Shannon Lake Hike
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
Discover an idyllic lake in the Kootenai National Forest on the Shannon Lake Hike. This family-friendly adventure contours the timbered ridges above the Kootenai River along the Historic Highway 2 West. We love this hike, and we think you will too.
Route Description for Shannon Lake Hike
Those seeking a family-friendly adventure in the Kootenai National Forest are encouraged to explore the Shannon Lake Hike. Located just above the Kootenai River, this trek is a great extension of the popular Kootenai Falls Trail. Enjoy marvelous views of the Rocky Mountains, the famed waterfall, and unique geological features, and read the interpretive signs that line the path-detailing the history and ecology of the area. Don’t forget your camera; the scenery is picture-perfect!
Setting out from the trailhead off the highway, this lovely adventure follows the Historic Highway 2 West Trail. Traveling west, the path will gently climb into the wilderness, wandering through a corridor of towering pines and cedars. Enjoy the scene of ferns and wildflowers carpeting the woodlands and admire the sporadic views of the river valley below and the snow-capped mountains above. Reading the interpretive signs as you wander, you will eventually reach a footbridge over a charming waterfall. Beyond this point, you will confront a junction; turn left here onto the Shannon Lake Trail.
Redirecting you south, you begin a steep ascent to the lakeshore. After some hiking, you will crest the shoreline of the shimmering pool. Admire the lovely scene, and then when you are done, head back the way you came to the trailhead.
Getting to the Shannon Lake Hike Trailhead
Access this adventure from the trailhead off US Highway 2.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
April-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Shannon Lake Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Big Spar Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Big Spar Lake Hike
Kootenai National Forest
![Historic Highway 2 East Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Historic Highway 2 East Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Bighorn Trail #42](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bighorn Trail #42
Kootenai National Forest
![Teepee Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Teepee Mountain Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Flower Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Flower Creek Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Callahan Creek and Historic Railway Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Callahan Creek and Historic Railway Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Sky Lakes and Hanging Valley Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sky Lakes and Hanging Valley Loop Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Granite Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Granite Lake Hike
Kootenai National Forest
![Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-MT-Kootenai-National-Forest-Kootenai-Falls-and-Swinging-Bridge-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Cedar Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cedar Lakes Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Kootenai Falls Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-MT-Kootenai-National-Forest-Kootenai-Falls-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Kootenai Falls Trail
Kootenai National Forest
![Cedar Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cedar Lakes Trail
Golden