The Best Fishing in Idaho

Stanley Lake is an Idaho alpine lake located at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is about 7 miles from the historic town of Stanley, Idaho and just over an hour from popular Sun Valley, Idaho.Our photography and hiking adventure captured spectacular imagery while hiking the scenic Sawtooth wilderness area. Popular lake activities ...

Alice Lake is a must-see, jaw-dropping alpine lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether it's a day hike or a multiple night backpacking trip, it surely won't disappoint. Put on the Idaho playlist, we're headed to Stanley!In Stanley, hang right at the T in the road and continue 17 miles south along Highway 75. Turn right at the sign for Pettit Lake and follow a gravel road for 2 more miles, this ...

Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of these adventures, the hike to Alpine Lake, starts just across the lake at the Redfish Inlet trailhead.W...

The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The cost is $7.50 per person each way and is payable at the marina. The boat ride is approximately 7 minutes each way.Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish Lake Creek trail southwest for approximately 2 mile. At the junction, you're about 100 feet ...

Blue Lake is a great spot to spend a night next to the lake but is also the perfect escape if you're looking to get away for just the day. The stars at night are worth the trip alone, as it's far away from light pollution. It gets a little windy sometimes but there is plenty of cover and trees to take shelter if need be. You first park at the trailhead off of Cabarton Road. You then descend int...

In just over an hour, you can leave downtown Boise and arrive above Arrowrock Reservoir in a location so unique that you won't believe you're still in Idaho. The South Fork of the Boise River provides excitement for campers, wildlife lovers, and outdoor goers. Although I just visited for the first time, it certainly won't be my last.To get to this particular spot, drive east on Hwy. 84 for abou...

Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines.Getting There: Make your way to the Jennie Lake trailhead by heading north on Hwy 21 (from Boise) past Idaho City but befo...

Bloomington Lake is deep in the mountains West of a small town called Bloomington. The road from the town to Bloomington Lake is a narrow dirt road. It takes about 35 minutes to take this road and most cars should be able to handle it. There's plenty of parking at the trailhead and some bathrooms as well. You can also get to the lake from the West side of the mountains. Just take Cub River Road...

There are plenty of camping spots all within walking distance of the lake or the outlet stream. There are also tons of hikes in the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range. The lake is known for its historic Sockeye Salmon runs. The lake is very close to Stanley Idaho and leads into the salmon river. The view from the lake rivals places like the Canadian rockies or the Dolomites. There are spots fo...

The Sawtooth mountain range consists of hundreds, maybe thousands, of small, crystal clear lakes. Because of the sheer number of lakes, there are many destinations where the foot traffic is considerably low. Most weekend packers will stick to the familiar: they find themselves hiking to Sawtooth lake, while beautiful, might be confused with an outdoor mall.Enter Kelly and Marten lakes, one of t...

Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles, you're rewarded by unobstructed vistas of the entire valley, huge granite boulder fields, and the ...

Burgdorf, Idaho's backcountry oasis, features several rentable cabins located about 30 miles north of McCall. Each season provides its own outdoor opportunity, and Burgdorf provides an epic hub in which to enjoy them.To get there from Boise, drive through McCall and hang a right after the Shore Lodge. Follow Warren Wagon Road and signs for Burgdorf for about 30 miles. Part of Warren Wagon Road ...

The Alice/Toxaway Loop is a standard loop in the Sawtooth Mountains, ID.  The basic route is around 20 miles and takes 2-3 days.  This trip report will outline our Aug 2016 trip and also give multiple options for you to use your own imagination when coming up with your own route.  Below is my take on the route with my opinions interjected :)Day 1-  Tin Cup to Twin Lakes (6.57 miles)Starting at ...

You will want to turn onto NF-209 off of highway 75, about 10 miles outside of Stanley, Idaho. You will then turn left onto 315, and you can either park at the lower or upper trail head for trail 097. When you park at the lower, you will be trekking 9 miles. If you choose the upper, you will be trekking 6.5 miles to Imogene. Now, I would like to tell you up front that if you choose the upper, y...

Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure.The hike starts at 5200' above sea level at the Grandjean campground, where there is befittingly "backpacker parking" so you don't h...

This hike into the Pioneer Mountain Range starts out in a small meadow near Kane Creek, which you will follow for nearly the whole hike. Once you hit the forested area the uphill climb begins and doesn't stop until you get to the lake. About half way up the trail will begin taking you through rock fields that can be slightly difficult to traverse. Though once you are through those the lake is j...