Two Mouth Lakes
These two picturesque lakes are worth a visit, but tread lightly because this is very important wildlife habitat.
- Location: Selkirk Mountains
- Status: Proposed Wilderness
- Distance: 9 miles round trip
- Elevation: 1,800 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maps: ICL Guide to the Selkirks; Kaniksu National Forest; USGS Roman Nose; or Google Maps
- More information: 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest
Unlike many other alpine lakes in the Selkirks, Two Mouth Lakes sit on a relatively flat bench. The two shallow lakes are surrounded by a high mountain meadow that is important wildlife habitat. Caribou, grizzlies and other wildlife have been seen on numerous occasions. The lakes lie within a narrow wildlife migration corridor that links habitat to the north and south along the Selkirk Crest.
The Forest Service asks that you take precautions with your food and camping practices. Because of the fragile nature of the meadow and shorelines, use existing campsites or avoid camping in the area altogether.
There are also good opportunities to gain higher ground and delightful views. Relatively gentle ridges to the north and south make for easy scrambles.
Directions
From Bonners Ferry, head west on Riverside Street toward the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. When you get to the refuge, bear right on the West Side Road. Go approximately 1.5 miles past the refuge headquarters and turn left onto Myrtle Creek Road. Drive 10 miles and turn right onto Road 658 to the trailhead for Trail 268.
