Stanley Lake Creek to Hansen Lakes

The route to Hansen Lakes begins several miles up the Stanley Lake Creek Canyon. As you head up the canyon, take in views of McGown Peak from the expansive wildflower meadows early in the hike. It is also recommended to make a quick side trip to Lady Face Falls on your way further out the canyon.

Hansen Lakes

Hansen Lakes are a pair of alpine lakes perched 1,500 feet above Stanley Lake Creek. Mountainous glaciers once filled the canyon to the elevation of the lakes. When the thick rivers of grinding ice finally receded, they left a small shelf, or hanging valley, perched high above the canyon floor. The outlet pours down the steep wall below the lakes to form an impressive cascade known as Bridal Veil Falls.

There is no official Forest Service trail to Hansen Lakes. Over time, however, users have created a faint route that climbs the steep face guarding the hanging valley. While the route is fairly straightforward, it does require off-trail navigation.

After hiking 3.7 miles up Stanley Lake Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls will come into view. At this point, a faint trail branches off and heads toward Stanley Lake Creek. Find the best crossing of the creek and head to the small drainage immediately down canyon of the falls. A faint trail climbs up a subtle ridge on the hiker's left of this drainage. After about 400 feet of steep scrambling the slope will ease a bit. A diagonal, tree covered ramp leads southwest for another 600 feet to the lower lake. It is not advised to approach Bridal Veil Falls. The surrounding slopes are very steep and unexpectedly loose.

Though it is a steep hump to carry provisions for an overnight backpack trip to the lakes, the setting is beautiful enough to enjoy for a day or two. Please practice Leave No Trace backcountry practices. It is also a manageable length for a long day-hike.

Additional Adventures

The Stanley Lake Creek Trail continues up the canyon beyond Bridal Veil Falls to the Observation Divide before dropping down Trail Creek toward Grandjean (see Taylor Springs adventure). McGowan Lakes and Observation Peak are two spur trails that lead to other adventures within the Stanley Lake Creek drainage.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are allowed on the Stanley Lake Trial to the wilderness boundary. Riding the 3.7 miles to Bridal Veil Falls makes for quick access to these alpine gems.

Wilderness Regulations

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 and well disguised in a cat hole 6-8 inches deep.  Pack out all toilet paper.
• Campfires allowed ONLY in a backcountry pan or fire blanket.
• Campfires are NOT allowed at some lakes and in some drainages in the Sawtooths.  Please review the campfire restrictions at individual trailheads.
• Permits required for all stock use in the wilderness. No grazing allowed in the Salmon River watershed (This includes the Alpine Lake drainage).
• No equine stock at Edith Lake.  ALL stock prohibited in the Goat Creek and Alpine Creek (Alturas Lake) drainages.

Reference: All content excerpted from Exploring the Sawtooths - A Comprehensive Guide by Idaho River Publications.