Redfish Lake

State: Idaho. Type: glacial alpine lake in Custer County, the largest lake within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, about five miles south of Stanley. Elevation about 6,547 feet; roughly 4.5 miles long with a maximum depth near 387 feet. Named for the sockeye salmon that once turned its waters red during spawning. Backed by the Sawtooth Mountains, including Mount Heyburn (10,229 feet) and the Grand Mogul (9,733 feet). Home to the historic Redfish Lake Lodge, established in 1929, and a Forest Service visitor center.

Redfish Lake is one of Idaho's most photographed natural landmarks, a deep, clear glacial lake cradled beneath the jagged granite peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains near the town of Stanley. The largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, it stretches about four and a half miles long and plunges to nearly 400 feet deep, its cold water reflecting the surrounding summits. The lake takes its name from sockeye salmon, which historically returned from the Pacific Ocean in such numbers that the water shimmered red during spawning season; as late as the 1950s, thousands of these fish completed an astonishing journey of roughly 900 miles from the ocean to the Sawtooth Valley. Dams and other obstacles later devastated the run, and in recent years only a handful of wild sockeye have returned, prompting hatchery efforts to save the population. Beyond its natural drama, Redfish Lake is a hub of Sawtooth recreation, anchored by the historic Redfish Lake Lodge, built in 1929, and served by campgrounds, a boat launch, day-use beaches and a visitor center. It draws swimmers, boaters, anglers, hikers and backpackers who use the lake as a gateway into the surrounding wilderness.

Redfish Lake lies in Custer County in central Idaho, about five miles south of Stanley within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It sits at an elevation of roughly 6,547 feet at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, reached by a paved access road off State Highway 75. Peaks including Mount Heyburn (10,229 feet) rise to the west and the Grand Mogul (9,733 feet) stands above the lake's southern end.

At about 6,547 feet in the high Sawtooth Valley, Redfish Lake has a cold mountain climate with a short, mild summer and a long, snowy, bitterly cold winter, mirroring nearby Stanley, one of the coldest towns in the country. The lake's surface water warms only to around 62 degrees Fahrenheit at its peak in late July and early August, and it freezes over in winter, developing ice 30 to 36 inches thick. Even in summer, nights are cold and weather can change quickly. Visitors should be prepared for chilly mornings and cool water year-round.

Summer, roughly July through early September, is the prime time, when the access road and campgrounds are open, the water is at its warmest for swimming and boating, and the high trails are largely snow-free. Late summer offers the warmest lake temperatures. September brings crisp air, fewer crowds and early fall color. Winter access is limited by deep snow and extreme cold, though the setting is spectacular for those equipped for cold-weather recreation. Spring is late to arrive at this elevation, so snow can linger into early summer.

Redfish Lake was carved by alpine glaciers that gouged the basin and left the deep, clear lake at the foot of the Sawtooths. It was named for the sockeye salmon whose bright red spawning color once filled its shallows; the fish undertook one of the longest inland migrations of any Pacific salmon, traveling about 900 miles from the ocean to the Sawtooth Valley. As late as the 1950s, more than 4,000 sockeye returned in a season, but the construction of downstream hydroelectric dams and other pressures caused the run to collapse, and in recent years only a few, sometimes between roughly 2 and 20, have completed the journey. To keep the population from vanishing, fisheries agencies established a captive-breeding and hatchery program, and the lake has been stocked with hatchery sockeye since 1999. Human recreation at the lake has a long history too: the Redfish Lake Lodge was established on the north shore in 1929 and remains a centerpiece of the visitor experience.

The lake is a summer playground: visitors swim from sandy day-use beaches, paddle kayaks and canoes, take out motorboats and stand-up paddleboards, and ride the lodge's shuttle boat across the water to reach trailheads on the far shore. Anglers fish the lake, and hikers and backpackers set off on trails that climb into the Sawtooth Wilderness, including routes toward Alpine and Sawtooth lakes. Campgrounds around the lake accommodate tents and RVs, and horseback riding and mountain biking are available in the area. The Forest Service visitor center offers interpretive and junior-ranger programs, and simply relaxing on the beach with the Sawtooth backdrop is a draw in itself.

The historic Redfish Lake Lodge on the north shore, dating to 1929, is a landmark with its restaurant, cabins, marina and beach. The Redfish Visitor Center and gallery presents exhibits on the Sawtooth landscape and wildlife and offers free naturalist programs. The lake's day-use beaches and boat launch are focal points, and the surrounding peaks, especially Mount Heyburn and the Grand Mogul, define the view. Trailheads around the lake lead into the Sawtooth Wilderness for those wanting to venture into the high country.

Redfish Lake is reached by a paved access road off State Highway 75, about five miles south of Stanley, which sits at the junction of Highways 21 and 75. The nearest airport with scheduled service is Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, about an hour south of Stanley via Highway 75. Boise Airport (BOI) is the larger gateway, roughly a three-hour drive to Stanley via Highway 21 (the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway). A personal or rental vehicle is needed; there is no public transit to the lake.

The lake and its surroundings are accessible year-round, but the developed facilities are seasonal: the access road, campgrounds, boat launch, visitor center and Redfish Lake Lodge generally operate in the summer season and close for the long, snowy winter. As of research, exact daily hours for the visitor center and lodge were not confirmed from an official page, so check current seasonal dates and hours with the Forest Service and the lodge before visiting.

There is no single admission gate for the lake itself, but the surrounding Sawtooth National Recreation Area charges fees at developed sites: campgrounds, boat launches and some day-use areas carry their own fees, and a recreation pass or day-use fee may be required for parking at certain sites. Boat rentals, the shuttle service and lodging at Redfish Lake Lodge are priced separately by the operator. Confirm current site fees with the Forest Service and rental prices with the lodge before you go.

A few hours are enough for a beach visit, a paddle or a short walk, but many visitors spend a full day swimming, boating and picnicking. Those camping at the lake often stay two to four days to combine lakeside relaxation with day hikes, and backpackers using the shuttle to reach far-shore trailheads may head out for multi-day trips into the Sawtooth Wilderness.

The historic Redfish Lake Lodge on the north shore offers cabins and lodge rooms right at the water and is the most sought-after stay, so it books up far in advance for summer. Several Forest Service campgrounds around the lake provide tent and RV sites. For additional lodging, the town of Stanley, about five miles north, has small motels, lodges and guest ranches, and the Ketchum/Sun Valley resort area farther south offers a much wider range of hotels. Reserving early for peak summer is strongly advised.

Redfish Lake Lodge has a restaurant and dining options on-site, making it the main place to eat right at the lake. Beyond that, the small town of Stanley, a few miles away, offers a handful of casual restaurants, cafes and lodge dining rooms during the summer season. For a broader selection, the Ketchum and Sun Valley area to the south has many more restaurants. Because options at the lake are limited, campers typically bring their own supplies.

The broader Sawtooth National Recreation Area surrounds the lake, with other alpine lakes such as Alturas, Pettit and Stanley lakes nearby. The town of Stanley offers access to the upper Salmon River for rafting and to roadside hot springs. Galena Summit, south on Highway 75, provides a classic overlook of the Sawtooth Valley. The Ketchum/Sun Valley resort area lies farther south for those seeking dining, shopping and additional attractions.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey is the closest airport with scheduled service, about an hour south of Stanley, while Boise Airport (BOI) is the main regional gateway roughly three hours away. There is no passenger rail or scheduled bus service to the lake, so rental cars are the standard way to arrive; some air-taxi services connect Boise with the Stanley area.

The lake water is very cold even in summer, so acclimate gradually when swimming and be cautious with prolonged exposure. High elevation, cold nights and fast-changing mountain weather call for warm layers and preparation, even on a warm day. Trails leading into the wilderness are remote with little cell service, so tell someone your plans and carry a map. Wildlife, including bears, is present, so store food properly at campgrounds. For any emergency, dial 911, though response can be slow in this remote area.

Bring warm layers and a jacket for cold mornings and evenings, sun protection for the high-altitude sun, and water shoes or sandals for the rocky, cold shoreline. Swimwear and a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat are useful for a beach day. For hiking, add sturdy boots, a map, extra water and a first-aid kit. Campers should prepare for near-freezing nights even in summer, and a camera is worth having for the Sawtooth views.

Book Redfish Lake Lodge and area campgrounds well in advance, as summer demand at this iconic lake is high. Consider using the lodge's shuttle boat to reach far-shore trailheads and shorten hikes into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Fuel up and buy groceries in Stanley, Ketchum or Boise, since on-site services are limited. Start hikes early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and pack warm clothing regardless of season given the elevation. Check seasonal road and facility openings before visiting, as everything closes for winter.

For any emergency, dial 911, the nationwide U.S. emergency number; note that this is a remote high-mountain area with limited cell service and long response times. For trip planning, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters can be reached at (208) 727-5013 or (208) 727-5000, per Forest Service information; contact Redfish Lake Lodge directly for lodging and boat-rental questions.

Redfish Lake Recreation Complex, Sawtooth National Forest (U.S. Forest Service) - https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/redfish-lake-recreation-complex

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.