You don’t have to go far from Redfish Lake Lodge to find some of the best hiking trails in Central Idaho. Honestly, you don’t even have to leave our property. Whether you’re in the mood for an easy stroll along the shore of our alpine lake or you’re ready to test your legs on something steeper, there’s a whole network of mountain trails running right out our back door.

One of our absolute favorites is the hike out to the Bench Lakes — a string of five little alpine lakes that lead you right up to the base of Mount Heyburn. The views out there are the kind that stop you mid-step. If you want more ideas for adventures in our corner of the Sawtooths, request access to our free Vacation Guide. For now, though — let’s get those boots laced up and hit the trail.

Your Guide to Hiking the Bench Lakes

Route 1: Redfish Trailhead

This is the classic way in, and it starts right at the Redfish Trailhead near the lodge. It’s roughly 8 miles round trip, so plan for a good chunk of your day — but every mile earns its keep.

Not far in, you’ll hit your first fork. Bear left and cross a small creek bridge, which puts you on a ridge overlooking the western shore of Redfish Lake. Take your time here. This stretch is made for photos, with the lake spread out below and the mountains rising up all around you — it’s worth pausing for a minute just to take it in.

From there, keep following the trail until you reach a second fork. This time, go right. Stick with that path for about a mile, and you’ll arrive at the first of the five Bench Lakes, with four more waiting just beyond it.

Route 2: Redfish Lake Creek Trail

Want to skip some of the legwork and start your hike from across the water? Hop on our hiker boat shuttle and let it carry you across the lake — it’s the easiest way to begin this route.

Once you’re dropped off, take a right onto the trail at the base of the mountain and start climbing toward the ridge. From there, the path connects with the Bench Lake Trail near the first lake. After that, it’s up to you — go as far into the chain of lakes as your legs and your daylight allow.

However you get there, the Bench Lakes are one of those hikes that reminds you why people fall in love with the Sawtooths. See you on the trail!

Bench Lakes

The Bench Lakes offer a fantastic place to stop and admire the Sawtooth Mountain wilderness. Pack some snacks and enjoy sitting on the shore of the first lake. You can easily hike to the second lake, but we suggest that only experienced climbers should trek beyond the first two. If you do have experience hiking and climbing, you should be able to make it to the last of the Bench Lakes without having too much difficulty. There is no marked trail here, and the terrain is relatively rugged, so hike with caution if you think you are up to the task. You can climb beyond this point, but we strongly recommend that you use a local guide for safety reasons.

Mount Heyburn

Mount Heyburn is the crown jewel if you choose to continue beyond the Bench Lakes. This challenging trip features plenty of technical climbing with rough terrain, loose rocks, and steep inclines. If you want to revel in the one-of-a-kind views on Stur Chimney, consider booking a trip with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. They offer one and two-day treks out of Stanley.

Book Your Sawtooth Adventure

Your ultimate Sawtooth adventure starts at Redfish Lake Lodge. Our collection of lodging options provide you with an authentic and comfortable stay on the shores of our beautiful mountain lake. You’ll discover an array of activities, restaurants, and amenities on our grounds, so you don’t have to leave our property for anything! Of course, we recommend that you venture out into our scenic wilderness and explore the Salmon River, Sawtooth Mountains, and many other incredible places in our area. Check out our specials for more ways to experience Redfish Lake Lodge!

Start planning your trip to our mountain oasis by booking one of our accommodations today! You can also take a look at the availability at our three other properties down the road in Stanley. We look forward to welcoming you to the Redfish family.