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Lucky Peak Lake

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Welcome to Lucky Peak Lake!

Ada County Parks & Waterways manages over 100 docks at 16 recreation sites around Lucky Peak Lake, as well as 4 different boat launch ramps.

Lucky Peak Lake is a 10-minute drive from downtown Boise or a 30-minute bike ride on the scenic Boise River Greenbelt.

History of Lucky Peak

Lucky Peak Dam was an Army Corps of Engineers project that began in 1949 and included 3 other dams in the Boise Area, those dams being Anderson Ranch Dam, Arrowrock Dam, and the Boise Diversion Dam. These dams, especially Luck Peak, were created to mitigate flood risks and secondarily for irrigation. They were constructed to have the potential for hydroelectric power, which Lucky Peak gained in 1988 with the completion of 2 power houses. The dam was named after Lucky Peak Mountain, having an elevation of 5,904 ft or 1800m, which is roughly 4 miles north of the Dam.

At the time of its construction, Lucky Peak Dam cost roughly $19 million dollars to complete, which would be over $220 million dollars adjusted for inflation today!

  • "Docks Provided By Ada County Parks & Waterways under agreement with US Army Corps of Engineers"
  • Sheer Rock wall with water located below
  • boat engines and wake with mountains in the background.
  • River bend with rocky cliffs on both sides.
  • Mountain valley view green vegetation
  • winter stream near lucky peak
  • Blue Green water with green mountains in the background and blue skies
  • Lucky Peak Beauty Shot
  • Silhouette of a tree with a orange and yellow sunset in the background
  • Lucky Peak reservoir.
  • Green Mountains in the distance with a view of the water below
  • snow frosted Mountain peek with a waterfall and river
  • four kite surfers skimming along the water's surface with a view of mountains in the background
  • people standing on a dock with boats tied up
  • kite surfer with a orange kite and a small boat in the background
  • person in a yellow helmet using water propelled jet boots to fly along the surface of the water.
  • looking down a dock with people loading and unloading their boats
  • docks fully on sand because waterline has receded
  • Cliff face with river on the bottom
  • Plateau with water at the bottom
  • green mountains with water at the bottom

Key features: The premiere spot to go fishing, boating, swimming, and cliff diving in the Boise area. There are great hiking trails all around the Lake and includes many camp sites as well.

Traffic: In the summertime on weekends, Lucky Peak Lake is packed with visitors from all around to get away from the city and soak up some sun.

Best time of year to visit: Summertime is always a hit for recreational activities, but even during winter months Parks & Waterways maintains one boat launch ramp and dock for winter fishing opportunities.

Thank you to the following: Ada County Sheriff, Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers, and the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation

Points of Access: You can reach Lucky Peak Lake by motor vehicle via Highway 21 or by bicycle via the Boise Greenbelt.

Parking Availability: There are several parking areas around Lucky Peak. There are parking lots near Barclay Bay, Turner Gulch, and Spring Shores. In addition, there are some pull-offs along Highway 21.

Wildlife in the Area: There are a wide variety of birds around the hills and trails surrounding the Lake, giving you a great opportunity to go birdwatching. There is also a huge deer migration that takes place within the Boise River Wildlife Management Area to the North and South of Lucky Peak Lake.

Amenities: Lucky Peak Lake has several restrooms around the lake near the parking lots. There is a small market available at Spring Shores, however this is not managed by Ada County Parks & Waterways.

Boater Safety

Please use common sense. There are serious penalties for drinking while operating a vessel.

BOATERS SAFETY :DriverDown Flag

  • Must have at least 1 LIFE JACKET on board for each person.
  • Have at least 1 FIRE EXTINGUISHER on board.
  • Know RIGHT OF WAY & traffic rules of the water.
  • Obey NO WAKE ZONES.
  • Must stay at least 100 ft. clear of DIVER DOWN flag.

WATER SKIING IS GREAT.Skier Down Flag

Please remember:

  • Always wear a LIFE JACKET.
  • Always have a SPOTTER.
  • Keep your eyes open for possible WATER HAZARDS.
  • You must use a SKIER DOWN FLAG – at least 1 ft square and orange in color.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT:

Always wear your LIFE JACKET
You are subject to the same RIGHT OF WAY rules as boats.
WAKE JUMPING or operating in close proximity to others is prohibited.
Keep a SHARP LOOK OUT for other water users.
Obey NO WAKE ZONES

Boat Launch Etiquette

Launching

  • Don’t pull onto ramp until your boat is ready to launch.
  • Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove stern tie downs, attach mooring lines, etc., before pulling onto the ramp. Don’t release your bow winch line. Do unplug your trailer lights! Is your drain plug in?
  • When ready, pull into line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous.
  • It takes at least two people to efficiently and courteously launch your boat: one to handle the boat and one to take care of the tow vehicle.
  • Launch on the designated side of the ramp. Normally this is on the left side of the ramp when facing shore, but it may vary. Most ramps are marked.
  • When your turn comes, back into the water, release your boat from the trailer and get both the boat and tow vehicle clear of the launch area as quickly as possible. If you feel competent, power your boat off the trailer. Be courteous.
  • Enjoy your day on the water!

Loading

  • Know which side of the ramp is designated for loading.
  • Don’t block the loading area with your boat until your tow vehicle is ready to load. Wait until you are clear of the launch area to unload gear.
  • Get in line and wait your turn. Be courteous.
  • As soon as your trailer is in the water, load your boat and secure your bow line. If you feel competent, power your boat onto the trailer.
  • Retrieve the boat and trailer from the water as quickly as possible.
  • Get clear of the ramp. Pull into the parking area to finish securing your boat and unload gear. Don’t stop on the ramp.
  • When your boat is secure, leave the parking area and drive home safely. Did you remove the drain plug? Are your trailer lights plugged in and working?