Skip to main content
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Lower Buck Lake Trail

Elk City, Idaho · Idaho County · 714

Lower Buck Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Elk City in Idaho County, Idaho.. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Advertisement
45.91930, -115.24237
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Lower Buck Lake Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High67°F
Avg Low42°F
Peak Rain Chance41%
Humidity57%
UV (avg)6
Air Quality48 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
75°/36°
💧 2%🌬 13mph
4:50 AM8:29 PM
Tue
🌧
Rain
59°/48°
💧 40%🌬 13mph
4:50 AM8:30 PM
Wed
🌨
Snow Showers
51°/40°
💧 41%🌬 10mph
4:50 AM8:30 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
72°/40°
🌬 10mph
4:50 AM8:31 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
77°/47°
🌬 10mph
4:50 AM8:31 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Lower Buck Lake Trail

Lower Buck Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Elk City in Idaho County, Idaho.. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 13 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.
  • 🌡
    Layers for swings
    Daily temp range is wide (42°F low → 67°F high). Pack layers.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    41% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 6)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Idaho

Trail conditions in Idaho change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Lower Buck Lake Trail?

Lower Buck Lake Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Are dogs allowed on Lower Buck Lake Trail?

Yes — dogs are allowed on Lower Buck Lake Trail. Always pack out waste and follow local rules.

Are horses allowed on Lower Buck Lake Trail?

Yes — horseback riding is permitted.

When is the best time to hike Lower Buck Lake Trail?

Idaho has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.