Overview

If you want to spend some time on the water, then Redfish Lake is the spot. About 5 miles from Stanley, this alpine lake has clear waters that appear deep blue to teal in color. It’s part of Sawtooth National Recreation Area at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains so the view of trees and mountains seems infinite and untouched.

It looks more like a photo of Alaska than the backwoods of Idaho, and the area is closely tied to salmon as well. The sockeye breed used to flood the area so thick that the water was tinted red. The flow of salmon from the Pacific Ocean has slowed to a trickle now that sockeyes are an endangered species, but fly fishing for other fish is common. A marina at Redfish Lake Lodge rents out boats for recreation, and beaches allow for casual sunbathing. If the water is too chilly to enjoy, the area is also great for hiking. Regardless, the lake is worth a look and a photograph.