Hiking to Sawtooth Lake in Idaho

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Know before you go!

ACCESS: The Iron Creek Trailhead is very popular. Be ready with a back-up plan if you cannot find a parking spot. Please do not park in the sagebrush or trees on the side of the road, it destroys delicate alpine habitat.
STAY ON THE TRAIL: Please don’t cut switchbacks! It causes erosion, destroys vegetation, and ruins the trail. This trail has many switchbacks, please use them!
PACK IT IN; PACK IT OUT: Most of our trailheads do not have trash facilities. Please be prepared to pack out all of your trash from the trail and trailhead.
CAMPFIRES: Fires are NEVER allowed at Sawtooth Lake because of its high use and limited fuel sources. If you see a rock fire ring on the ground it is illegal, please don’t use it.
WAG BAGS: Due to the high use and lack of natural soil, packing out human waste is strongly recommended here. Help protect our water quality and fragile alpine ecosystems by using wag bags. There is a restroom at Iron Creek Trailhead.
BEARS: Store your food in a bear hang or bear proof container. A fed bear IS a dead bear. Help keep our wildlife wild.
WILDERNESS: This trail enters wilderness. You need a free wilderness permit which can be picked up at the trailhead. Make sure you are aware of all the wilderness regulations.

Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek Basics

Sawtooth Lake is located within the 217,00 acre Sawtooth Wilderness. We hiked it roundtrip in about 4-5 hours, which included several breaks to take in the gorgeous views. The trail is well-marked & fairly popular, so brush up on your trail etiquette and be prepared to share it with other hikers and backpackers. Dogs are allowed on the trail. July 1 through Labor Day they are required to be on a leash, but outside of those dates, they can be off-leash.
Iron Creek and Sawtooth Lake can be great for trout fishing, but you’ll need to pick up a fishing license before heading out if interested.

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