The best first timer’s Backpacking Trip in the Sawtooths: Alpine Lake

Alpine Lake in Stanley, Idaho

Are you ready to get into backpacking but aren’t sure where to start? Alpine Lake is perfect for beginners because it is a short and easy backpacking trip in the Sawtooths. This hike is relatively short especially compared to others nearby. There are great camping spots along the lake and the water is absolutely stunning! Mountain peaks tower in the near distance and you’ll feel all the magic from the trees.

Trail Information for Alpine Lake (and Sawtooth Lake!)

Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake begin at Iron Creek Trailhead. Iron Creek Trailhead is about 20 minutes west of Stanley. You will drive to Stanley Lake and follow the signs to Iron Creek (look for the little hiking guy signs.) This trailhead parking can fill up quickly, so either get there early or get there later. For this hike specifically I got a front row parking spot because I got there at 5PM. I arrived at Alpine lake at 7PM.

If you want to get a cute little cabin before or after your backpacking trip, here is a lovely stay: Stanley, Idaho Cabin Stay (affiliate link)

Hiking to Alpine Lake and Sawtooth Lake

Sawtooth Lake is one mile above Alpine Lake. You will follow the trail signs for Sawtooth Lake all the way to Alpine Lake. This passes two junctions so be sure to download a map or know exactly which direction you’re going. You will pass the trail to Goat Lake, as well as many others!

How long is the hike to Alpine Lake? The hike is 7.4 miles round trip with 1,240 ft. elevation gain. Considering you have to hike down to the lake a bit from the trail that would otherwise continue to Sawtooth Lake, it is truly about 4 miles to the best campsites. Then of course 4 miles out the next day when you backpack! Sawtooth Lake is 1 mile past, and a bit more of a climb, so 10 miles round trip. If you can make it; I personally do prefer Sawtooth Lake’s views. Alpine is a great beginner hiking trail if you don’t want to do that last climb up to Sawtooth Lake.

How to find campsites?

It will be pretty obvious where the cleared out campsites are around the lake. The one that I grabbed is just off of the trail next to the lake. If you camp here be sure to use the restroom at least 200 yards away from the water. (Especially number 2 – please be far from any water source and make sure to dig a hole and bury it deep.) Leave no trace by taking out all trash and food. Please pack your toilet paper out by bringing bags.

Permit Information

Before you head up on your backpacking trip remember to fill out a wilderness permit at the trailhead. Include your camping destination, Alpine Lake or Sawtooth Lake, and how many nights you will be there. Also include the amount of people in your group and dogs! My dogs and I did it solo together so I filled it out as 2 dogs, 1 person.

Side note: I didn’t use trekking poles on this hike because I’ve been doing pretty big hikes all summer and my back is used to this. If you have bad knees though, or just want some extra support for your back and shoulders; trekking poles can be an awesome tool. Here are the trekking poles I own and use: The poles I use

How to Prepare for a Backpacking Trip in the Sawtooths?

If you’re a beginner, know that you will need and need to know:

1. Lightweight backpacking tent, this is mine in the photo above: My Backpacking Tent)
2. Lightweight sleeping bag, this is mine: My Sleeping Bag
3. Sturdy boots or trail-runners. I wore boots that are waterproof, these one’s specifically: My Hiking Boots
4. There is one river crossing on the Alpine Lake hike but you can avoid the water by staying on the downed trees. I also had shoes for camp strapped to the outside of my pack. It’s also good to have shoes like these to cross water if needed on future trips. Pretty similar to these ones: Water Shoes
5. Good food to replenish yourself! I brought 2 protein bars, 2 gummy packs, 1 avocado sandwich, and an apple. Another good option is to bring dehydrated meals if you know you’ll need more protein/carbs. How to bring a lightweight way to boil water? I bring my jet-boil, and a small container of propane. Make sure to always test you can light this yourself before heading up!
6. Let people know where you are going, and what your estimated times of arrival is.
7. LEAVE NO TRACE! No trash can be left behind. Be sure to dig holes when using the restroom, far from the trail and from the water sources.
8. Be safe! Bring a satellite device to be extra safe so you can contact emergency responders if needed. Don’t forget to fill out your permit.
9. Know that there can be black bears, so hang your food away from your tent. Do not put it inside. Chipmunks can be just as destructive so keep it hanging.
10. The lake water must be pumped through a Water Filtration System. Sawyer Water Filter on Amazon

Happy trails and just an extra reminder to leave no trace. It is up to us to protect these mountains! Be careful, have so much fun, and enjoy the peaceful mountains I love to call home. Gorgeous Cabin Airbnb in Stanley! (affiliate)

Check out some other amazing places in the Sawtooths in my other blogs! Do you have any favorite hikes in the Sawtooths, or do you have questions about backpacking?

Ps..I was so proud of myself for doing this as my first solo backpacking trip! Of course my pups were my company, but it was great to enjoy this with just them and prove to myself I can do it all on my own!

Hiking Idaho’s most beautiful alpine lake in Stanley, Idaho

Hiking to Goat Lake – Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho