Redfish Visitor Center & Gallery

The Redfish Visitor Center & Gallery has the following amenities:

• Observation deck with beautiful views of Grand Mogul, Redfish Lake, and Mt. Heyburn.
• Drinking water and a public restroom. Open during business hours.
• 24 hour Wi-Fi “hotspot”, with free Internet service.
• Area information, bookstore, maps, educational gifts, and more.
• Free short-term parking for visitor center.
• Access to interpretive nature trail.
• Outdoor amphitheater.
• CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Theater with a large flat screen TV to watch videos about the wonders of the Sawtooth NRA. Come and learn about our resident wolverines, and the ecologic and economic importance of annual salmon runs.
• A large multi-use room has replaced the old diorama exhibit space. It serves as a gallery highlighting photography and art from regional artists; for viewing or purchase. This room seats up to 75 people, and may be rented for events and meetings.

If you have ideas, suggestions or recommendations about what you would like to see or experience at the Redfish Visitor Center & Gallery, please drop us a note through the website or drop it off with our friendly front desk crew.

The focus of the Redfish Visitor Center & Gallery is interpretive and educational programs. Our team of naturalists offers a variety of free programs every day. Come and learn about local flora, fauna, history, geology and more!

• Junior Ranger Programs: These are 45 to 60 minute programs for kids ages 5 – 12 (parents are welcome too!). You and your kids will learn about the environment and ecological processes. Find these programs at the Redfish Visitor Center.
• Discovery Stations: No time commitment here! Come and go from these quick stations. Find us outside near the Redfish Lodge or Stanley Lake boat ramp or at area trailheads or at your campsite. We discuss a variety of topics including scat and tracks and macro-invertebrates.
• Guided Walks: Our guided walks aren’t focused on the destination, but the journey. Learn about the nature you observe from our naturalists as you walk for 60 to 90 minutes. Meet at the Redfish Visitor Center before traveling to the trailhead.
• Patio Talk: This 15 minute program gives visitors a quick overview of something special in the area. We might have a short discussion on the glacial geology or the Kokanee spawning in Fishhook Creek. These programs happen daily on our front porch.
• Ranger Talk: Want to dive a little deeper into a subject, but busy in the evening? Join us for a 30-minute ranger talk in the Redfish Amphitheater. These programs are similar to an evening program but a bit shorter and held in the afternoon.
• Evening Programs: Join us for engaging evening talks about wildlife, climbing, geology, history or another Sawtooth National Recreation Area topic. Talks are held at the Redfish Amphitheater at 7pm and last up to an hour. They are typically held on Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August and Fridays and Saturdays in June, but check in at the Visitor Center for details.
• Lady of the Lake Boat Tours: CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE In conjunction with Redfish Lake Lodge, we offer boat tours of Redfish Lake. A Naturalist will reveal the wonders of Sawtooth region history, geology, and ecology while you enjoy the beauty of the Lake. What better way to learn about the “red” fish of Redfish Lake? Lady of the Lake Boat Tours leave from the Redfish Lodge Marina on Saturdays at 3:30pm and Sundays at 1pm. Sign up at the Marina early! Pontoons take a 60-minute loop around the lake. Cost: $15 per adult and $5 per child (ages 6 – 12). Kids 5 and under are free. There is a $60 minimum for the boat to leave so bring your friends and family.

If you would like to schedule a private large group educational program, email us at redfishcenter@discoversawtooth.org.

Our knowledgeable naturalists will help you plan your next adventure. Whether it is finding a campsite by the lake, the best hike for your family, or a backcountry adventure we can provide suggestions and information for it all. We also have information on fish stocking, outfitters and guides, and boat rentals. 

SIHA sells numerous maps and guides for the local area in our bookstore. Pick up a game for kids, a new book to read, or a guidebook about the local flora, fauna, history or geology. 

Are you practicing the first principle of Leave-No-Trace, “to plan ahead and prepare,” and looking for more detailed information? Visit our Trail Information page to start planning your trip!

Don’t miss the stunning art work for purchase in the gallery! Each season SIHA recruits regional artists who use the SNRA to inspire their work.

A portion of proceeds from each sale are retained to support the Center’s interpretative mission.

This year’s artists include:

Thad Gerheim – Photography
Nadene Kranz – Oil painting
Karen Lesser – Oil painting
Dan Looney – Various painting medium
Terry MacNichol – Ceramics
Scott Marchant – Photography
Evelyn Phillips – Map Prints
Deanna Schrell – Oil Painting
Andy Sewell – Various painting medium
Anne Watson Sorenson – Watercolor/Giclee