LOWER & UPPER BLOSSOM LAKES

LOWER & UPPER BLOSSOM LAKES, ID-MT BOARDER

EVENT TYPE: day hiking, backpacking, camping, scrambling
DISTANCE: 6 miles RT to upper lake
ELEVATION: 935 verts
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MAPS: IPNF, LOLO N.F., Thompson Pass & Burke topos
GPS: 47°55’15”N 115°74’47”W
RANGER DISTRICT: CDA River R.D. 208.769.3000

DESCRIPTION:

The trail starts at Thompson Pass on a fairly level trail for about 1/2 a mile. From here the trail starts a gradual climb to the high point at 5775'. The rest of the trail descends slowly to the lake. The trail goes thru a rocky gorge just before it reaches the lake.
Along the way look for an old diversion trench dug by Chinese laborers to supply water to mining operations. But was never used.

OPTION #1:

From the lower lake, you can walk the SE shore line and bushwhack about .3 miles to the upper lake. If you wish to make this extension a bit longer, look for a route up to the Glidden Ridge, where you can go left (east) until you come to views of Pear Lake and a trail that descends to the lake. From Pear Lake there is a trail on the east side that wonders the woods back to Lower Blossom Lake.

OPTION #2:

From Lower Blossom Lake go to the back right (west) and scramble the scree slope up to the low notch on the ridge. In front of you is Revett Lake and the trail back to the cars. This extension is about a 9 mile loop. There is no trail between the two lakes.

DIRECTIONS:

Drive I-90 east to the Kingston exit # 43, and turn left (north) over the freeway and up FR #9, also known as the Coeur d'Alene River Road. Drive north for about 21 miles and bear right (east) at Pritchard, continue for about 16 miles to Thompson Pass at the Idaho Montana boarder. Off to the right at the summit of the road, you will see a parking area. The trailhead is near the south corner of the parking area.

HAZARDS:

None orthodox noting to the lakes.

COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:

Revett Lake, the Coeur d'Alene River, Shadow & Fern Falls, Siamese Lake Loop, Heart Lake, Hub Lake, Ward & Eagle Peaks,

R & P:

. The Snake Pit, the Sprag Pole Bar & Museum, Radio Brewery in Kellogg.

PLAN YOUR TRIP:

Click for Current NOAA Weather Conditions