Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Box Lake Trail

Payette National Forest, Idaho · 3 min read

Distance
10 mi
Elevation Gain
2,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Remote lake basin adjacent to the Frank Church Wilderness
  • Dense old-growth Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forest throughout
  • Exceptional solitude on one of the Payette's least-traveled trails
  • Box Lake with native cutthroat trout fishing
  • Wildlife habitat including black bears, elk, and wolverine in the remote upper basin

Overview

Box Lake sits in a remote basin on the eastern fringe of the Payette National Forest, adjacent to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness at the forest's eastern boundary. The 10-mile round trip through dense old-growth conifer forest is one of the least-traveled maintained hikes in the Payette, rewarding those willing to make the effort with genuine wilderness solitude in Idaho's Valley County.

The forest character of this trail is dense and deep: old-growth Engelmann spruce with massive trunks, subalpine fir with dense canopies, and a forest floor of fallen logs, ferns, and moss that absorbs sound and creates a genuinely quiet environment. Wildlife encounters are more common here than on the more popular McCall-area trails.

The Route

Trailhead Through Lower Forest (0 to 3.0 miles)

The trail enters old-growth forest immediately and maintains the enclosed atmosphere throughout the lower section. The grade is moderate and the trail follows a creek drainage with multiple water access points. The forest is dark even on sunny days due to the dense canopy.

Upper Forest Climb (3.0 to 4.5 miles)

The trail steepens in the upper section as it approaches the basin rim. The old-growth continues through this section, with some of the largest spruce visible at the upper forest edge. Trail marking becomes less frequent. Watch for cairns and tree blazes.

Box Lake Basin (5.0 miles)

The basin opens to reveal Box Lake in a rocky alpine setting. The surrounding terrain is more open than the approach forest, with views of the adjacent Frank Church Wilderness peaks. Cutthroat trout are visible in the clear shallow sections of the lake. Camping at dispersed sites away from the lake shore is available for overnight visitors.

When to Hike

July through September is the reliable window. The forest road to the trailhead is typically accessible from late June. Snow in the upper basin can persist into July.

Early season visits require careful assessment of the forest road conditions, which can be muddy and soft well into June.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 3 liters of water for this longer route with creek filtration as backup. A paper map and compass are recommended given the less-maintained trail condition. Bear spray is standard for any remote Payette drainage. Review bear canister requirements for overnight stays.

Trailhead Access

Box Lake Trailhead is on a forest road east of McCall, requiring high-clearance vehicle for the final miles. No fee or permit required (as of 2026). No restroom. Space for 8 to 10 vehicles.

Dogs are welcome.

Nearby

Box Lake is the Payette's remote Frank Church-adjacent option. Loon Lake Trail is closer to McCall with similar lake destination character. Lake Fork Meadows Trail provides a contrasting open meadow experience. Check road conditions using the USFS guide. Practice Leave No Trace principles carefully in this fragile high-use-resistant but ecologically sensitive basin.

Trailhead Parking

Gravel pull-out at the Box Lake Trailhead off Forest Road east of McCall. High clearance required. Space for 8 to 10 vehicles.

← Back to Payette National Forest

More Trails in Payette National Forest

moderate-hardout-and-back

Brundage Mountain Trail

5.8 mi2,200 ft gain
July through October

A 5.8-mile out-and-back to the summit of Brundage Mountain above McCall, sharing terrain with a winter ski area and delivering panoramic views of Payette Lake and the surrounding peaks.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Goose Lake Trail

7.8 mi1,400 ft gain
July through September

A 7.8-mile out-and-back to a high-elevation lake in the Seven Devils Mountains, offering a day-hike introduction to the volcanic peak terrain and Hells Canyon views above the Snake River.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Lake Fork Meadows Trail

6.5 mi1,100 ft gain
June through October

A 6.5-mile out-and-back from the McCall area through open mountain meadows to a scenic viewpoint above the Lake Fork drainage, popular with hikers and mountain bikers from the resort town.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Loon Lake Trail

6.2 mi1,200 ft gain
July through October

A 6.2-mile out-and-back from the McCall area to a remote backcountry lake with good fishing and solitude, accessible without entering the full Frank Church wilderness interior.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Rapid River Trail

8 mi900 ft gain
April through November

An 8-mile out-and-back along the wild and scenic Rapid River through old-growth canyon forest with excellent steelhead habitat and a rare river-corridor hiking experience in the Payette National Forest.

3 min read

strenuousloop

Seven Devils Loop

27 mi7,200 ft gain
July through September

A 27-mile multi-day loop through the Seven Devils wilderness with dramatic volcanic peaks, Hells Canyon views, and multiple alpine lakes, the defining backpacking route of the Payette National Forest.

4 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Smith Lake Trail

5 mi900 ft gain
June through October

A 5-mile out-and-back to a scenic lake southwest of McCall, one of the most accessible lake hikes in the Payette National Forest and popular for swimming in summer.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Box Lake Trail take?
The 10-mile round trip with 2,100 feet of gain takes most hikers 5 to 7 hours. The forest route is sustained and the trail is less maintained than front-country options. Allow a full day.
Is Box Lake Trail dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are permitted. The remote forest trail is comfortable for dogs and the lake access is a reward for the effort. Carry sufficient water for your dog on the approach.
What is the trail condition like on Box Lake Trail?
Box Lake Trail is maintained but less frequently than front-country routes. Expect occasional blowdowns, muddy sections in early season, and less-defined tread in the upper basin. Navigation skills and a paper map are recommended.