🛶 Paddle Utah: High-Alpine Lakes, Weekend Getaways, and Hidden Gems (Part 2)

Utah’s well-known reservoirs near Salt Lake and Park City offer plenty of easy paddling, but sometimes, you’re craving something quieter, cooler, and a little more remote. That’s where the high-elevation and lesser-known lakes of Northern Utah come in.

In Part 1, I shared my favorite spots for day trips and quick paddles close to town. This post is for those who don’t mind a bit of a drive—or a night under the stars—in exchange for glassy water, alpine views, and a little more solitude.

Many of these spots require a National Lands Recreation Pass, and you’ll want to plan for cold water, limited facilities, and yes—mosquitoes. But if you’re after a true mountain paddling adventure? You’re in the right place.

🌲 Smith & Morehouse Reservoir: Secluded and Serene

Best for: No-wake paddling, camping, and unplugging
Vibe: Quiet, rustic, high mountain energy

Tucked above Oakley on the northwestern edge of the Uintas, Smith & Morehouse offers that rare combo of easy access and peaceful water. Like Causey, it’s a no-wake reservoir, so the paddling is calm—unless the wind picks up, which it often does midday. Go early for the best experience.

There are two nearby campgrounds, and I love using them as a basecamp for weekend trips,but this is also doable as a day trip from Salt Lake or Park City. Be aware—no cell service, and no real amenities. This is a bring-your-own-everything kind of trip.

→ Requires a National Lands Pass

🏕️ Uinta Mountains: High Elevation and Hidden Lakes

Best for: Classic alpine paddling, camping, and cool temps
Vibe: Peaceful, rugged, and wild

The Uinta Mountains are home to dozens of paddle-worthy lakes, and I’ve explored many of them over the years. Here are my top picks:

Mirror Lake – A fan favorite, and for good reason. It’s accessible, photogenic, and a great place to camp. You’ll be sharing the water, but the beauty is unmatched. Don’t skip the loop trail around the lake to stretch your legs.

Trial Lake – A little quieter, with some campsites right on the water (my favorite kind!).

Lost Lake – A fantastic day trip paddle with lots of lakeshore to set up “camp” for the day. I like to bring my screen house—the bugs can be brutal in midsummer.

Tips:

• Water is very cold year-round, so plan for layered clothing
• No cell service—let someone know your plans
• Requires National Lands Pass

🏞️ Tibble Fork & Silver Lake Flat: Wasatch Mini-Adventures

Tibble Fork Reservoir
Best for: Family paddling and pretty photos
Tibble Fork is tiny but scenic, and its small size makes it a great option for families with kids. The tradeoff? It gets extremely busy on summer weekends. I prefer weekday mornings when you can actually hear the birds and enjoy the water without jostling for space.

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir
Best for: Remote, peaceful paddling and killer views
Located above Tibble Fork, Silver Lake Flat offers a similar experience but with far fewer people. The road up is rough—you’ll want 4WD—and the lake can be partially drained later in the season, but when conditions are right, it’s a stunning and peaceful place to paddle.

• Both require a National Lands Pass
• Bring your own gear—no rentals here

🎣 Strawberry Reservoir: Big Water and Big Views

Best for: Paddling + camping combo, long-distance workouts
Vibe: Peaceful mornings, fisherman-friendly, no-wake bliss

Located southeast of Heber, Strawberry is a gem for paddlers looking to put in some serious miles. I’ve logged a 10-mile day here, and with minimal wake from boats, it’s an ideal place to get into a rhythm. 

I love that you can usually find a campsite here even last minute—unlike the Uintas, which book out quickly. Just be prepared: daytime temps can hit the 90s, while nights can drop into the 30s.  There’s not much shade, but the flush toilets and drinking water here make up for it.

→ Requires a National Lands Pass

🌊 Flaming Gorge: Big Sky, Big Water

Best for: Multi-day adventures, swimming, and scenic paddles
Vibe: Remote, stunning, and summer-hot

Located in the northeast corner of the state, Flaming Gorge is a true weekend destination from Salt Lake or Park City. It’s a massive reservoir with red rock scenery and great swimming during summer. I’ve paddled from Mustang Ridge campground, and even knocked out an 8-mile day when the wind was calm.

If you’re feeling ambitious, there’s even a boat-in campground—just reserve ahead! With warm water, beautiful landscapes, and star-filled skies, this is one of Utah’s most epic paddling escapes.

→ Requires a National Lands Pass

💙 Bear Lake: Caribbean Blue in the Mountains

Best for: Weekend getaways, big water paddling, family-friendly fun
Vibe: Vacation mode—Utah edition

Bear Lake is massive, beautiful, and famously turquoise—earning it the nickname Caribbean of the Rockies. It’s a favorite for weekend escapes and family trips. I’ve stayed at both the Bear Lake State Park campground and the Marina KOA, and while both are great, the KOA has lots of activities for kids. I’ve also heard the east side of the lake is quieter and more peaceful—though facilities there are more primitive.

Paddling here is best early in the day, before the wind picks up. The lake’s clarity is incredible, and the sunsets are some of the best I’ve seen.

Heads-Up: Even if you’re not camping in the state park, you’ll still need a Utah State Parks pass to launch from there.

🌟 My Top 3 Mountain Paddling Spots

Northern Utah’s alpine lakes each bring something special—but if I had to pick just three, these are the ones I return to again and again:

🥇 Strawberry Reservoir – Best for Distance and Ease of Planning

Plenty of space to paddle, beautiful scenery, and campsites you can often book last-minute? Yes, please. Whether you’re logging a 10-mile day or camping lakeside with friends, Strawberry makes it easy.

🥈 Smith & Morehouse Reservoir – Best Quiet Escape

Tucked into the mountains above Oakley, this no-wake lake is peaceful, scenic, and the perfect spot to disconnect for a day (or a weekend). Just be ready for chilly water and rustic facilities.

🥉 Mirror Lake – The Iconic Uinta Gem

With picture-perfect reflections, a forested shoreline, and a nearby campground, Mirror Lake really is the quintessential high alpine paddling destination in Utah. Bonus: stretch your legs on the scenic trail around the lake.

🏔️ Mountain Paddle Tips: Be Prepared, Stay Comfortable

Paddling in alpine terrain is magical—but it’s also a little more unpredictable. Here are my go-to tips:

• Pack a towel and change of clothes in the car—if you fall in, mountain lakes are cold.
• Wear layers. Windbreaker. Wetsuit booties. And a PFD isn’t optional—cold water shock is real.
• No cell service is common—let someone know your plans and always paddle with a buddy.
• Share the shoreline. Many lakes are beloved by anglers too—give fisherman their space and paddle respectfully.
  

🔁 Missed Part 1?

Looking for day-trip spots closer to Salt Lake and Park City? Head over to Part 1 of this series: Easy-Access Paddle Spots and Reservoirs for local favorites like Deer Creek, Echo, and Causey Reservoir.

🧭 Need Help Planning Your Paddle Weekend?

Whether you’re dreaming of a quick overnight escape or a full Utah paddling road trip, I can help! I offer custom travel planning services that take care of the logistics—so you can focus on paddling, not planning.