Sawtooth Lake and Alpine Peak

5 stars for the hike to Sawtooth Lake, 1 star for the scramble to Alpine Peak. It's not just "off-trail," it's a rock slide waiting to happen. With each step we felt we were damaging the slope as we dislodged multiple rocks. We followed the suggested route up but could not find a way across the ridge to the endpoint. Suggest if you attempt this, veer more to the left to hit the peak directly. Do not attempt if you have fear of heights, falling, rock slides, etc.

Moderate until the chase for the peak! Beautiful views on top. Sawtooth is wonderful.

I hiked this on a Wednesday at 7:30am and I only saw one backpacker hiking out as i hiked to the lake. It wasn't as crowded as others said, i saw maybe a total of 15 people. This is really for just sawtooth lake and not alpine peak. I didnt feel comfort hiking up the mountain when there wasn't a clear trail and I was worried about coming down. Instead, I walked to the far end of the lake and stayed there for a while. I soaked my feet and the water was colddddd. I clocked in 12.5 miles probably because I went to the far end the sawtooth lake and took a detour to alpine lake as well. The smoke from wildfires didn't obstruct my views and it may be because I started early. this is easily one of my favorite hikes.

Beautiful. Hike is rated hard but would more accurately rate as moderate. First two miles relatively flat walk through the woods, next three miles switchback up mountain and the views are stellar. Winds were strong at the lake. Was glad to have a warm jacket to start and finish the hike. Found parking for a small 24’ RV at trailhead at 7am but parking lot filled up fast. 3 mile bumpy, wash board dirt road drive into trailhead parking spot.

Start at the Iron Creek trailhead for this hike. I did not encounter the dead elk as of 8/11/20.

13.5 miles 3300 elevation gain but well worth it! After Sawtooth Lake the scree field up to the ridge is pretty hard. The view is well worth the difficulty! Do it!

The peak is a tough steep scramble but well worth it, no real exposure though. Stunning 360 views across the range. Do it for sure!

Only went to the lake because we got a late start (3pm). Hike up too sawtooth lake is incredible. Trail is generally pretty easy (my 5 year old had no problems). Lake is amazing! We took a tube and floated out in the blue water.

We got stuck in a huge storm that blew through so there were a lot of rocks and sections washed out. Unfortunately there is a dead Elk at Sawtooth Lake that smells terrible and limits camping spots right by the water. Besides the elk and storm the lake was beautiful.

A generous amount of people on the trail (hiked Friday night and stayed at alpine overnight, finished the remainder Saturday morning). Stunning hike, definitely my favorite overnight backpacks in the country. There was a dead elk in sawtooth lake off of the shore (per rangers it got stuck by lighting). Don’t be alarmed!

Awesome hike! Plenty of places for the pups to drink along the way as well. Highly recommend taking a right when you get to Sawtooth Lake and follow the ridge line trail to get some awesome views. Got on the trail early (7:30) and it was pretty empty. Saw many more hikers on the decent around 2pm. Did lots of venturing around (and lost my phone at one point) so the recording is a bit off.