Black Lake

Trail Overview

Black Lake Road is a scenic off-road route that winds through Idaho's lush backcountry, offering a mix of adventure and views. The road surface is mostly dirt and gravel, with sections that can be rutted or muddy after rain, making high-clearance 4x4s recommended. As you climb, you'll pass through thick forests of pine and fir, with occasional openings revealing sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, keep an eye out for the spur leading up to Smith Mountain Lookout, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Payette National Forest. At the trail's end, Black Lake greets you with its quiet, reflective waters, perfect for a lunch break, photography, or simply soaking in the peaceful alpine setting. This route blends forest exploration, mountain scenery, and a serene lake destination, making it a must for Idaho off-road enthusiasts. Several stretches of Black Lake Road follow narrow, deep-shelf cuts carved into the mountainside, where the road hugs the slope with steep drop-offs on one side and a rock or dirt wall on the other. These sections can be just wide enough for a single vehicle, requiring careful tire placement and extra attention in blind corners. The shelf roads offer dramatic views across the valleys below, with glimpses of distant ridgelines and forested hillsides far beneath you. While they add a bit of thrill to the drive, they also showcase the rugged engineering that opened this route through such challenging terrain, making the journey to Black Lake as memorable as the destination itself.

Photos of Black Lake

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Difficulty

This trail is very narrow with ledge roads in some areas. Small rock gardens make it unsuitable for passenger cars.

History

Black Lake Road was originally cut in the mid-1900s to support fire lookout access, logging operations, and mining exploration in the surrounding Payette National Forest. The route connected remote timber stands and mineral prospects to nearby towns, while also serving as a supply line for Smith Mountain Lookout, which played a vital role in spotting wildfires before aerial surveillance became common. Over the decades, the road transitioned from a working resource route to a recreational byway, drawing anglers, campers, and off-roaders to Black Lake's secluded shores. Today, it retains much of its rugged, backcountry character, offering travelers a direct connection to the region's forestry and fire-watch heritage.

Technical Rating

Black Lake can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike