ST. PAUL LAKE & WATERFALLS
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, backpacking, fishing, and photography
DISTANCE: 8 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1600’
DIFFICULTY: Moderate +
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Cabinet Ranger District C.M.W. , Elephant Peak. 406.827.3533
GPS: 48°05’24” W 115°39’32” N
RANGER DISTRICT: Cabinet Ranger District: 406.827.3533
SANDERS COUNTY SHERIFF: 911 or 406.827.3584
KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST/ALERTS
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kootenai/alerts-notices
DISTANCE: 8 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1600’
DIFFICULTY: Moderate +
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Cabinet Ranger District C.M.W. , Elephant Peak. 406.827.3533
GPS: 48°05’24” W 115°39’32” N
RANGER DISTRICT: Cabinet Ranger District: 406.827.3533
SANDERS COUNTY SHERIFF: 911 or 406.827.3584
KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST/ALERTS
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kootenai/alerts-notices
DESCRIPTION:
From the trailhead Hike S.E. up the East Fork Bull River for about 2 miles to a bridge over the river. On the right is Placer Creek, with the E. Fork Bull River on your left. As you leave the bridge, notice the stereophonic sounds of the two creeks. For most of the hike to the lake the sounds, are worth the hike itself. In about 1.75 miles the trail begins a few switchbacks until the lake appears thru the trees.
St. Paul Lake is over 800 feet round and has no obvious outlet.
There are two campsite, one as you come to the lake, and another on its south shore.
St. Paul Lake is over 800 feet round and has no obvious outlet.
There are two campsite, one as you come to the lake, and another on its south shore.
OPTION #1:
St Paul Pass is located about a mile S.E. of the lake. From this pass you can access Libby Lakes, Rock Lake, and Ojibway Peak.
OPTION #2:
Above the lake are several tall waterfalls that make this hike a must do for photographers, and hikers alike. There is no trail, and you must rock hop over semi dangerous terrain. I was there in July, 2019 and the jungles have grown above head high. Be very careful getting to the many falls.
For a view of the lake with several waterfalls in the image, CAREFULLY walk to the N.W. corner of the lake.
A WORD OF CAUTION....IF YOU TAKE CHILDREN, WATCH THEM WHILE ANY WHERE NEAR THE LAKE. OR UP BY THE WATERFALLS.
For a view of the lake with several waterfalls in the image, CAREFULLY walk to the N.W. corner of the lake.
A WORD OF CAUTION....IF YOU TAKE CHILDREN, WATCH THEM WHILE ANY WHERE NEAR THE LAKE. OR UP BY THE WATERFALLS.
DIRECTIONS:
Turn east off of Hwy 56 at about milepost 8.
The trailhead is up F. R. #407 about 6 miles from Hwy 56. Along the way is an old historical Ranger Station.
The trailhead is up F. R. #407 about 6 miles from Hwy 56. Along the way is an old historical Ranger Station.
HAZARDS:
The banks around St. Paul Lake are very steep on all but the south shore. If you take kids or dogs, be very aware of slips into the lake
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Historical Bull River Ranger Station, St. Paul Peak, Libby Lakes, Rock Lake & Peak, and Ojibway Peak.
R & P:
Kaiju Bar & Grill in Libby. Henry’s & Pizza Hut, TheShed, and Roasters in Libby, Clark Fork Pantry, Eicharts, Mr Sub, Burger Express & Jalapeños in Sandpoint