Redfish Lake, Idaho

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....

There are several good spots to photograph along the shore of Redfish Lake. The marina at Redfish Lake Lodge is a great viewpoint. Also be sure to follow the path to the east of the lodge to visit some of the beaches on the north shore. It is here that you can often find yourself alone at dawn wh...

The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish...

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 the...

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...

This easy hike starts off from the dirt parking lot near Redfish Lake Lodge. Two small footpaths lead away from the far end of the parking lot crossing the road to the lodge just down to the left. The right trail will take you straight to the Fishhook Creek Trailhead, while the left trail will g...

The Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of...

Start your hike at the Fishhook Creek Trailhead by Redfish Lake. Park in the dirt parking lot across the street. Follow the trail (mostly flat) a few hundred feet to the first fork. Here, continue straight to Fishhook Creek. After another short bit on the fairly flat trail, which leads through a ...

This hike is great for anyone wanting to experience a scenic trail and peaceful alpine lakes. The five Bench Lakes are a chain of lakes draining from Mt. Heyburn. Park in the dirt parking lot across from the Fishhook Creek Trailhead near Redfish Lake.  Shortly after the start of the trail you wi...

Park in the turnout west of Redfish Lake Road on Highway 75. The turnout is plowed to fit 10 to 15 cars.Walk over the bridge and turn right onto Redfish Lake Road. You will likely see tracks as it's a good access spot for backcountry skiers. The trail follows the road and is easy to navigate.Pass...

The Sawtooths are best enjoyed from within them; hundreds of trails lead through the wilderness to amazing alpine lakes and to the top of mountain peaks. That's not the only way you can capture the magic, however. Here are three consecutive spots in or close to Stanley (the "Gateway to the Sawtoo...

This can be a day trip or, if you want to take your time and relax after the climb, backpack in and camp at Hell Roaring Lake on the night before and after the climb. Begin your journey at Hell Roaring Lake Trailhead. From Stanley, drive on ID-75 south for 12 miles, turn west at Decker Flat, and ...

This moderate hike begins at Iron Creek Trailhead in the Sawtooth Mountains. Follow the trail through the forest and alongside Iron Creek. At 1.1 miles you will officially enter the Sawtooth Wilderness and soon after come to a marked junction. Turn left to follow Alpine Way Trail across Iron Cree...

Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...

There’s a very good reason why Idaho has been dubbed “The Whitewater State.” Stanley is located on the banks of headwaters from the famous Salmon River, and is a starting point for world-class rafting adventures that draws people from around the world. There is no better way to fully immerse your...

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 t...