Top 20 Lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Redfish Lake Marina is a popular spot with facilities for various activities and amenities. Sandy Point Beach at Lucky Peak State Park provides restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a swim beach with shallow, warm water. Alturas Lake is also a great option, offering beautiful views and camping in a generally less crowded setting. For a short hike suitable for children, consider the trail to the lower Bench Lakes.

Yes, wilderness permits are often required for entry into the Sawtooth Wilderness areas where many alpine lakes are located. These permits are typically available at trailheads, such as the one for Pettit Lake & trail junction, which serves as an access point to lakes like Alice Lake and Twin Lakes.

For beginner hikers or backpackers, Alpine Lake is an excellent choice due to its relatively short and easy hike, offering stunning water and great camping spots. Redfish Lake is also easily accessible by car, with options for shorter walks along its shores.

While Redfish Lake is very popular, Alturas Lake offers similar beautiful views but is generally less crowded, providing a more tranquil experience with camping options. Pettit Lake also offers a good option for those seeking more solitude and a picnic, while serving as a starting point for deeper wilderness hikes.

The Sawtooth Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes to Alice Lake and Sawtooth Lake. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many options, including mountain biking trails like the Three Bears and Two Point Trails Loop, and road cycling routes such as the Hyde Park Historic District loop. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails in the Sawtooth Mountains, Cycling in the Sawtooth Mountains, and Road Cycling Routes in the Sawtooth Mountains guides.

Many of the alpine lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains, especially those at lower elevations or later in the summer, can be suitable for wild swimming. Alice Lake, for example, is known for being warm enough for swimming. Sandy Point Beach at Lucky Peak State Park also offers a designated swim beach with shallow, warm water.

Popular hiking destinations include Alice Lake, the largest lake within the Sawtooth Wilderness, which is a moderate 5.5-mile hike from Pettit Lake. Sawtooth Lake, located at the base of Mount Regan, is another popular choice, accessible via a moderate 5-mile hike from the Iron Creek trailhead. The Bench Lakes also offer a string of stunning alpine lakes, with a well-formed trail leading to the second lake.

The lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains are primarily alpine and glacial lakes, sculpted by ancient glaciers. They are known for their vibrant blue or turquoise waters, often nestled in chiseled U-shaped granite valleys with dramatic mountainous backdrops. Many are within the protected Sawtooth Wilderness, offering untouched natural beauty.

Visitors highly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, the opportunities for hiking and water sports, and the sense of wilderness. The white sand beaches at places like Redfish Lake Marina are particularly enjoyed after a ride. The access to extensive trail networks and the availability of amenities at popular spots also contribute to a positive experience.

Yes, at popular and accessible lakes like Redfish Lake, you can rent boats, paddleboards, or canoes. The Redfish Lake Marina specifically offers both motorized and non-motorized rentals, making it easy to enjoy water sports.

Yes, Titus Lake is an excellent choice for those seeking a shorter hike to a stunning alpine lake. While there is some elevation gain, the turquoise waters near Bromaghin Peak make the effort worthwhile. The lower Bench Lakes also offer a relatively short hike with beautiful views.