Frog Lake Hike

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Frog Lake

A short backpacking trip in the Grassy Mountains with my sons.
September 3-4, 2020
Grassy Twin Peak (8,156')

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Frog Lake is a backcountry lake located within the Grassy Mountains northwest of McCall Idaho. The trailhead is located about 25 miles from McCall, near the Hard Creek Guard Station. Access is via the same trail as the popular Grassy Twin Lakes. To reach Frog Lake, continue west past Grassy Twin Lakes to the saddle, then traverse the ridge south before descending to Frog Lake. Some maps show a trail leading to Frog Lake. But during our visit, but there was very little evidence of a trail after leaving Grassy Twin Lakes.

My sons and I got creative on the destination for our annual backpacking trip, with Frog Lake as a last minute selection. We made the 3 hour drive from Boise, and hit the trail just after 5pm. We’d been to Grassy Twin Lakes several years ago, but the boys didn’t really remember it much. I loved the views during the early part of the hike, and the beautiful open meadow near the lakes is hard to beat.

The trail disappeared not long after Grassy Twin Lakes, but it was open terrain as we made our way up to the ridge. Once on the ridge, we hung a left and headed south. Not much sign of trail here either, other than an occasional cairn and a couple ancient blazes. But it was pretty easy going, other than crossing occasional downed logs in the burn area.

By the time Frog Lake came into view below us, it was nearly 7pm. Ringed by lily pads and, it wasn’t obvious where we’d camp. But there was no turning back, so down we went. The going was a little steep, but we managed to reach the lake after descending 300’ in a quarter mile. I wandered around the north side of the lake, then back to the south side where we found a pretty good campsite near the inlet stream. With no signs of other human visitors, the lake had a great wilderness feel.

It wasn’t long before we found out where Frog Lake got its name. There were frogs everywhere! Hundreds of them amongst the lily pads. So we set up the tent, looked at frogs. Then made quesadillas for dinner, and looked at frogs some more. Then we turned in for the night. We were pretty tuckered out and expected a good night of sleep. But we were awoken by the bugling of nearby elk about every half hour. Neat at first…

The next morning, we awoke to a light layer of frost on the grass, and waited for the sun to come up before venturing out of our sleeping bags. Once up, it was time for breakfast, and more frog looking. After breakfast, it was time for the 300’ climb back up to the ridge.

Along the way, I couldn’t resist the temptation for wander over to the summit of nearby Grassy Twin Peak (elevation 8156’), so we took a little side trip before heading back to the car. Along the way, we stopped for a closer look at Grassy Twin Lakes, and then headed back to the trailhead.

Round trip was 8 miles and 2200’ of elevation gain including our side trip the Grassy Twin Peak. Another great father son trip for the books. I love having quality time with my sons in the mountains.