National Forest · Idaho
Sawtooth National Forest
Jagged peaks and alpine lakes above Stanley
TypeNational Forest
StateIdaho
Best seasonSummer & early fall
Don’t missSawtooth peaks over Redfish Lake
Idaho’s signature range — saw-toothed granite peaks over a basin of cobalt alpine lakes, centered on the tiny town of Stanley. As wild as the Tetons, with a fraction of the crowds.
What to see
- Redfish Lake
- Sawtooth Lake
- Stanley Basin
- Alice Lake
- Salmon River headwaters
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: