Redfish Lake
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho · 6,547 ft
Typical peak
Sep 13 – Sep 21
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SW (215°)
Grand Mogul and Mount Heyburn close the southwest end of the lake, and aspen stands near the lodge and along Redfish Lake Creek supply the yellow. Shoot from the boat-launch beach at first light while the water is still flat.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Turn west off ID-75 onto Redfish Lake Road about five miles south of Stanley and drive two miles to the lodge and boat-launch lots at the north end.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- black cottonwood
- willow
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 17Typical color progression for Redfish Lake. No change from Aug 10 to Aug 27. First color from Aug 27 to Sep 5. Approaching peak from Sep 5 to Sep 13. Peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Past peak from Sep 21 to Oct 1. Bare from Oct 1 to Oct 15.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 27.
This season so far
First frost
Sep 26
10 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
49°F / 32°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Redfish Lake on September 17, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:52 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 86° | 7:21 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:59 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:34 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 7:09 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 274° | 7:47 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:16 PM |
Times in America/Boise · day length 12h 26m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces SW (215°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.