Alice + Twin Lakes Hike

It could be enough to say that the backdrop to Alice Lake is one of the most stunning views in the entire range. The combination of undulating, glacially-scoured bedrock covered in patches of alpine forest beneath a skyline of jagged spires and impressive vertical faces is breathtaking. Just 400 feet higher, however, the Twin Lakes are nestled beneath the north face of Peak 9,923.  Split by a narrow bridge of solid granite, these lakes occupy a cirque of equally stunning beauty.

Then there is the canyon leading up to these alpine gems. After traversing the shores of Pettit Lake, the trail crosses directly beneath a 2-mile-long rampart of 800-foot vertical cliffs guarding the southeast face of Parks Peak. Beyond this, a narrow canyon filled with a tumbling creek frames the precipitous face of El Capitan. Hikers simply have to turn around for an awesome perspective of the 11,000-foot peaks in the White Cloud Mountains across the Sawtooth Valley. Needless to say, the Pettit Lake drainage is an awesome place.

The fact that it can be combined with Toxaway and Farley Lake into a single 18-mile loop is genius. The natural beauty of the area makes this one of the most visited regions of the Sawtooths. Please respect the regulations banning the use of campfires as necessary to protect this invaluable resource.

The trail to Alice and Twin Lakes is frequently combined over Snowyside divide with Toxaway and Farley Lake.  This 18-mile loop includes 2,572 feet of elevation gain and can be done in a single day or multi-day backpack trip.

Most of the trail lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness.  Please observe the following  regulations:
• Mountain bikes are not allowed past the wilderness boundary.
• Self administered wilderness permits are required and available at the trailhead.
• Dogs must be on a leash between July 1 and Labor Day
• Camp 100-feet from trails, lakes and streams
• Pack out all garbage.
• Human waste should be buried in a cat hole 6-8 inches deep, buried and well disguised.  Pack out all toilet paper.
• No campfires allowed at Alpine or Twin Lakes.
• Permits required for all stock use in the wilderness.  No grazing allowed in the Salmon River watershed (This included the Alpine Lake drainage)
• No equine stock at Edith Lake.  ALL stock prohibited in the Goat Creek and Alpine Creek (Alturas Lake) drainages.