Redfish Lake
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho · 6,547 ft
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.
Typical peak
Sep 13 – Sep 21
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces SW (215°)
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
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.
Color starts around Aug 27.
Light at peak
Redfish Lake on September 17, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
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.
Based on the classic composition here facing 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.