Fishhook Creek Trail

Route Description for Fishhook Creek Trail

Sweeping mountain views await you along the Fishhook Creek Trail. This scenic adventure progresses through various terrains, exhibiting a diversity of flora and fauna, including deer, bears, and elk, throughout mixed pine woodlands interspersed with aspens and expansive meadows adorned with an array of wildflowers. If you encounter wildlife, be sure to maintain a safe distance and admire them from afar. Note that the path is often obstructed by felled trees from the windy conditions and beetle kill, so you may have to do some creative maneuvering. Located near Redfish Lake, this route sees plenty of traffic, so come prepared to share the trail. Those seeking a more tranquil experience are encouraged to head out in the early morning.

The manageable terrain and incredible scenery on the Fishhook Creek Trail make for a wonderful family-friendly adventure. Get outside into the fresh mountain air and reconnect with nature as you explore the Sawtooth Wilderness. Offering panoramic views of the famed Sawtooth Mountains from the Fishhook Creek Meadow, you’ll want to bring your camera along on this journey. While this pleasant path is accessible to hikers of all skill levels and ages, those seeking a more demanding effort can continue further into the wilderness by veering off the Fishhook Creek Trail and onto Alpine Way Trail. This undemanding adventure yields unrivaled views of the Rocky Mountains, and it is hands-down one of our top 10 hikes in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Your journey along the Fishhook Creek Trail begins from the trailhead off Redfish Lake Road. Setting out from here, the Fishhook Creek Trail tracks westwardly, climbing through communities of sagebrush and aspens along Fishhook Creek. Shortly after your departure, you will reach an intersection; keep right here along the meandering creek as the south trail travels along the forested ridges above Redfish Lake. Continue traveling west, and you will again encounter a junction, turn left, or if you are looking for a more strenuous adventure, merge onto the Alpine Way Trail. Keeping left, the Fishhook Creek Trail’s incline will mellow.

Now meandering southwestward, this scenic path will alternate between the shaded canopy of lodgepole pines interspersed with aspens and tree-lined meadows. After some hiking, the path will diverge from the creekside briefly before opening to the vast meadow at the “Beaver Ponds.” Here you will be granted awe-inspiring views of the jagged Sawtooth Mountains commanding the skyline. Notice Thompson Peak in the west, Horstmann Peak in the southwest, and Mount Heyburn in the south in front of the Grand Mogul. Revel in the dramatic mountainscape and the lush meadow in the foreground. When you are through admiring the gorgeous alpine setting, head back along the path you came, all the way back to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Horstmann Peak

Horstmann Peak is a prominent summit in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountain Range. This towering mountain sits at an elevation of 3,193 m to the south of Thompson Peak and the north of Braxon Peak. This stunning summit is visible from the Fishhook Creek Trail, offering breathtaking vistas.

Insider Hints for Fishhook Creek Trail

• Don’t forget to pick up a self-issued permit from the trailhead
• Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep the whole family fueled and motivated!
• We encourage bringing insect repellent when hiking in the summer
• Bring your camera, the scenery is postcard-perfect
• Be mindful of your footing on the rocks and roots that obstruct the path.
• Explore in the morning for a more secluded experience