Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

Absolutely incredible trail, very well maintained and just breathtakingly beautiful in every direction. We spent two days up at Alpine lake June 13th and 14th, the weather was great and trail was clear until you reach the lake where there’s still a lot of snow, but is still very accessible.

Camped at the Redfish Inlet campground and day hiked this route up to Alpine Lake. From the main trailhead the markers state it's 5.7 miles up to the lake, which would make this a round trip of 11.4 miles. Gorgeous views and not too difficult until the final ascent.

Phenomenal day hike. Excellent views, scenery, well-kept dirt trail and not heavily trafficked. At one point about midway up, you are on a ridge with a drop off to Redfish Lake and a huge view of the mountains in the distance on your left and the Sawtooth's snow capped peaks looming up on your right. Plan for some time to hang out and enjoy alpine lake at the top. We did not, and didn't have much time before we had to scurry back down before it got dark. There was still plenty of snow and ice near the lake when we hiked this in early June.

This hike has it all... forests, lakes, river, waterfalls, hillside of flowers blooming in very late July, sawtooth formation mountains on both sides of trail, snow views and a steady, nice gradual climb. We did not see many people. Do note, you should take a boat from the Redfish Lodge to get to the start of the trail head. We just showed up and got on a boat right away. Also got lucky that the boat arrived early on our return (4:15pm) and took us back on the spot (as opposed to waiting for 5pm). This was an all out beautiful day hike from start to finish. Bring plenty of water. We tracked it at 11.4 miles roundtrip (we did walk a bit around Alpine Lake to find a quiet spot for lunch and to soak our feet). When you get to the last of the switchbacks, look to your left to see a rock ledge; great view looking back at the valley toward Redfish Lake.

Beautiful. Busy