity; the specific access is via a trailhead in the backcountry.)

Ranger District: Bonners Ferry Ranger District

Phone: (208) 267-5561

For critical alerts and notices regarding trail conditions, fire restrictions, or other important updates, it is highly recommended to check the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website (fs.usda.gov/ipnf/alerts-notices) before planning your trip. Given the remote nature of the area, visitors should also consider carrying a satellite communication device for emergencies, as cell service is unreliable.

For Idaho locals, particularly those who embody the rugged, adventurous spirit deeply ingrained in our state's outdoor culture, Two Mouth Lakes offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. This is not a destination for the casual weekend camper; rather, it’s a challenging yet immensely rewarding retreat for seasoned hikers, backpackers, and equestrians who are truly prepared for remote, undeveloped backcountry.

What makes Two Mouth Lakes uniquely suitable for experienced Idahoans is its uncompromising wildness. We are a state that prides itself on its vast, untouched landscapes, and Two Mouth Lakes delivers on that promise. The emphasis on being "well equipped," prepared for "remote country indeed," and understanding that "this ain't no country for greenhorns" speaks directly to the self-reliant ethos common among Idaho's outdoor community. This is a place where you can test your skills, truly disconnect, and immerse yourself in an environment that demands respect and preparedness, mirroring the very essence of true Idaho wilderness exploration.

The stunning alpine lakes, high mountain meadows, and dramatic Selkirk peaks offer a breathtaking backdrop for challenging hikes and horse rides. For those who understand bear country etiquette (especially the absence of bear boxes requiring diligent food storage) and the importance of Leave No Trace principles ("pack it in, pack it out—Idaho is too great to trash it up!!"), Two Mouth Lakes provides an opportunity for profound solitude and connection with nature. It’s a place where you can contribute to the preservation efforts by groups like the Back Country Horsemen, who volunteer to keep these precious trails open. In essence, Two Mouth Lakes is a quintessential Idaho wilderness adventure, calling to those who seek true challenge and unparalleled natural beauty, reminding us all why "Idaho is too great to trash it up."

Two Mouth Lakes

Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA