About Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs
Lucky Peak Dam was authorized in 1946 to provide flood risk management, irrigation storage, recreation, and environmental stewardship. The dam holds back reservoir of approximately 265,000 acre-feet of water extending fifteen miles upstream (about a quarter of the 1M acre feet stored by the three-dam system on the Boise River comprised of Lucky Peak, Arrowrock, and Anderson Ranch). In 1984, the irrigator-owned Lucky Peak Power Plant Project was authorized, beginning construction of a 101MW hydropower facility that completed in 1988. Today, Lucky Peak Lake hosts about 900,00 recreational visits annually, provides invaluable wintering range for mule deer and elk, and reduces the risk of flood in the Treasure Valley. This tour for family groups and individuals will provide an overview of the construction of Lucky Peak Dam, current operations of the dam, relationships with many partners including the Lucky Peak Power Plant Project (non-Corps), and big picture water management considerations of the Upper Boise Basin. For larger tour groups, please make special arrangements by reaching out to the Lucky Peak Lake Office at (208) 343-0671 or emailing luckypeaklake@usace.army.mil .
How to Get There
From Gowen Road (Exit 57) off I-84, head east toward South Federal Way and follow Highway 21 towards Idaho City for 11.5 miles before turning right onto Lucky Peak Dam (bearing the large, iconic message “Keep Your Forests Green” upon it). As the Intake Tower and Service Bridge draw near, please park perpendicularly in the cross-hatched area signed “No Stopping Any Time” (tour guests may violate this parking policy). Here you will be met by a park ranger 15 minutes before the event. There is no address for this location – please refer to Lat/Lon coordinates provided and the link for driving directions in the Facility Need to Know section.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs
Heading to Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs?
No central reservation system listed for Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10112783) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs?
From Gowen Road (Exit 57) off I-84, head east toward South Federal Way and follow Highway 21 towards Idaho City for 11.5 miles before turning right onto Lucky Peak Dam (bearing the large, iconic message “Keep Your Forests Green” upon it). As the Intake Tower and Service Bridge draw near, please park perpendicularly in the cross-hatched area signed “No Stopping Any Time” (tour guests may violate th…
How do I contact Lucky Peak Lake Tours and Programs?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-343-0671 or email: LuckyPeakLake@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
