Nellie Lake Road to Lick Creek Summit — Salmon River Mountains High Divide (Idaho)
Frank Church backcountry with creek crossings and no backup plan.
Forest Road 008 — locally called the Frog Lake Road or Loon Creek Summit Road — is one of the least-traveled high routes in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness corridor. Starting near the tiny outpost of Clayton on the Salmon River, the road climbs through lodgepole and whitebark pine across the Salmon River Mountains, cresting at roughly 8,600 feet before dropping into Loon Creek drainage. The route crosses Loon Creek multiple times — crossings that range from knee-deep in late summer to impassable in early June snowmelt. Custer ghost town sits nearby as a side trip, and the Yankee Fork adds historical gold dredge context to the area. Bighorn sheep, elk, and occasional wolf sign are part of this backcountry reality.
Rated difficult — not because any single obstacle is extreme, but because the combination of remote location, multiple water crossings, soft creek-bottom approaches, and 80-plus miles from pavement to pavement demands full self-sufficiency. High-clearance 4WD with a snorkel or at minimum good approach angles is required for the creek crossings. Carry two spare tires, recovery gear, and enough fuel for 150 miles. No cell service exists anywhere on route. Permits not required but register with Challis National Forest before entry. Best window is mid-July through September. This is Idaho backcountry at its most honest — nobody’s coming to get you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 82 mi / 132 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8620 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Clayton, ID |
| Land manager | Salmon-Challis National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can make it, but you'll want at least 8-9 inches of clearance for the rocky sections and creek crossings. A lift helps, but aggressive mud tires and a solid skid plate matter more here than ride height.
When does Nellie Lake Road to Lick Creek Summit actually open each year?
July through September is your window — snowpack at 8,600 feet can linger well into June, and early October storms can close it fast. Check with the Salmon-Challis National Forest before you leave; this road doesn't get plowed and conditions change without notice.
Do you need a permit to run this route or camp in the Frank Church wilderness area?
No permit is required for vehicle travel on Nellie Lake Road or dispersed camping along the route within Salmon-Challis National Forest. If you're hiking or camping inside the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness boundary itself, standard Leave No Trace rules apply but no permit is needed for non-commercial groups.
What's the gnarliest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The creek crossings are the real test — water depth and flow vary dramatically by season, and there's no gauge telling you what you'll find. Mid-July crossings after a big snow year can be axle-deep with current; bring a tow strap and know how to use it, because you're 40+ miles from pavement and cell service is zero the entire route.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is 82 miles enough to drain my tank?
Clayton, ID is your last reliable fuel stop before the route — it's a small town, so verify hours before you go. The 82-mile route plus approach driving can push 120+ miles total in low-range conditions, so top off in Stanley or Challis to be safe and carry a spare jerry can if your rig drinks fuel off-road.
Trail track
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