Sawtooth Lake is one of the most popular hiking destinations in central Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. And deservedly so. The highly scenic lake is the largest within the wilderness area, and is located in alpine terrain just below tree line. A well maintained trail leads to the lake, with most folks starting at the Iron Creek Trailhead. The hike is 10 miles round trip, and doable for pretty much anyone who is decent physical condition.

My sons and I do at least one overnight backpacking trip each year. I wanted to do something special this year since my oldest is coming up on his senior year of high school, and who knows what happens after that. Sawtooth Lake is a special place to me, and I’ve been there numerous times. Starting with my Dad carrying me on his back when I was 8 months old, under my own power for the first time when I was 8 years old, carrying my own son when he was 10 months old, and several other visits as well. So in spite of the growing crowds I’d been hearing about, Sawtooth Lake still seemed like a must do.

We got out of town Friday a little later than planned, and didn’t start hiking from Iron Creek until almost 5pm. But we made good time along the trail, only stopping briefly to check out my favorite meadow by the fork to Goat Lake. The boys are carrying full size packs now, but still made great time up the lower switchbacks, to the last crossing of Iron Creek, and up the steeper switchbacks to the Alpine Lake overlook. After a short granola bar break, we finished up the switchbacks and arrived at Sawtooth Lake, having covered 5 miles in just under 2.5 hours of hiking.

I’d decided in advance not to camp at the lake’s outlet stream due to likely crowds, and sure enough there were a dozen or so tents sprinkled about. We discussed either hiking up an over to McGowan Lakes, or head to the south end of the lake to a great campsite I’d hiked past years prior. We decided to go south since even thought it would be almost another mile of hiking, it would be flat and still very scenic. So after a few photos, we hit the trial again.

The views of Mount Regan above Sawtooth Lake were fantastic as we made our way around the lake. I paused a couple times to bask in the beauty, and was feeling pretty sentimental about sharing one of my favorite places with my sons. It took us 25 minutes to hike the length of the lake, and sure enough we found a great campsite in the trees on the north shore of Lake 8489’. (Please, please, please do not camp in the grassy area closer to the lake. The campsite by the trees is great, already worn in, and avoids damaging the alpine terrain lower down.)

After setting up the tent, and having our customary cheese quesadilla supper, we went out exploring. The trail heading south gave us a neat view looking down into the North Fork of Baron Creek. And we also saw a really funky snowmelt pond surrounded by a gravel covered snowfield. My best guess is a landslide had covered the snow earlier in the year, and now it was melting out.

Sleep was fleeting as usual when backpacking, but we were treated to a starry sky and an in your face view of Mount Regan towering above us. We awoke to see the peak lit up by alpenglow the next morning. The pink morning light was very cool, and we checked out the views of Sawtooth Lake and its surrounding ridges. Then breakfast, and then more exploring around the edge the lake. My youngest scrambled up nearby granite blocks and boulders, when my oldest and I watched trout swimming in the crystal clear lake water.

Soon enough it was time to pack up and head out. Sawtooth Lake was beautiful as we hiked back to the outlet stream, followed by more fantastic views as we descended the switchbacks. We passed hordes of people on their way up, and eventually made it back to the busy parking lot by just before noon. Round trip was 12 miles and 1900’ of elevation gain. I was hoping for a memorable trip with my sons, and this one did not disappoint.

Map of the route, 12 miles and 1900' gain round trip.	Iron Creek flowing through my favorite meadow.	View of Alpine Lake during our snack break.	Heading up the switchbacks.	First view of Sawtooth Lake from the outlet stream.
Mount Regan above Sawtooth Lake as we head south.	Funky snowmelt pond.	Taking a look into the North Fork Baron Creek.	Morning alpine glow on Mount Regan from in our tent.	Morning light on Sawtooth Lake.
Mount Regan above our campsite at Lake 8489'.	Sawtooth Lake from the south.	Cliffs at the south end of Sawtooth Lake.	Watching for trout swimming in the lake.	Scrambling on the granite slabs.
Making our way back along Sawtooth Lake.	Mount Regan and Sawtooth Lake.	Final look at Sawtooth Lake.	Heading down.	Alpine Lake from the trail above.
Map of the route, 12 miles and 1900' gain round trip.Iron Creek flowing through my favorite meadow.View of Alpine Lake during our snack break.Heading up the switchbacks.First view of Sawtooth Lake from the outlet stream.Mount Regan above Sawtooth Lake as we head south.Funky snowmelt pond.Taking a look into the North Fork Baron Creek.Morning alpine glow on Mount Regan from in our tent.Morning light on Sawtooth Lake.Mount Regan above our campsite at Lake 8489'.Sawtooth Lake from the south.Cliffs at the south end of Sawtooth Lake.Watching for trout swimming in the lake.Scrambling on the granite slabs.Making our way back along Sawtooth Lake.Mount Regan and Sawtooth Lake.Final look at Sawtooth Lake.Heading down.Alpine Lake from the trail above.