Revett Lake

Located in the heart of North Idaho’s Gold Rush country, Revett Lake is a popular weekend destination for campers and anglers. The shortest route is only about 3 miles roundtrip, traversing extensive talus slopes and crossing a frolicking small creek, shaded on and off by the typical coniferous canopy. 
Location
  • Coeur d’Alene Mountains
Rating
3.0 out of 5
Difficulty
Moderate (some uphill hiking)
Distance
6.7 miles
Duration
2:09 hours moving time (Hiking)
Elevation Gain
976 feet
High Point
5,725 feet (Revett Lake)
Low Point
4,830 feet (Trailhead)
Features
  • Lake
  • Waterfall
  • Outing Type
  • Daytrip
  • Trail Type
  • Out-and-back
  • Trailbed
    Packed dirt, loose rocks, talus
    Trail#
    9
    Water
  • Revett Lake and Cascade Gulch
  • Camping
    • There are several campsites at the lake. A better one, and secluded, is at the far end of the lake. There is a vault toilet at the first trailhead.
    Conditions
    • Excellent. Circumnavigating the lake is a bit challenging.
    Administration
  • Coeur d’Alene National Forest
  • Status
  • Unprotected
  • Maps
    USGS
  • Burke
  • Thompson Pass
  • Fees & Permits
  • None required
  • ()
    Open To
  • Hikers
  • Dogs
  • ()
    Directions
  • From I-90 take the Kingston exit (#43) and head north on FH9 about 23 miles, past Prichard, and turn slightly right, with FH9 turning into Prichard Creek Road. Continue for another 15 miles to the top of Thompson Pass. There is a large blacktopped parking lot. For the secondary trailhead continue on FR 266 (Revett Lake Road) for 1.25 miles until the road ends.
  • Season
    June – October
    Resources
      Date
      July 8, 2017

      You can chose to start this hike at Thompson Pass, hiking the first 1.25 miles on an easy forest road, or drive to the second trailhead if you don’t mind driving through the encroaching alder brush. Cars shouldn’t have any problems on the forest road, but the turnaround at the end is rather small and may not accommodate larger trailers. From the second trailhead, a single-track leads uphill into the forest and soon emerges onto an expansive open talus slope with views to the north and south. After crossing the talus, the trail continues southwestwards through a forested area to Cascade Gulch, a pretty creek surrounded by all kinds of verdure, especially ferns. The creek is easily traversed with the help of a few strategically placed rocks. Shortly after the crossing a well-beaten path heads off to the left to a small waterfall.

      Return to the main trail, which now turns northbound and ascends the east flank of Granite Peak, turning at a single switchback at the 2.5-mile mark (from Thompson Pass) and continues due south to the tree-ringed lake.

      There are campsites to the left and right side of the lake. In fact, when we got there at least five parties were setting up camp and a sixth prepared to occupy a space just vacated. Be ready for company if you camp at Revett Lake during the peak summer months!

      An overgrown path leads around the lake, but in some spots turns into a bit of a bushwhack. Whoever endures, however, is well rewarded, for a pretty campsites awaits at the southwestern end of the lake where a gurgling brook empties into the lake. A small grass-covered peninsula pokes into the lake, complete with firering. A tent pad is at the ready beneath the cooling firs. Perfect!

      There are two geocaches along the way, one halfway up, the other at the lake.

      Alternate Routes

      • Start at the end of FR #266; this clips 2.5 miles off the roundtrip mileage. Circumnavigating the lake is about a mile. The bare minimum hike is 3 miles roundtrip.

      Things to Consider

        Not so great

          Trailhead and vault toilet
          FR #266
          Past the second trailhead the trail turns into single-track
          View northwest while crossing a talus slope
          Extensive talus slope
          Geocachers: Aslan’s Table; ’nuff said
          Ferns surrounding Cascade Gulch
          Crossing Cascade Gulch is an easy rock-hop
          A small waterfall just past Cascade Gulch
          Ascending a flank of Granite Peak
          A first glimpse of Revett Lake
          Revett Lake in all its glory
          Revett Lake outlet
          View from the westside towards the outlet
          Beargrass in bloom
          Revett Lake, taken from the southwest corner
          Inlet
          A grassy campsite on a small peninsula at the south end of the lake
          Time for a swim!
          Revett Lake, taken from the south end
          View northeast across the Coeur d’Alene Mountains
          Revett Lake