Gore Lake is located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest. It occupies a large basin at treeline ringed by Snow Peak (13,024'), Willow Peak (13,357') and Red Peak (13,189'). The hike to Gore Lake loosely follows Gore Creek 4.2 miles before breaking north up a steep gulch that levels in a string of alpine meadows below the lake.

Looking south across alpine meadows .7 miles from Gore Lake

Marshy ponds near Gore Lake's outlet hold notoriously large cutthroat trout

After a moderate 4.2 miles along Gore Creek, the Gore Lake Trail turns north on a strenuous 1.9 mile climb to the lake basin

Alpine Mertensia Flowers are common along streams and in damp soil beds

An unnamed spire standing over 12,000' frames the southwest corner of Gore Lake

Gore Lake and Snow Peak (13,024') in the far left corner

The Gore Lake vicinity is obstacle free and easily explored

One of several large outlying ponds near Gore Lake's outlet

Willow Peak is distinguished by its serrated summit

Climbing into the pristine tundra over Gore Lake