Redfish Cabin

$65.00/night

442 Ranger Station Rd
Stanley, ID 83278

Overview

A stay at the historic Redfish Cabin is like having your own private Idaho! Nestled in the trees above the northern shore of Redfish Lake at an elevation of 6,570 feet, the historic (Civilian Conservation Corps 1930's era) cabin offers a perfect getaway for a small family or group of friends. The cabin is warm and cozy, the views are breathtaking, recreation opportunities abound and starry nights provide a gateway to heaven. And you can share it all with your canine family member.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area was established in 1972 for its natural, scenic, historic, pastoral, and fish and wildlife values. Redfish Lake is by far the most popular location in the area; however, a fall or winter visit provides a totally different experience than the "Coney Island" atmosphere of summer. Available only in the fall and winter, this is a special time of year where few visitors come to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks.

Recreation

The cabin provides easy access to a variety of recreation opportunities. In the fall, trailheads to Bench Lakes, Redfish Creek, Fishhook Creek, and Marshall Lake, all within half a mile of the cabin, offer access to fabulous hiking or horseback riding. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on un-groomed trails near the lake offer excellent opportunities for winter recreation. Quick access to the groomed Stanley to Smiley Creek snowmobile route affords motorized recreation opportunities. Whether its photography, bird watching, climbing a mountain or sitting by the fire with a book, there's an activity for all.

Facilities

Redfish cabin can accommodate three people on a log bunk bed/futon (single mattress above, double mattress below). More people can sleep on the floor in sleeping bags (bring your own bags and pads) for a maximum of six persons.

Winter access (after November 30) is a 2.25 mile snowmobile, snowshoe or ski along the gently climbing Forest Road 214.

The cabin is equipped with electric lights. The heat source is a gas fireplace in the living room and electric wall heaters. The kitchen features an electric stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, pots and pans, dishes and utensils. There is no running water. There is an outhouse 50 feet from the cabin. There are picnic tables and a fire ring at the cabin although these might be buried under the snow in the winter.

The front porch offers stunning views of the Sawtooth Wilderness and Redfish Lake.

Natural Features

Named for the brilliant sockeye salmon that return each year after a 900 mile journey from the sea, Redfish Lake is the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. These fish were in such numbers that it's said the lake would shimmer red. Now endangered, most of the sockeye returning to the lake are bred in the nearby Sawtooth Fish Hatchery.

The 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness provides the backdrop for this dramatic setting, including the peaks which frame the lake at its south end: Mount Heyburn at 10,229' (3,118 m) and Grand Mogul at 9,733' (2967 m). Known for clear air, clean water and classic alpine beauty, this wilderness is home to a diversity of wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, elk and deer, gray wolf, mountain goat, and the elusive wolverine.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby small town of Stanley (5 miles north) provides a rural western atmosphere with limited amenities including lodging, dining, fuel and groceries in winter. Popular activities in the Sawtooth Valley this time of year include hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hot springing along the Salmon River.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 3 people

Directions

Renters should check winter road reports online at 511.idaho.gov or by calling 511 or 1-888-432-7623 prior to travel. October 15, November 30: From Stanley: Intersection of Hwy 21 and Hwy 75, drive south on Hwy 75 4.25 miles to Redfish Lake Road (FS Road 214). The turn is near mile marker 185, approximately 5 miles south of Stanley. From Ketchum/Sun Valley: Drive north 55 miles on Hwy 75 to Redfish Lake Road. Hint: The turn is near mile marker 185. If you reach Stanley, you've gone about 5 miles too far north. From Hwy 75 and Redfish Lake Road (FS Road 214), drive 2 miles (southwest) along FS Road 214 to Redfish Visitor Center, park at Visitor Center, walk around Visitor Center to Redfish Amphitheater. Redfish Cabin is 30 yards south of amphitheater. December 1 - April 15: From Stanley: Intersection of Hwy 21 and Hwy 75, drive south on Hwy 75 4.25 miles, parking area is on the left (east side of Hwy) just before Redfish Lake Road near mile marker 185, approximately 5 miles south of Stanley. From Ketchum/Sun Valley: Drive north 55 miles on Hwy 75, parking area is on right (east side of Hwy) just after Redfish Lake Road near mile marker 185. If you reach Stanley, you've gone about 5 miles too far north. From Parking Area: Ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 2.25 miles along Redfish Lake Road (FS Road 214) past turnoff to Redfish Lodge, past Redfish Visitor Center to where FS 214 comes close to lakeshore; turn right (west) on foot path for about 200 yards. Redfish cabin will be on the right (north) before crossing Fishhook Creek.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

42 reviews

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1 stars

Amy K

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Reviewed 7 months ago

a fantastic way to visit Redfish!

Sarah M

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Reviewed 8 months ago

The Redfish Cabin is always warm and toasty after a cold ski in. The other renters have always left it spotless. The views of Redfish Lake and the Sawtooth Mountains are stunning. I have been in many times as a favorite retreat. Glad the Forest Service keeps renting it.

kristy s

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Reviewed 9 months ago

We just got back from one night, x-country skied in and had a lovely stay. Cabin is warm and comfortable and the view and quiet is amazing! Notes: Pots and pans are a bit worn, the knives are very dull, there are only 2 bowls and 3 plates (there were 5 or six mugs and glasses, a reasonable amount of silverware, multiple wine openers, and a reasonable assortment of cooking utensils), the larger burner on the stove does not work (the other 3 smaller ones do). There are no "extras" (salt, oil, etc...) that you might find at other spots, but there is a coffee maker, microwave, oven, and teakettle.

Robert F

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Reviewed 10 months ago

Always a great trip. Very relaxing. Cabin is well-furnished, just the right distance to snowshoe into, and you get Redfish Lake to yourself. A must do.

MARK B

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Reviewed a year ago

I had a very nice experience this time now that the road and parking lot construction is complete and the propane stove in functioning. I always make a hike to the Alpine Way trail and this time was no different. There was packed snow on the trail past the wilderness boundary but it was very walkable. Great views as always on a sunny day.

Sarah M

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Reviewed 2 years ago

The Redfish Cabin is warm and cozy. The refrigerator, microwave, electric stove, coffee maker, and gas furnace make it very comfortable. Melting snow for water and using the outhouse are not a problem. This was my third overnight this winter and I feel so lucky. As someone who lives in the Wood River Valley, staying at the Redfish Cabin and skiing across Redfish Lake on the frozen lake and looking at the Sawtooth Mountains are a treat and a real vacation. There was need for newer kitchen equipment, so I bought newer pots and pans, more forks, a new guest book, and a really nice tea kettle. All of this was bought at Ketchum's Goldmine at a reasonable price. It is nice to feel so connected to this beautiful, rustic cabin.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in November, when about 38% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.