The Sawtooth Mountains. Ever heard of them?
I hadn’t either until I landed a summer job here. And now I’m wondering how I went my whole life without ever visiting this breathtaking area. This place has got it all!
If you are the type of vacationer who likes to relax and lounge on the beach with a drink in your hand, you may be thinking: “Why would I go into the mountains where it’s cold and I have to climb to get to where I want to go?” I understand your hesitation. But like I said, the Sawtooths have it all! If you are just looking to relax on a beach for a few days and have a few drinks and people-watch, then Redfish Lake Lodge is the place for you! The lodge is a collection of adorable little cabins, rooms, and picnic tables right on the Redfish Lake beach. The lodge area also has a restaurant, general store, and outdoor bar. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun without worrying about that sticky, salty wind.
Perhaps you want to take your family on a vacation for some bonding time. Maybe you want some nice 4-5 mile easy/moderate hikes that the kids will enjoy. We’ve got you covered! Whether you want to take an easy 4 mile round-trip hike along the river to the meadow at the end of the Fishhook Creek Trail, or take the shuttle boat to the other end of Redfish Lake and take a short hike to Lily Pond Falls, the kids will love it! Want to take the family on a vacation but don’t want to leave the dog at home? No problem! Dogs are welcome in the Sawtooths, as long as they are leashed in campgrounds and designated wilderness areas. If you want your dog to run around and play, you can take them down to Dog Beach at Redfish Lake so they can swim and play to their hearts content.
Now maybe all of this sounds really nice to you, but you like a challenge when you go into the mountains. Maybe you want to do some really tough hikes or a mulit-day backpacking trip, and find a nice lake to camp by at night. We have plenty of beautiful alpine lakes to camp by in the front country as well as the backcountry. If you want to challenge yourself and take a climb, you can climb up Mount Heyburn or up to Thompson Peak. Tough, but rewarding! Just remember to research trail routes and only take on what you can handle. If you are looking for a guided assent Sawtooth Mountain Guides can take the reigns.
If you do decide to visit the Sawtooths, make sure you take some time to really enjoy the beautiful landscape around you. The mountains here are incredibly majestic, and like nothing I have ever seen before. A magical place like this should be admired and cared for, so when you come here make sure you do your part to preserve its beauty!
The Sawtooth Mountains. Now you’ve heard of them.
Written By: Annie Schawe (Naturalist)
