“The Crown Jewel of Idaho Recreation” Is a Prehistoric Forest That Few People Know Exist

Idaho’s No-So-Secret Paradise

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) sits in central Idaho as part of Sawtooth National Forest. With 756,000 acres of land and only 600,000 yearly visitors, you’ll have much more space to yourself than in Grand Teton National Park, which is less than half the size.

Here’s why you should plan your visit, especially if you’re craving some peace and solitude this year.

Congress established the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in 1972

The 1972 law stopped new mining claims in the area. Local politicians, homesteaders, miners, and outdoor lovers joined forces to protect this land, backed by Idaho’s Congress members.

The Sawtooth Society got $17 million to keep housing developers from splitting up the land. Congress stepped in to stop dense housing that began to harm the area’s beauty. They told the U.S. Forest Service to buy land and development rights to keep it safe.

Now, rules control how buildings must look to keep the valley’s natural feel. Until 1977, they even studied whether to make it a National Park.

Over 40 Mountain Peaks

You’ll find 40 peaks rising above 10,000 feet across the 756,000 acres, including mountains in the Smoky, Pioneers, Soldier, Boulders, and Sawtooth ranges.

Thompson Peak dominates the Sawtooth Wilderness area at 10,751 feet high, named after John Thompson, one of the first ranchers here. He had a 160-acre ranch in the Valley in the late 1800s. His wife Josephine lived to 99 and rests next to him in the Hailey cemetery since 1974.

For the most skilled climbers, Castle Peak offers the biggest test in the SNRA. Found in the White Cloud Mountains, it reaches 11,815 feet.

More than 300 Alpine Lakes

The SNRA contains over 300 high-alpine lakes, many unnamed and accessible only via off-trail routes.

The Bench Lakes Trail lets you access five glacially carved lakes via a choose-your-own-adventure hike. The Toxaway Lake Loop (14.6 miles) passes multiple alpine lakes in the Sawtooth Wilderness. McGown Lakes basin holds seven interconnected lakes in a remote glacial valley, while Lily Pond and Saddleback Lakes offer peaceful fishing spots near Redfish Lake.

While surface glaciers no longer exist, you’ll still find permanent snow fields and rock glaciers, mainly on north or east-facing slopes.

Serves as headwaters for four major Idaho rivers

Four major Idaho rivers start here: the Salmon River (part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System), Payette River (known for world-class whitewater rafting), Boise River (offering 25+ miles of urban trails downstream), and Big Wood River (flowing through Sun Valley’s landscapes).

These waters support native Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout.

Part of Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve covers 1,416 square miles near the SNRA. The Reserve extends from Ketchum/Sun Valley to Stanley, covering Blaine, Custer and Elmore Counties and the SNRA.

Protects three wilderness areas

The Sawtooth Wilderness features 350+ miles of trails, including 42 routes to high basins. The Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness protects 90,769 acres of quartzite peaks.

All wilderness areas ban mechanized transport like drones and bikes. Hunting is permitted with state licenses, as elk and mule deer populations thrive.

Summer group sizes are limited to 12 people/14 stock to minimize human impact.

Features over 700 miles of trails

Forest paths wind through the Sawtooth Mountains, connecting over high passes between 8,000 and 9,500 feet.

The Alice-Toxaway Loop stretches 18 miles past six lakes with mountain views. Families might enjoy the 8-mile Bench Lakes Trail. Fishhook Creek Trail runs 4.6 miles through meadows to old mining spots. The Iron Creek to Sawtooth Lake trail (10 miles round trip) shows off Mount Regan.

Even the Continental Divide Trail passes through, linking Idaho to Montana and Wyoming.

Spectacular White Water Rafting

The Salmon River offers Class III-IV rapids like Split Rock, rushing through North America’s second deepest canyon – deeper than the Grand Canyon by one-fifth of a mile.

The best rafting happens during spring snowmelt from May to July. The Middle Fork adds another 100+ miles of remote rapids.

Guides also lead trips through Hell’s Canyon and the Payette River.

Traces of Ancient History

People have lived in these mountains for thousands of years. The Redfish Creek Rock Shelter holds traces of life from 9,500 years ago, while the Sheepeater Tribe’s rock art still decorates cliffs near Stanley Lake.

More than 1,000 sites across the forest tell stories of native hunting and gathering. Recent excavations near the Sublett Range uncovered 1,500-year-old obsidian arrowheads, adding to this rich history.

In the 1800s, gold fever brought miners to the area, leaving behind ghost towns like Custer and Bonanza that you can still explore today.

Amazing Wildlife Population

The mountains burst with wildlife year-round. You’ll notice the herds of mountain goats roaming all over the place.

In the high forests, rare wolverines and lynx move quietly through the trees, while eagles and falcons patrol the river valleys below. Since their return in the 1990s, wolves have restored balance to the Sawtooth Valley, managing elk populations that once grew too large.

Down at Redfish Lake, endangered salmon still return to spawn in the cold, clear waters.

Perhaps most impressive, the White Clouds shelter the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the United States.

Redfish Lake, the Heart of Sawtooth

Redfish Lake serves as the centerpiece of the recreation area near Stanley.

The historic lodge, built in 1929, welcomes visitors with rustic cabins and boats for rent. In summer, a shuttle boat carries hikers across the crystal-clear waters – so clear you can see 30 feet down into its 387-foot depths.

Five campgrounds circle the lake with 154 sites, fitting everything from tents to RVs. At the ranger station, friendly staff share stories about local wildlife and the lake’s rich ecosystem.

Visiting Sawtooth National Recreation Area in 2025

You’ll need a car to reach most trailheads, which sit about an hour from downtown Ketchum.

The Ketchum Ranger District station provides trail information, safety guidance, and campsite details.

Visit the station year-round Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some activities require fees.