Forest Road 186 – Bull Trout Lake

Forest Road 186 cuts deep into the Payette National Forest’s backcountry, threading through dense timber and crossing multiple creeks before reaching Bull Trout Lake. The route starts near the town of Cascade and follows old logging roads that haven’t seen maintenance in years. You’ll encounter several water crossings, including a particularly gnarly ford at Hornet Creek that’s claimed more than a few oil pans. The final approach to the lake involves navigating through tight timber stands where scratches are guaranteed.

This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and skid plates. The creek crossings can be treacherous during spring runoff, making late summer through early fall the sweet spot for this run. No permits needed, but bring recovery gear and expect zero cell service once you’re beyond the first few miles. Multiple dispersed camping spots exist along the route and at the lake. The payoff is worth the beating your rig takes – Bull Trout Lake sits in a pristine granite bowl with some of the best backcountry fishing in Idaho.