Top 8 Natural Monuments in Custer County
Best natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho, showcase a landscape defined by alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and hot springs. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including parts of the Sawtooth Range, offering diverse natural features. The area provides opportunities to explore high-altitude environments and unique geological formations.
Best natural monuments in Custer County
- The most popular natural monuments is Alpine Lake, a lake that is one of two lakes within the Sawtooth Wilderness known as Alpine Lake.…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Sunbeam Hot Springs & bathhouse
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Alpine Lake
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Sawtooth Lake
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Hell Roaring Lake
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Thompson Peak
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Middle and Upper Cramer Lake & waterfall
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Borah Peak
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Edith Lake
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Washington Lake
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Popular around Custer County
Tips from the Community
… if you want to include Sawtooth Lake on this hike, you can spare Alpine Lake …
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… if you want to see Sawtooth Lake: save energy, don’t hike down to the lake
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These hot springs consist of roughly ten pools with different temperatures and sizes. Its located just off the road and next to the beautiful Salmon River that cools the water in the pools. There is an old bathhouse that you can use to change into your swimgear.
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Thompson Peak sits at 10,751 feet and is the highest mountain in the Sawtooth Range. From this exposed summit you get fantastic panoramic views of the entire range, but particularly good views of the unnamed lake below Thompson Peak, Mount Carter to the west, and Mickey's Spire to the south of the summit.
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Edith Lake is a small, but stunning, alpine lake perched high up in a bowl. Sitting at 8,660 feet above sea level, this lake often remains frozen into early summer. This is a great place to take photos and relax by the water before heading up the challenging Sand Mountain Pass or returning to the trailhead.
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Washington Lake is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and known for its stunning views and sits at the base of the White Cloud Mountains.
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The three Cramer Lakes make for a stunning hike into the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness. There is even a scenic waterfall cascading into the lakes. The shortest way to get here is from the southern ferry terminal at Redfish Lake. To enter the wilderness, you need to obtain a free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
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Washington Lake is nestled next to a steep rock wall and offers a perfect alpine scenery. It is close to Forth of July Lake, but located in a separate basin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore in Custer County, Idaho?
Custer County, Idaho, is rich in diverse natural monuments, primarily featuring stunning alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and relaxing hot springs. You can discover gems like Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Hell Roaring Lake, as well as prominent summits such as Thompson Peak and Borah Peak. The region also offers unique spots like Sunbeam Hot Springs & bathhouse.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
Yes, Sunbeam Hot Springs & bathhouse is noted as a family-friendly natural monument. It features roughly ten pools with varying temperatures, located conveniently off the road next to the Salmon River, and includes an old bathhouse for changing.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
The area around Custer County's natural monuments offers excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. You can find numerous routes, including moderate hikes like the Bench Lakes Trail or Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek Trail, and more challenging options such as the Imogene Lake to Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop. For cycling, there are routes like the Stanley Lake loop, and mountain biking trails include the Fisher Creek loop and Redfish Lake loop. You can explore more options in the Hiking in Custer County, Cycling in Custer County, and MTB Trails in Custer County guides.
What are some notable viewpoints among Custer County's natural monuments?
Many natural monuments in Custer County offer spectacular viewpoints. Thompson Peak, the highest mountain in the Sawtooth Range, provides fantastic panoramic views of the entire range. Lakes like Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Hell Roaring Lake are also renowned for their scenic beauty and vistas.
When is the best time to visit the natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
Due to the high elevation of many lakes, such as Sawtooth Lake, they can remain frozen into early summer. Therefore, late summer through early fall is generally ideal for visiting, offering warmer temperatures and ice-free conditions for water activities and hiking.
Are there any permits required to visit natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
Yes, if you plan to hike into the Sawtooth Wilderness to visit lakes like Alpine Lake or Sawtooth Lake, you will need to obtain a wilderness permit. These permits are typically available at the trailhead.
What are some challenging natural monuments for experienced adventurers?
For those seeking a challenge, Thompson Peak and Borah Peak are summits categorized as challenging. Edith Lake is also listed as a challenging natural monument, suggesting more strenuous access or terrain.
Can I find waterfalls among the natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
Yes, the Middle and Upper Cramer Lake & waterfall highlight specifically mentions a waterfall, offering a beautiful natural feature to discover during your visit.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Custer County, Idaho?
Visitors appreciate the serene beauty of the alpine lakes and the dramatic mountain landscapes. The opportunity to hike to destinations like Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake, often passing through stunning scenery, is a major draw. The tranquility of spots like Hell Roaring Lake, despite its name, is also highly valued.
Are there any natural monuments that are less commonly known but worth visiting?
While not explicitly labeled as 'hidden gems,' natural monuments like Middle and Upper Cramer Lake & waterfall, Edith Lake, and Washington Lake offer unique experiences beyond the most popular spots and are highly rated by the komoot community.
What are the geological features that make Custer County, Idaho's natural monuments unique?
Custer County, Idaho, is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including parts of the Sawtooth Range, which gives rise to its unique geological features. The region is known for its rugged peaks like Thompson Peak and Borah Peak, and the formation of numerous alpine lakes such as Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake, often nestled in glacial cirques. The presence of hot springs like Sunbeam Hot Springs & bathhouse also points to geothermal activity in the area.
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