The Fishhook Creek Trailhead is part of the larger Redfish Lake/Redfish Lodge complex. There are several campgrounds nearby with hundreds of sites that are booked to capacity for the much of the summer. Additional adventures that begin in and around Redfish Lake include Bench Lakes, Redfish Inlet hikes, Redfish Lake Loop.

Fishhook Creek

Fishhook Creek drains a large chunk of alpine terrain including Baron Peak, Stephens Lakes, Monolith Valley, and the south side of Thompson Peak. Trails do not penetrate this high country, but the lower Fishhook Canyon offers some outstanding views into these remote headwaters. This easy trail is a great walk, run, or bike ride for parents who need a quick getaway from screaming kids and the Coney Island-like feel of the Redfish beach and camp scene. On the other hand, it is an easy hike for children with plenty of good “destinations” to keep the motivation level high. In the winter, the Fishhook Yurt is a popular destination for backcountry skiers.

Additional Adventures

The Alpine Way Trail leaves the Fishhook drainage 0.7 miles into the hike. This is also the route to Marshall Lakes.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are allowed to the Wilderness boundary 2.1 miles upstream

Wilderness Regulations

Portions 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 and well disguised in a cat hole that is 6 to 8 inches deep. Pack out all toilet paper.
• Campfires allowed ONLY in a backcountry pan or fire blanket.
• Campfires are NOT allowed at some lakes and in some drainages in the Sawtooths. Please review the campfire restrictions at individual trailheads.
• Permits required for all stock use in the wilderness. No grazing allowed in the Salmon River watershed (this includes the Alpine Lake drainage).
• No equine stock at Edith Lake. ALL stock prohibited in the Goat Creek and Alpine Creek (Alturas Lake) drainages.

Reference: All content excerpted from Exploring the Sawtooths - A Comprehensive Guide by Idaho River Publications.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring

Summer

Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easy and short hike. Mountain bike accessible. Great reflecting ponds. Stunning views.

Cons

Crowded. Mosquitos. Beetle-killed forest.

Trailhead Elevation

6,560.00 ft (1,999.49 m)

Features

Big vistas

Wildflowers

Suitable for

Biking

Horseback

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Glacier View Campground, Redfish Lake

Sun Valley + Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

Kat Dierickx

Point Campground

Redfish Lake

Kat Dierickx

Redfish Lake Outlet Campground

Redfish Lake

Kat Dierickx

Comments

Kimberly Smith

07/04/2017

Did this hike on 4th of July with my family. It is an easy hike, with a well maintained path, and minimal elevation change. There was some shade, but it was choppy, so sun screen is a must. It is a long walk though. Our 9 year old only made it about 1.75 miles out before we had to turn around. Its a long walk for little feet. There were others on the trail, but it didn't feel crowded at all. We will definitely do it again, and this time, hopefully make it the whole way!

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Fishhook Creek

Sawtooth Wilderness

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Fishhook Creek

Additional Adventures

Mountain Biking

Wilderness Regulations