Bench Lakes Trail
![Bench Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-ID-Sawtooth-National-Forest-Bench-Lakes-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
Indulge in the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains along the Bench Lakes Trail. This wonderful day hike features spellbinding mountain views, scenic forests, meadows, and magnificent alpine lakes—not to mention a variety of wildlife!
Route Description for Bench Lakes Trail
Located along the forested ridges above Redfish Lake, the Bench Lakes Trail is quite a popular expedition in the Sawtooth National Forest. Get a workout in as you explore the unspoiled wilderness and revel in spellbinding mountain views along the way. Note there are plenty of rocks and roots obstructing the path, so it is wise to wear a sturdy pair of footwear and mind your footing. If you are seeking a more tranquil experience, we encourage you to head out in the early morning to beat the crowd! Don’t forget your camera; the scenery is quite photogenic.
Embark on your journey to the Bench Lakes from the Fishhook Trailhead. Setting out from here, you will be guided southwestwardly into the woodlands. Shortly after your departure, you will confront an intersection, veer left here, and you will be diverted onto the Redfish Creek-Baron Creek Trail. This pleasant path will cross the footbridge over Redfish Creek. Alternating through lush forests and exposed meadows, you will be offered countless views of the mountainscape. Keep an eye out for elk and deer as you progress into the wilderness, and eventually, you will confront a junction with the Bench Lakes Trail, take a right here.
This short but steep route will switchback up the rocky terrain to the Bench Lakes that mirror the craggy ridges of Mount Heyburn. Take your time exploring the crystalline pools, then head back along the path back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Bench Lakes Trail Trailhead
The Bench Lakes Hike is accessed from the Fishhook Trailhead off Redfish Point Campground Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Dispersed Camping
When to do:
April-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Bench Lakes Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Alpine Lakes Trail to Lake 8609](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-ID-Salmon-Challis-National-Forest-Alpine-Lakes-Trail-to-Lake-8609-1709x633-1.jpg)
Alpine Lakes Trail to Lake 8609
Salmon-Challis National Forest
![Boundary Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Boundary Creek Trail
Sawtooth National Forest
![Lady Face Falls Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lady Face Falls Hike
Sawtooth National Forest
![Redfish Inlet to Cramer Lakes Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Redfish Inlet to Cramer Lakes Hike
Sawtooth National Forest
![Redfish to Bench Lakes Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-ID-Sawtooth-National-Forest-Redfish-to-Bench-Lakes-Hike-1709x633-1.jpg)
Redfish to Bench Lakes Hike
Sawtooth National Forest
![Elk Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Elk Mountain Trail
Salmon-Challis National Forest
![Stanley Lake to Bridal Veil Falls Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/US-ID-Salmon-Challis-National-Forest-Stanley-Lake-to-Bridal-Veil-Falls-Trail-1709x633-1.jpg)
Stanley Lake to Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Salmon-Challis National Forest
![Fishhook Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Fishhook Creek Trail
Sawtooth National Forest
![Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake Hike
Sawtooth National Forest
![Redfish Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Redfish Lake Hike
Sawtooth National Forest
![Elk Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Elk Mountain Trail
Fraser Valley
![Elk Mountain Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Elk Mountain Trail
Glacier National Park