The total hike took roughly 7 hours, but we really took time to enjoy the views at both Alpine Lake and at Sawtooth lake. All 35 lots face the 3 1/2 mile shoreline of the 40 acre lake in this naturally gorgeous setting. We went out to Sawtooth Lake. Historical Weather. Here you will begin the switchbacks, affording gorgeous views as you make your way up. You can leave a comment, but you wont be able to add any links. You can check trail conditions online. Do either of the books you listed give information regarding rules for dogs on the trails? This part was rather brutal for me while backpacking, as you ascend rather quickly. Discover campgrounds like Stanley Lake Campground Idaho, find information like reviews, photos, number of RV and tent sites, open seasons, rates, facilities, and activities. Redfish Lake to Spangle Lake to Pettit Lake, Goat Lake and Goat Falls via Iron Creek Trail, Alpine Way Trail, Alpine Lake via Trail 640 and Alpine Way Trail. July-September is the best time to visit the Sawtooth Wilderness. Sawtooth Wilderness Map. Drive 3 mi. One of the most incredible mountain lakes I've ever been to. So keep going when you think you’ve hit the lake because it’s further out. The 153,057 acre Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness straddles the Sawtooth range that runs southeast from the Cascade Crest and separates the Methow Valley and Lake Chelan, and is bordered to the northwest by the North Cascades National Park Complex. Awesome trail. It’s only 100 feet down to the lake, so I’d recommend stopping and at least checking it out before you continue to Sawtooth Lake. You will lose it at the lake though, so you still will disconnect there. Hey there! Windy at the top so bring a sweatshirt. You’ll follow Iron Creek at the beginning of the trail. Can’t wait to come back and do it again!! The views along the way are so breathtaking, they never get old. Beautiful trail! Just came back from 10 days in the Sawtooths. The Sawtooth Lake hike begins at the Iron Creek Trailhead, which is about a 2 hour, 45 minute drive from Boise. Sawtooth Lake is a 10 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Stanley, Idaho that features a river and is rated as moderate. *The road was the easiest gravel road we've ever driven. We took the scenic drive from Ketchum to Stanley and it was so beautiful. Excellent day hike. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. There are also plenty of dispersed, free campsites around Stanley. We drove by the Redfish Lake, which was VERY crowded, but so beautiful! Definitely put this one on your bucket list. The trail is well-maintained, and hiking boots or trail runners are recommended footwear, unless there is snow. Segments of map separately titled: Ketchum and Fairfield ranger districts -- Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Overall, it was a beautiful trail that I would definitely hike again. 9.6 mile out & back hike starting at Iron Creek trailhead with 1,758 feet of elevation gain. The final stretch after alpine lake is granite rubble climb in the sun. The hike to Sawtooth Lake is a five-mile trek suitable for most hikers and boasts breathtaking views of alpine lakes and towering mountains You’ll want to bring your camera along for this hike, as you’ll traverse up 1,700 feet in elevation until you reach the largest alpine lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. I would recommend this hike a thousand times over, best hike I've done in idaho! Given the elevation, the trail can be cool and windy, so make sure to pack a jacket for your hike. None of us wanted to come back to the real world. The parking lot and campground is right below the trail head which makes it perfect for a day hike and then camping afterwards. A free self-serve wilderness permit is required. Before I knew it, I was out of time and had to turn around. There's Iron Creek at the start of the trail that's beautiful. I got off trail after the se one water crossing so be mindful. The hike out to Sawtooth Lakeis one that can be done over and over again; something new will be discovered each time. Contact Us. Mostly shaded. * I would rate this trail easy until you get across the small river crossing. Iron Creek and Sawtooth Lake can be great for trout fishing, but you’ll need to pick up a fishing license before heading out if interested. I would recommend about 6 hours for this hike including a 1 hour stop at Sawtooth lake (add an extra hour if you plan to take a quick detour down to Alpine Lake!) Don't forget to turn back to look at the view behind you. Here are my favorites: GOT QUESTIONS? The hike is ten miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1720 feet culminating in the legendary Sawtooth Lake . Control your pet. Snowy the last mile or so. 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