The History of Redfish Lake Historical Photo of Redfish Lake Lodge Dock

While outdoor adventure and activities are king here at Redfish Lake, there is plenty of history around every corner at our beautiful lakeside oasis.  Since the late 1800s, visitors flock to our area for leisure. In 1929, Robert Limbert created the Redfish Lake Lodge on 16 acres of U.S. Forest Service permitted land on the north shore of this five-mile-long glacial lake in the lap of the Sawtooth Mountains. The Lodge continues to cater to visitors as they come to enjoy the “jewel of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.”  

It started with only a gas station, canvas tent cabins, a dining room, kitchen, small dock, and three cabinsThe Rustic Cabins we offer our guests today (updated in 2006) were built in the early 30s. Since then, generations leading up to today helped shape Redfish Lake into the haven of family fun we know and love today. While we may not be pioneers, we continue the tradition of enjoying the gorgeous nature around our historic lakeside lodge.

“When there is something in your nature
that makes you sit and dream,
of the wind and the pine trees
and the murmuring of the stream;
When that something keeps a’ calling
till you feel you want to go,
Start your journey, travel westward,
to the land called “Idaho”

-Robert Limbert

 

 

Redfish Lake Today 

Accommodations 

Other than a couple of additions, the Lodge remains much the same as it was back in 1929. In the main Lodge, you will find the front desk, Limbert’s, and rustic lounge all on the first level. The second level has eight motel rooms for guests and some housing for our key employees. You will find 21 historic and modern cabins and 11 motel/suitestyle units around the property grounds. 

Activities and Entertainmentspecial_1 

The marina offers motorized and non-motorized rentals, lake tours, fuel, and a shuttle service to the popular trailheads at the far end of the lake. 

On the northern end of the property, you will find our coinoperated Public Showers and Laundromat.  The Redfish Corrals offers 1.5-hourhalf-day, full-day, and multi-day guided horseback rides. 

Redfish Lake Lodge is 60 miles north of Sun Valley and six miles south of Stanley, just off Highway 75. It is in a unique setting with access to excellent hiking trails, lakes, and mountain peaks. The area is also enjoyed by those who wish to run the rivers, photograph, or learn of the charming history. 

Food and Shopping 

Limbert’s at Redfish is the perfect place to enjoy traditional favorites in our log cabin-style dining room. Wake up to a hearty breakfast with a mix of authentic Northwestern flavors. The Lakeside Grill compliments the full-service dining room by offering lunch and dinner seven days a week from mid-June to Labor Day–weather permitting. The General Store is next to the lodge and also offers groceries, souvenirs, camping and fishing supplies, and many unique gifts. 

On the northern end of the property, you will find our coin-operated Public Showers and Laundromat.  The Redfish Corrals highlight the area and offer 1 1/2 hour, 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day guided rides on horseback.

Redfish Lake Lodge is located 60 miles north of Sun Valley and 6 miles south of Stanley just off of Highway 75. The Lodge is in a unique setting with excellent access to hiking trails, lakes, and mountain peaks. Especially suited for hiking, climbing, and fishing, the area is also enjoyed by those who wish to run the rivers, photograph, or learn of the charming history.

Redfish ownersOwners

Arlen and Derrel Crouch, natives of Jerome, Idaho, own the Redfish Lake Lodge. Mr. Crouch visited the area as a boy and fell in love with the natural beauty of our mountain oasis. The Crouch family operates the Lodge and feels a great sense of stewardship in preserving the historical and natural wonders of the area. They continue their commitment to improving the resort and making it an even better place for the many guests who visit each year. 

Jeff and Audra Clegg, son-in-law and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Crouch, manage the day-to-day operations of Redfish Lake Lodge.