Overview: Set within the beautiful Trinity Recreation area, the Big Roaring River Lake Campground has12 campsites in a dense lodgepole forest on the river. The Trailhead to the north follows the Upper Roaring River and the Trailhead to the south accesses the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and the Lava Mountain Trail. Both trails are open to two-wheeled ATVs, horses, bikes, and people. The Lava Mountain Trail itself passes three lovely lakes on its way south to Lava Mountain. Fishing in the river or in Big Roaring River Lake for rainbow trout. Hand-carry boat launch for canoes and other small craft. Several Campgrounds in there area offer a quiet retreat in a beautiful high alpine landscape. The Trinity Recreation area has a limited season due to late snow melt, but campgrounds they are accessible by car.
Natural Features
Campgrounds are located in a dense lodgepole pine forest close to the East Fork Roaring River at an elevation of 7,900 feet. They’re nestled among four subalpine lakes: Big Roaring River Lake, Little Roaring River Lake, Big Trinity Lake and Little Trinity Lake. The peaks of the Boise Mountains surround the cabins, and Trinity Mountain, the tallest in the range at 9,700 feet, is just to the south.
Snow can make this area inaccessible until early July, but soon afterward, the land is blanketed by colorful summer wildflowers. This area is a haven for elk and deer, but wildlife watchers may also spot an occasional black bear.
Recreation
Hikers can access the 4-mile Rainbow Basin Trail System from Big Trinity Lake. The William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and Lava Mountain Trail are for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. Both of these trails can be accessed near Big Roaring River Lake. The Little Roaring River Trail at Little Roaring River Lake is also open to mountain bike, off-road vehicles and hiking. Click here for an Idaho OHV Safety Message.
Anglers can fish in any of the nearby lakes for rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lakes are also ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak.
Nearby Attractions
The summit of Trinity Mountain is the highest drivable point in Idaho, although the road may be blocked by snow until early July. A short, steep hike takes visitors to the lookout tower for panoramic views of several subalpine lakes and other mountains in the Boise Range.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area