The hike to Lucifer Lake, in the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness east of St. Ignatius, is rugged, but this stunning alpine lake is well worth the effort. You’ll climb moderately up a shady valley until you reach Mission Falls, cascading down from the lake above. From here, the trail gets steep and rugged, but you’ll forget the pain when you emerge on the stunning shores of Lucifer Lake, full of fish and sparkling under the afternoon sun. Don’t forget that you need a permit from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to hike and fish in the tribal wilderness.
Photo by Randy Holm