There is no such thing as a perfect trail, but Crown Point Trail in Idaho does come close. Well-maintained, not super busy, dozens of secluded beaches, well shaded in parts, a little bit of history, and easy to find and walk. It certainly checks a lot of boxes. If it had a taco truck and brewery at the end, I might retract my perfect trail comment.
Name Crown Point Trail Type: Out and Back Trailhead: Google Maps Map: AllTrails Round Trip Length: 5 Miles Time: 2 Hours Nearest City: Cascade, ID Best Time of Year: April-October Elevation Gain: 201 feet Highest Point: 4,875 feet
History of Crown Point Railroad Trail
Crown Point is known as a rail-trail, meaning this was once the path of a railroad. It connected the cities of Cascade and McCall during the early days of the town’s formations. You’ll occasionally see remnants of the old railroad in the form of discarded railroad ties on the trail’s sides.
Crown Point Trailhead
The Crown Point Trail is located next to the campground with the same name. The best place to park is right before the trailhead at a parking lot right before turning onto Crown Point Parkway. It’s easy to identify as two big bathrooms tell you you’re in the right spot.
To get to the trailhead, keep following the road around the corner and up to the junction. Ignore the campground signs and keep going until you see a Crown Point trail sign and a large metal gate.
Crown Point Trail
The trail begins as a leisurely walk and pretty much stays that way to the end unless you deviate towards one of the many hidden beaches. Tall pine trees surround you as you meander down the trail. Through the trees, you’ll have great glimpses of Lake Cascade.
Every so often, you’ll see a side trail to your righthand side. Feel free to explore. The best part if this trail is the access to beaches you otherwise couldn’t get to unless you have a boat. If you have a little pack raft, any of these beaches would be a good launch point.
As you walk or play on the beaches, keep an eye out for Osprey. These white-bellied hawks have nests all along the shore of the lake. If you’re lucky, you may get to see them swoop down into the lake and grab a to-go plate of rainbow trout.
Around the 3 mile mark, the trail turns into private property. The trail officially ends here. Simply retrace your steps back to your car.
Overview
Crown Point is an easy hike that people of all ages and endurance can do. If you can walk, you can make it on this trail. Go as far as you’d like. The views are good the entire way. If you go far enough from the trailhead you’ll be rewarded with some solitude around a busy recreation area. Find a secluded beach and relax for the rest of the day.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.