Fishhook Creek Trail

Fishhook Creek Trail is in the Sawtooth Wilderness in central Idaho. At a little more than 5 miles, this there-and-back trail has gorgeous views of a creek, woods, hills, and the inspirational Sawtooth Mountains. It is popular in the summer, making it challenging to find a parking spot. Plan your trip well and try to go early in the morning or weekday. The hike is worth the trouble, especially if you can go when the clouds are rolling in.

WARNING: This area experienced a terrible wildfire caused by a lightning strike in August 2024. The area may have restrictions or may not allow hiking at this time. Be sure to check with sources before planning your trip. Redfish Lake Visitor Center: 1-208-774-3376

Challenges

• The biggest challenge of this hike is parking. The main lot is often full and has people waiting for spots to open. If you enter, you may not be able to get back out again for a little bit. There are other parking areas, but most are timed with a 2-hour limit. (Depending on where you end up parking, there may be a day-use fee.)

  • Main Parking: 44.147499, -114.919254

  • Additional Options

    • 44.144801, -114.918776

    • 44.147592, -114.920724

    • 44.144755, -114.912505

• While the elevation gain is minimal and the trail is well traveled, there are tripping hazards, and the trail can be narrow in parts.

• The trail is usually pretty busy. Be prepared to share the trail. If you are going slower than others, step aside as soon as possible to let others pass. Be patient. Please observe good trail etiquette.

Equipment

• Sunscreen

• Bug Repellant

• Water

• Snack

• Good hiking shoes or boots

The Approach

From Stanley, take Highway 75 south for 4.3 miles. Turn right onto Redfish Lake Rd and follow it for 1.2 miles. You will reach a traffic circle. Take the 1st exit and stay on Redfish Lake Rd for half a mile. The main parking lot will be on your right (44.147499, -114.919254).

The Trail

From the main parking lot, the primary Trail 186 leads north out of the parking area. A secondary trail leads out of the east end of the parking area and takes you along the creek before intersecting with Trail 186 after a few hundred yards. The secondary trail is far more picturesque. We stumbled on it on the way back and had to linger to take in the terraced creek tumbling through the cool shade of the wooded canopy above.

The trail is a gradual incline the entire way. Some sections are a little more vertical, but nothing long enough to start making you question your stamina or sanity. It is usually crowded and narrow, so be mindful of others on the trail in front and behind you.

Along the trail, we saw a variety of plants, wildflowers, and chipmunks. The chipmunks were always ready to let you know they didn’t like interlopers. Please do not attempt to feed the wildlife. The trail is mainly shaded except around noon. Because of the vegetation, a cooling breeze is rare.

The Wetland Creek

You’ve reached the end of Fishhook Creek Trail when you come to the clearing where the creek flows through a wetland area. The view opens up here over the wetland to reveal the Sawtooth Mountains rising above the treeline in the distance. The trail appears to go on but doesn’t go beyond the wetland. From this endpoint, you can get fantastic pictures of the mountains, especially if no wind is disturbing the water's surface. The mountains will reflect on the water's glassy surface, creating a beautiful image.

This is a great spot to hang out and rest. Drink water, eat a snack or lunch, and explore a little. To the east is a yurt, but it is only available in the winter for a tidy sum. After taking in the views, it will be time to head back out the way you came.

The Return Trip

The hike out is mostly downhill, and you will feel like you are cruising. Take your time when you see something interesting, like chipmunk foraging, butterflies flitting about, or maybe some chunky bumblebees going from flower to flower. Absorb the beauty of the natural world around you and let it work upon your soul. If a cool breeze kicks up, stop and take a deep breath as the cool air encircles you. Pause to examine the chaos of the environment around you, then find gratitude for its beauty.

Don’t be late to get your car if you have to park in a 2-hour-limit space. If you’re feeling peckish, I recommend the Mountain Village restaurant for a burger. If you're more in the mood for a warm dip in a hot spring, you can quickly drive to Valley Creek Hot Spring (Parking: 44.221895, -114.932018; Spring: 44.221887, -114.931188). The water is lukewarm and somewhat shallow, and a film covers pretty much everything on the bottom.

Summary

Fishhook Creek Trail is a beautiful hike. If you can manage it on a weekday and/or first thing in the morning, you can avoid most crowds. The scenery changes from a dry meadow to a forest to a wetland with incredible speed. The hike will pass quickly if you just rush through it, so take your time and enjoy the moments.