The Palisades Creek Trail is one of the classic hikes and backpacking trips of the Swan Valley region, climbing a gorgeous glacier-carved canyon to a pair of mountain lakes on the edge of the Palisades Wilderness Study Area, about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls (and an hour west of Jackson, Wyoming). Following clear, tumbling Palisades Creek nearly the whole way, it's a well-maintained, moderately graded trail that rewards hikers with waterfalls, wildflowers, and some of the finest mountain scenery in eastern Idaho.

The trail begins at the well-signed Palisades Creek trailhead at the end of the county road above the little community of Irwin, where there's a parking area and a Forest Service trailhead. From there the path threads a dramatic canyon of towering rock walls, crossing the creek on sturdy bridges and passing several waterfalls that spill from the heights — scenery that makes even the day hike to the lower lake feel like a true mountain adventure. Because it's so scenic and so accessible, it's deservedly popular; there's no permit or fee to hike, but weekends draw a crowd, and backpackers should plan for company at the more sought-after campsites.

It's about 4.3 miles to Lower Palisades Lake, gaining a gentle thousand feet or so — an ideal day hike or first-time backpacking trip. Strong hikers and overnighters can push on another 2.5 miles to Upper Palisades Lake (around 14 miles round trip), leaving the main trail to turn up Waterfall Canyon, where the namesake cascades tumble down the walls. Both lakes were formed ages ago when massive landslides came down the canyon and dammed the creek. The upper lake generally offers better backcountry camping, since the closer sites at the lower lake fill up first.

The fishing is superb. Palisades Creek is a major spawning tributary for the famous South Fork of the Snake, and it and the lakes teem with native Yellowstone cutthroat trout — a wonderful place to cast a line or simply relax by the water. Wildlife is everywhere: hikers regularly see moose (often standing belly-deep in the lakes), along with elk, deer, waterfowl, and mountain goats on the high walls.

This is genuine bear country — both black bears and grizzlies range here — so carry bear spray, know how to use it, make noise on blind corners, and store all food properly, especially if you camp. Because the trail lies within a Wilderness Study Area, it's open to foot and horse travel only (no bikes or motors), which helps keep it wild and quiet.

Timing matters: early in the season the trail can run with snowmelt and the lakes can be muddy and high, so late summer into fall is often the sweetest window — drier trail, settled lakes, and golden hillsides. Bring bug protection for early summer, plenty of water, sturdy footwear for the creek crossings, and layers for fast-changing mountain weather, and you'll quickly understand why Palisades Creek is such a regional favorite.