Johnson Lake, Glacial lake in Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho, US

Johnson Lake is a glacial lake in the Sawtooth Mountains, formed by ice age processes that carved the landscape. The water sits among high peaks and rocky terrain, creating a secluded mountain setting.

The lake was born when glaciers carved through the mountains during the ice age, leaving behind deep basins. These basins gradually filled with water from melting ice, creating what exists today.

Johnson Lake lies in the Sawtooth Wilderness, where visitors register for a free wilderness permit at trailheads or boundary boxes. The lake holds one small island about 70 ft (21 m) long, and the surrounding land is managed to keep the area in its natural state.

The lake sits at a high elevation and requires hiking through mountain terrain to reach it. Plan for a full day of walking and bring gear for changing weather conditions at this altitude.

Johnson Lake lies 0.33 mi (0.53 km) downstream of The Hole, a spot on Johnson Creek in the Sawtooth Wilderness. The lake holds one small island about 70 ft (21 m) long, a detail easy to miss from the shore. Trail 459 follows Johnson Creek, and a cutoff leads to the lake.