Hike of the Week: Sawtooth Lake

A hiker climbs out of the beautiful Sawtooth Lake valley

Sawtooth Lake

Crown jewel of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains




by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

September 8, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: Sawtooth Mountains, Central Idaho
Land Agency: (US Forest Service) Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.0 miles
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
Access: From Boise travel Idaho 21 towards Stanley. About two miles before Stanley turn right onto FR 619 and proceed three miles to the Iron Creek Trailhead.


Jagged, craggy, and cloud-piercing- Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains are aptly named. This is nose-bleed country, nearly 20 summits top 10,000’. Their lofty slopes remain adorned with snow, even when the broad valleys below sizzle under the hot summer sun. But you can take respite from the oppressive heat by heading to the high-country surrounding Sawtooth Lake. Here you can quench your thirst for natural beauty by diving into one of the most sublime settings in the Northwest.
With over 200 lakes gracing the back-country of the Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth Lake is the largest and grandest. This 173-acre body of water sits at an elevation of 8,430’. Snow and ice-clad 10,190’ Mount Regan stands guard over the azure lake. Winds howl across its barren and rocky shoreline. Clumps of scrawny lodgepole pines tenaciously fight for survival in what little sheltered areas exist.
The hike to Sawtooth Lake isn’t overly-demanding, but the high altitude may have you panting. You’ll have some ledge to ascend, but most of the way is rather mellow. Just follow tumbling and soothing Iron Creek to its glorious source.
If you’re fortunate to arrive at Sawtooth Lake during the calm of early morning or evening, be forewarned. When the lake’s waters are placid, its surface mirrors Regan’s striking image. You’ll catch a glimpse too of your own reflection, mesmerized and hypnotized by the aquatic crown jewel of the Sawtooth Mountains.