Nestled in the Targhee National Forest just off of Ashton's Fish Creek Road, this tear drop shaped lake is a family adventure waiting to happen. The lake isn't very big but it is teeming with life. Early in the morning the lake is so beautiful and calm that you can hear the fish jumping from across the water. Take your kayak out early and you can see well into the crystal waters. You could also take a hike or bike ride on the trail that circles the lake. It's got enough ups, downs, and turns to keep it interesting but is easy enough that even the most novice bikers can do it with ease.

As it warms up a little, the kayaks take over and it becomes a playground for family fun. The lake is big enough for there to be plenty of room for everyone but small enough that you can feel safe with some of your younger ones out in the middle of a lake fighting to tip each others' kayaks over. The shores are great for wading and swimming. There have been rope swings and diving boards at times but there is a sign there prohibiting any such devices of mass fun and liability.

As the sun fades, everybody slowly retreats to their camps, the lake quiets down again, and fisherman have their time. If you haven't yet, now is the time to soak yourself in all your bug spray and get out your citronella torches. Yes, even the mosquitos are impressive here.

If you want to stay the night, camping is primitive and first-come, first-served, with rough sites tucked among the trees and rock outcroppings. There are somewhere around 10 such spots on the east and west ends of the lake.

The campsites here are primitive providing at most a place to park, a flat spot for your tent, and maybe a fire ring made There are no bathrooms, water pumps, or garbage cans here so come prepared with your own drinking water and the ability to properly dispose of your own waste. This is bear country so take care with your food and make sure you have a good way to store it overnight. 

The setting is a big part of the charm. Tear Drop Lake sits high in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest above Ashton, in the beautiful Island Park country of eastern Idaho — the same region that holds Mesa Falls and the headwaters of the Henrys Fork — so it pairs naturally with a bigger day of exploring the area's waterfalls, forests, and blue-ribbon fishing streams. Reaching it means a drive up Fish Creek Road, so come with a full tank of gas and good directions.

This is one of those great free spots that hasn't been overrun with people or regulations yet. Please help to keep it that way by being considerate and following the principles of leave no trace.