Hiking

a few of our favorite trails
upper-palisades
Palisades Creek Trail

Near Swan Valley, Idaho, this hike follows Palisades Creek for several miles, leading hikers through scenic forests and canyons to the beautiful Lower & Upper Palisades Lakes. The distance to the lower lake sits at about 4.2 miles one way. This hike only gains about 900 ft in elevation and the terrain is moderately easy. If you’re looking to go the extra 2.3 miles to Upper Palisades lake, you certainly won’t regret it, but look forward to ascending around 1,730 ft in total. The trail is open for hiking from late spring through fall, and is a popular destination for locals and travelers alike.

Big-Elk-Creek
Big Elk Creek

Big Elk Creek is a tributary of the South Fork of the Snake River. This trail is known for its Kokanee salmon spawn in the fall and plentiful native Cutthroat trout year round. At around 10.5 miles round trip, this is definitely a hike you’ll want to start early. If you catch the timing right in the season, there are an abundance of wildflower meadows, grasshoppers and butterflies along the trail that weaves in and out of view of the creek itself. There are also several areas to camp and fish in the area, but be sure to check local rules and regulations regarding these activities, as well as weather conditions and trail closures. 

Ashton-Tetonia
Ashton-Tetonia Trail

If you’re looking for a variety of scenery without the physical demands of a traditional mountain hike, look no further than the Ashton-Tetonia Trail. This is a multi-use trail located in eastern Idaho, running between the towns of Ashton and Tetonia. The trail is approximately 30 miles long and is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other non-motorized activities. The trail follows the former railbed of the Yellowstone Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and farmland. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the Teton Mountains, the Big Hole Range, and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. 

The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a popular destination for families and individuals of all skill levels. In addition to its scenic beauty, the Ashton-Tetonia Trail also offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, and various bird species.

packsaddle-lake
Pack Saddle Lake

Sitting at around 7,750 ft. of elevation, Pack Saddle lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests. Upon approaching the lake, a view of the Teton range can be seen to the east. There are a few different hiking trails in the area providing access to the lake, but the specific trail linked below refers to the 5-mile round trip hike.

The area around Pack Saddle Lake is also a popular fishing and camping destination. Visitors with a valid Idaho fishing license can cast for stocked cutthroat, and there are several campgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy the stunning alpine lake scenery.

iron-creek
Iron Creek to Sawtooth Lake

Iron Creek Trail is a destination hiking trail just outside of Stanley, ID in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The trail is known for its incredible scenery of towering, rugged mountain peaks, lush forest, and picturesque alpine lakes including the endpoint of Sawtooth Lake.

You’ll gain around 1,725 ft of elevation during the hike so pack accordingly with plenty of water and calories. Sawtooth Lake also has plenty of campsites for overnight trips or picnics that can be scouted easily off the northeastern plateau of the lake. Keep in mind that the route gets busy during peak season, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, plan to hit the trail early.

redfish-lake-creek-falls
Lily Pond & Redfish Creek Falls

If you’re looking to diversify your day trip with something more than just hiking, the hike to Lily Pond & Redfish Creek Falls is definitely worth considering. The starting location of this 1.7 mile round-trip hike is set in gorgeous Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth Recreation Area. Once at Redfish Lodge, you can take a ferry across the lake to Redfish Inlet Campground–the start of the trailhead. 

Be prepared for some relatively steep sections on your way to Lily Pond, where a sheer mountain face will greet you upon arrival at the pond. Hiking a bit further past, you’ll find Redfish Lake Creek Falls, a long, cascading waterfall that eventually leads into the story-book pond below. This day-trip adventure is the perfect combination of scenic drives, lake views, mountains, and waterfalls all in a short day’s trip.

bench-lake2
Bench Lake Trail

Another option located in the Redfish area is the hike to Bench Lake. Bench Lake is an alpine lake nestled above Redfish, and the trail follows parallel to the shore edge of Redfish Lake. Once you arrive at Bench Lake, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Sawtooths peeking above the tree line, alongside panoramic views of Redfish Lake below. 

This alpine lake is actually the first in a series of 5 lakes, but visitors without extensive climbing/hiking experience should heed caution before continuing past the 2nd lake. This 8.2-mile round-trip trek is a great option if you’re looking for a longer hike while visiting the Stanley area. As always, be sure to look into specifics regarding trail directions, and note which forks to take to get to your final destination. 

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