Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake | ||
---|---|---|
Primary inflows Redfish Lake Creek | | |
Primary outflows | Redfish Lake Creek to Salmon River | |
Basin countries | United States | |
Max. length | 4.5 mi (7.2 km) | |
Max. width | .72 mi (1.16 km) | |
Max. depth | 387 ft (118 m) | |
Shore length1 | 11 mi (18 km) | |
Surface elevation | 6,547 ft (1,996 m) | |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Redfish Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, just south of Stanley. It is the largest lake within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
The
Toponym
The lake is named for the brilliant
Geography
The surface elevation of Redfish Lake is 6,547 feet (1,996 m) above sea level. The lake is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long and 0.72 miles (1.2 km) wide, with a maximum depth of 387 feet (118 m), and 11 miles (18 km) of shoreline. The actual trail around the lake is 17.5 miles (28 km) in length.
The average temperature of the lake ranges from freezing (32 °F (0 °C)) to a high of around 62 °F (17 °C) in late July & early August. The lake freezes over in winter, with ice thickness of 30–36 inches (75–90 cm).
The peaks which frame the lake at its south end are
- Mount Heyburn at 10,229 ft (3,118 m) to the west
- Grand Mogul at 9,733 feet (2,967 m).
Access and amenities
Redfish Lake is approximately five miles (8 km) south of Stanley. A paved access road from State Highway 75 delivers visitors to a recreation area at the north shore of the lake. Facilities include campgrounds, cabins, picnic sites, toilets, drinking water, swimming beaches, a boat launch, and a horse corral. Trailheads grant access to a number of trails for hiking,[3] backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, both around the lake and into the mountains (permits may be required). A visitors center runs interpretive programs.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Redfish Lake". Sawtooth National Forest. United States Forest Service. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
- ^ "About Redfish". Redfish Lake Lodge. Retrieved August 9, 2021.
- ^ Perkowski, Mateusz (October 5, 2023). "Ranch challenges public trail across its property". Capital Press. Retrieved October 7, 2023.