Brundage Mountain has several short trails that are perfect for those new to hiking or looking for a quick jaunt. You can learn more about the base area Nature Trail, or our two short summit hikes here. 

Those looking for a bigger challenge now have more options at Brundage Mountain. Several multi-use trails are now open to hikers, including Black Bear, Growler and the newest, most spectacular trail, Lakeview Vista.

Lakeview Vista is a two-way trail, but our favorite way to enjoy this south-side stunner is this route:

Ride the BlueBird Express to the summit, head South on South Lodge lane, (below the Centennial Terminal) watch for signs pointing you left on FS road 456. (The signs say “Lakeview Vista”).

This section of the hike is a bit over a mile, and while it’s mostly on a jeep road, it offers some pretty cool views of the Payette Lakes and the unique White Bark Pine trees along the way.

Once you hook into the Lakeview Vista trail, you’re in for a 2.8 mile pleasure cruise with spectacular views. This trail is shared use, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for mountain bikers. It’s got good sight lines and plenty of room to step aside, so this is an easy trail to share. 

 

Be on the lookout for wildflowers, lake and mountain views, and also for the helmet tree! It’s new on the scene but already giving the wintertime ‘bra tree’ a run for its money!

The trail winds out to a scenic knob, then under the Lakeview Chairlift. There are several areas where logs or rocks provide a nice spot for a scenic snack break. 

 

Once you reach the Growler Trail crossing, you can stay to the right on the Lakeview access road (it’s a wide jeep road) for about a quarter mile until you run back into South Lodge Lane.

 

 

At that point, you have a choice: either hike 1.7 miles down to the base area on South Lodge Lane, OR, for a bigger challenge, head UP South Lodge Lane 1.5 miles back to the summit and return to the base by riding the BlueBird Express back down with a cool breeze in your hair.

Total distance: 5.3 or 5.5 miles, depending on the last leg (the 5.5 mile option is actually easier because it’s all downhill.) This hike takes 3+ hours at a moderate pace. If you are a photo taker, be sure to allow extra time. You will surely be distracted by all there is to see!