Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-6h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.5 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
600 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Immerse yourself in the Salmon River Mountains on the Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail. Warranting spellbinding alpine scenery, you’ll want to bring your camera for this hike! Don’t forget plenty of water, this high-country hike will get your heart rate up!

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Route Description for Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail

Yielding unrivaled scenery and a diversity of flora and fauna, the Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail packs a punch! While the terrain is manageable along this beautiful hike, the elevation gain is significant, so this route is ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children! Make sure to bring along a water filter or plenty of water to stay hydrated and dress in layers. Note: the mosquitos are relentless, so bug spray is a must! Though not necessary, the trail GPS may prove useful when navigating overgrown and unmarked sections of the hike.

Embark on your adventure from the trailhead off Boulder Lake Road. Take the leftmost trail along the north shore of Boulder Meadows Reservoir. Leaving the wooded shoreline, you will progress up a rocky ridge to Boulder Lake. From here, you will wander along the southern shore of the alpine lake framed by the ridges of Boulder Mountain and the Twin Peaks. Entering a meadowland, you will soon confront an intersection and take the Kennally Creek Pack Trail. Hike west, and at the subsequent intersection, veer left and begin the final push up to Buckhorn Summit.

Mind your footing on the vertiginous terrain and revel in the beauty and grandeur of the mountainous landscape that surrounds you from the shoreline of Summit Lake. Marvel at the scenes of the lakes and lush forestlands below, then head back down the path the way you came to the trailhead.

Getting to the Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail Trailhead

Access this hike from Boulder Lake Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Backcountry Camping

  • When to do

    May-September

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail Elevation Graph

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Summit Lake and Buckhorn Summit Trail Reviews

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