Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of these adventures, the hike to Alpine Lake, starts just across the lake at the Redfish Inlet trailhead.

What makes this hike unique is that it starts with a boat shuttle across the 4.5 mile lake. Unless you want to hike the extra miles around the lake (no thanks), the friendly and super knowledgable Redfish guides will shuttle you across for a small fee. The feeling of leaving a busy shoreline on boat heading towards towering mountains and certain adventure makes for an exciting moment.

Once across the lake, pass through the inlet campground and sign a free wilderness permit before beginning the trek. The first three miles of the hike takes you through dazzling meadows (watch for wildlife!) and impressive rock gardens. The trail runs parallel with Redfish Lake Creek and at times it's possible to jet down a beaten path to the water to cool off. Small, crystal clear waterfalls can be found running around large rocks at these spots. You'll notice that the creek has nearly NO rocks at the bottom in certain areas. It's an interesting sight to see water running virtually effortlessly. ADVENTURE TIP: three miles into the hike is Flat Rock. Around this area there are spots where you can slide down the creek on your butt on smooth, worn rock.

At the Flat Rock junction, keep right and start the climb up to Alpine Lake. Only two miles separate you from the lake, but there are also 22 steep switchbacks. Be sure you've got enough water to get you to the top. Once you've gained a little bit of elevation you'll be able to see Redfish Lake back towards the northeast. PRO TIP: The very BEST view of the hike comes about 3/4 of the way up the switchbacks on a rock overlooking the valley in which you just hiked. Braxon Peak and Grand Mogul tower on either side of the creek and a dense blanket of trees covers the bottom half of both mountains.

Alpine Lake rests at 8,345' and the uber clear water makes it easy to see the logs and rocks resting on the bottom. For backpackers, the trail extends the circumference of the lake and there are plenty of sickie spots to camp. As always, please pack out what you pack in and respect any forest rehabilitation efforts in the area.