Alpine Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located high in the Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is approximately 6.3 mi (10.1 km) southwest of Stanley. A trail from the Iron Creek trailhead and campground leads approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) to Sawtooth Lake. The Iron Creek trailhead can be accessed from State Highway 21 via Sawtooth National Forest road 619. There is another lake with the name Alpine Lake in the central part of the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Generally overlooked because of its close proximity to Sawtooth Lake, Alpine Lake still deserves its own trip.
While admittedly not one of my most visited locations, Alpine Lake is a fine day trip destination. Firstly there are many lakes named “Alpine” in Idaho, most notably is the other one in the Sawtooths in-between Redfish and Baron Lakes. This Alpine lake is out of Iron Creek Trailhead just short of Sawtooth Lake. Unless you go in the off season, buckle up for trail traffic because this is one of the most hiked trails in the area.
The ascent is initially gradual, through textbook Idaho pine trees and creek crossings. The panoramic view is of some of the best jagged mountain peaks these granite mountains have to offer. Towards the end of the hike is the majority of the elevation gain, with switchbacks cutting through the hillside. Alpine lake is a bit off the main trail to Sawtooth Lake but absolutely gorgeous and worth a quick swim.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” ~John Muir