MY BUCKET LIST
I haven’t visited this location yet. It’s on my bucket list, and I wanted to share a little information in case you get a chance to explore it before I do.
Fishhook Creek Trail follows the forest and creek to an open meadow with ponds and views of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. Starting near Redfish Lake, it’s a relatively gentle out-and-back hike just south of Stanley.
View from Fishhook Creek Meadow, with Horstmann Peak on the left. Photo: Miguel Vieira. Photo source · CC BY 2.0. Thumbnails may be cropped to fit.
This photo was taken in 2011 and may not reflect current conditions. I recommend looking through recent AllTrails photos before your visit.
Why it’s on my list
I came across this hike while looking through AllTrails in Idaho a while back. I still haven’t had a chance to make it out to this area, but this particular trail looks incredible.
The creek, the meadow, and those unbelievable mountain views look absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely one I’d love to explore, and I can’t wait to make it out here at some point.
If you’ve been here or make it out before I do, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and tell me about your visit!
At a glance
- Location: Redfish Lake, near Stanley
- Difficulty: Easy (AllTrails)
- Hike Length: Approx. 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 262 ft.
- Hike Type: Out and back
View the trail and photos on AllTrails
Getting there: Start at Redfish Trailhead near Redfish Lake, south of Stanley, and use the designated parking area. Follow the Fishhook Creek route toward the meadow. This is the longer creek-and-meadow hike, separate from the short Fishhook Creek Nature Trail near the visitor center.
AllTrails lists May through October as the usual season. Snow and road conditions can change the outing outside that window. Distances vary a little by source and turnaround point; the facts here follow the linked AllTrails route. Check Sawtooth Wilderness rules and permit requirements if you continue beyond the maintained trail.
Details checked November 2, 2026. Trail measurements follow the linked AllTrails route. Sources: AllTrails, Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association, Visit Idaho. Conditions and access can change.