Spring Hike: Antelope Lake

Our first winter in Northern Idaho was surprising and a little disappointing because there was not much snow. We had a lot of fun with what we were able to do, but we just couldn’t do enough of it since we were restricted to the weekends due to work. And, the snow started late in the season and it did not last very long. Now, with winter behind us, we eagerly look forward to our first full summer here! We kicked it off with a hike on a new trail (to us) in Clark Fork, Idaho. 

Clark Fork, located a little over an hour from Coeur d’Alene, is a quaint town that we always enjoy visiting. The parking area for the Antelope Lake Trailhead is just outside of town and can be easily found on various trail map apps. We parked in front of the sign on the tree, which says “Antelope Lake,” within steps of Mosquito Creek. For the first quarter mile, you walk up a road to what appears to be the ‘official’ trailhead parking, which only has enough space for two cars, maybe three at most.

The bulk of the hike to the lake is uphill, passing through dense forest areas covered in vibrant green moss at the start of the hike. Eventually, we crossed a small creek before hiking through what appears to be an area that burned a while ago; at that point, you are nearly there. Soon, we ran into another creek, which appeared to be the outflow of Antelope Lake. Before coming upon the creek, we noticed a side chute trail, and not wanting to get wet, we backtracked slightly, which took us down to the lake. The hike is about 3 miles out and back, depending on your starting point.

WHERE IS PADDLE & TRAILS HEADED NEXT?