Five Lakes Butte Hike

Route Description for Five Lakes Butte Hike

Indulge in the beauty of not one but five alpine lakes along the Five Lakes Butte Hike. This demanding adventure will push your limits but in a good way! Much of the terrain is rocky and uneven, so a sturdy pair of footwear with solid traction is necessary! Additionally, as much of the path is exposed, we encourage you to dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions. Note that the road to the trailhead is rough and rugged, so a vehicle with high ground clearance is necessary!

Setting out from the trailhead, you will be guided westwardly along the Saint Joe Divide Trail. From here, the path will gradually climb through a swathe of wilderness occupied by towering pines. The higher you ascend into the high country, the more exposed the terrain becomes. After some hiking, you will pass Tin Lake and Copper Lake. The subsequent few lakes you will pass are Silver Lake and Gold Lake. From here, the path will more intensely climb up the slopes of Five Lakes Butte.

Using the trail GPS or simply the worn path, turn around and ascend the ridge beneath the peak. Revel in the mountainous scenery and the lakes below, including Platinum Lake in the southeast. Reconnect with the Saint Joe Divide Trail and retrace your steps back down to the trailhead.