Alpine + Sawtooth Lakes, Iron Creek Drainage

The close proximity to Stanley, relatively short hiking distance, and stunning views along much of the trail makes this one of the most popular destinations in the range. Alpine Lake is nestled into a beautiful glaciated bowl. Hikers cresting the Sawtooth Lake basin 600 feet higher are treated to the awesome view Mount Regan towering over the largest alpine lake in the Sawtooths. This makes a great day hike, overnight, or leg of a longer backpacking loop out of Stanley Lake.

Mountain bikes can be ridden the first mile to the wilderness boundary in order to speed up access to the high peaks. Campfires are prohibited at both lakes, and campsites are sparse along the steep shores of Sawtooth Lake, limited primarily to the north and south shores.

Hiking distances and ascents are as follows:

• Iron Creek Trailhead to Alpine Lake: 3.9 miles, 1,173 feet
• Iron Creek Trailhead to Sawtooth Lake: 4.8 miles, 1,730 feet

Additional Adventures:

The trail at Sawtooth Lake splits and continues over two separate divides. The western trail traverses to a divide with Stanley Lake Creek and drops onto the McGown Lakes. The subtle saddle to the south of Sawtooth Lake drops into the North Fork of Baron Creek.

Wilderness Regulations

Most of the trail lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness. Please observe the following  regulations:
• Mountain bikes are not allowed past the wilderness boundary.
• Self administered wilderness permits are required and available at the trailhead.
• Dogs must be on a leash between July 1 and Labor Day.
• Camp 100-feet from trails, lakes and streams.
• Pack out all garbage.
• Human waste should be buried in a cat hole 6-8 inches deep, buried and well disguised.  Pack out all toilet paper.
• No campfires allowed at Alpine or Sawtooth Lakes.
• Permits required for all stock use in the wilderness.  No grazing allowed in the Salmon River watershed (this included the Alpine Lake drainage).
• No equine stock at Edith Lake.  ALL stock prohibited in the Goat Creek and Alpine Creek (Alturas Lake) drainages.