Sawtooth Forest, Idaho
If you're like us, when you think of Idaho, you don't think of much besides potatoes. Sawtooth National Forest showed us just how wrong we were! In fact, it blew us out of the water.
About Sawtooth National Forest
Sawtooth National Forest that covers 2,110,408 acres in Idaho. It is named for the Sawtooth Mountain, which include several different mountain ranges, over 1,100 lakes, and 3,500 miles of rivers and streams. Since becoming a national forest in 1905, visitors have come here to experience the wildlife, scenery, views, and outdoor adventures that await.
How to Get There
Sawtooth National Forest are in between Boise and Idaho Falls off highway 75. It is a 3-hour drive from Boise, and a 6 hour drive west from Yellowstone National Park.
What To Do
The Sawtooths are famous for their lakes, water activities, and hiking trails. Below are some of the best hikes in the area to check out.
Sawtooth Lake-- If you only have time for one hike, this is the one. This trail is the highest rated trail in Idaho. It's a 10 mile, heavily trafficked, out and back trail near Stanley. You can access it from the Iron Creek Trailhead. It is a mostly moderate hike with some challenging portions towards the end. Bonus: You'll pass the emerald Alpine Lake on the way. Can't beat a two-in-one.
Redfish Lake-- This trail is a 14.6 mile, moderately trafficked trail near Stanley. You can also access other trails nearby, such as the chain of lakes known as Bench Lakes.
Goat Lake-- Goat Lake is an 8.1 mile, heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Stanley, Idaho. Not only will you see an exceptionally beautiful alpine lake, this trail will lead you to the biggest Waterfall in the Sawtooh Range.
Thompson Peak-- This is a 13 mile out and back trail near Stanley, Idaho that will take you to the tallest peak in the Sawtooth range. You'll earn stellar views once you reach the top!
Fishhook Creek-- This is a great introductory hike if the other options feel overwhelming. The hike follows a 5 mile trail along the creek, and offering meadows and stunning scenery along the way.
Note: Dogs are allowed on all trails, but must be on a leash during peak seasons.
Besides hiking, the Sawtooths are also a great place to camp, fish, kayak, swim, and relax.
Where to Camp
We stayed in Stanley, which is centrally located to most activities in the region. The town is small and cute, with corner stores and restaurants to check out after you hit the trails.
There are many tent and RV campgrounds, ranging from $0- $30 a night. Some take reservations, and some are first come first serve. If you are planning to hike overnight in the mountains, primitive wilderness campsites are first come first serve.
Redfish Lake has many campgrounds available, and looked like a fantastic place to set up camp with easy access to hikes and water activities. We stayed at Stanley RV + Basecamp Lodge, a full service campground with showers and WiFi for just $30 a night.
Costs and Fees
Entrance fees: There are no fees to enter Sawtooth National Forest or hike the trails. Some trails require permits, which can be found at the trailhead entrance for free.
Camping fees: Fees will vary depending on where you stay. Our campground in Stanley was $30/night. You can find cheaper or even free places to camp if you play your cards right.
Tips and Tricks
Utilize the National Park website to get the latest updates and help plan your visit.
Bring in any food and water you'll need. Along the trails, you are in the wilderness and won't have access to resources until you're back in town.
Research the weather before you go. While beautiful year round, the Sawtooths can be in the 80s during the summer, and below freezing and snowy in the winter. The spring and fall brings moderate weather, which is great for hiking but not ideal for water activities. For optimal warm weather, consider visiting between June and September, and bring layers for when temperatures drop.
Leave everything better than you found it. Clean up after yourself your pets, and follow the Leave No Trace principle.
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