Toxaway Lake Drainage is one of the most diverse and spectacular alpine valleys in Idaho—it truly has it all. Mountain biking, fishing, climbing, hiking, and skiing are all possible here, making it a rare convergence of backcountry offerings. For those enchanted by waterfalls, the cascades tumbling from both Toxaway and Edith Lakes present striking aquatic vistas, especially in early season.
🚵 Trailheads & Mountain Biking Access Bikers are permitted up to the Wilderness Boundary just past the wilderness permit box and can enter the drainage from three trailheads:
- Pettit Lake Trailhead: Head north of Ketchum on Highway 75 over Galena Summit and turn left at the Pettit Lake sign. Continue to the backpackers’ parking lot—passenger cars reach it easily.
- Yellow Belly Lake Trailheads: At the Tin Cup Transfer sign, turn right and proceed about 1.5 miles to the first Yellow Belly Lake trailhead. The road beyond is extremely rough—even 4WD vehicles struggle with protruding rocks and steep grades. Best option: drive to the first trailhead and bike the road to the secondary trailhead.
Note: The hiking trail to the Wilderness Boundary is much smoother and more rideable than the vehicle road.
🥾 Hiking & Water Crossings Bring wading attire—stream crossings lack bridges or logs. An easy 1-mile hike to Yellow Belly Lake is available from the first trailhead for those seeking a gentler stroll.
🎣 Fishing Highlights
- Cutthroat Trout: Found in Yellow Belly and McDonald Lakes, though fishing is marginal. Tributary water between Farley and McDonald yields better results.
- McDonald Lake #2 & Parks Peak Lake #1: Hold a few cutthroats but show no signs of natural reproduction—catch and release is advised.
- Brook Trout: Fish small with multiple midge and midge pupa patterns. Caddis, stoneflies, streamers, and woolly worms are productive in streams.
- Toxaway, Farley & Edith Lakes: Best fished in early morning and evening.
- Bownot Lake & the Unnamed Lower Lake: Daytime fishing possible, especially below waterfalls.
- Upper Lakes Above Toxaway: Appear fishless.
- 🧗 Climbing & Skiing Opportunities
- Summits of Parks Peak, Snowyside Peak, and several unnamed alpine points are accessible from the drainage.
- Ski Descents:
- Snowyside’s slopes into Toxaway Lake
- The unnamed saddle to the southwest
- Sandhill Pass into Edith Lake—all offer stunning terrain.
Trail to Sandhill Pass
Parks Peak Toxaway Lake
Skier Snowyside Peak
Parks Peak Lake
Icy Toxaway Lake
Parks Peak
Taxaway Lake Evening
Yellowbelly Lake Morning
Toxaway Lake Skier
Toxaway Lake Basin