This past weekend my in-laws came to visit for the first time since we moved to Idaho a year ago. Our plan was to find the perfect short getaway that gave anyone from out of state the best authentic taste of what Idaho’s outdoor destinations have to offer. It’s difficult because although there are countless sights to see throughout this great state, most of them are pretty well spread out requiring at least a weekend to get a full experience. When looking for the right combination of clear water and few people while still maintaining easy access, we settled on Alturas Lake.
Located in Blaine County an hour north of the city of Ketchum, this glacial alpine lake is the second largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area next to Redfish Lake. The lake is 835.8 acres, sits at 7,016 feet in elevation, and feeds through Perkins Lake by way of Alturas Lake Creek into the Salmon River.
The view from the Galena Summit Overlook on State Highway 75, 29 miles from the city of Ketchum, Idaho. The overlook provides a view of the Sawtooth Mountain Range as well as the headwaters of the Salmon River. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jeremy D. Wolff/Released)
If you’re taking this trip from the Mountain Home/Boise area I would recommend making this a two day excursion. It’s doable in a single day, but we did the three hour drive there and back in one day and we were exhausted by the time we got back. I will say after the first hour and a half of driving you start getting into some absolutely gorgeous scenery, the mountains grow taller and the plant life becomes more vibrant and diverse.
The most notable cities you will pass through are Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley which is famous as one of the best winter sports retreats in the country. When you reach Galena (about 25 minutes from the lake) be sure to stop at the Galena Summit Overlook to take in the view of the headwaters of the Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains. At 8,701 feet in elevation it is the highest summit of a highway in the Northwest.
Once we got there we noticed that Alturas has a smaller lake that’s connected by a small creek, this is Perkins Lake. It also has beach access and camping, but the northeast side is home to a private bible camp. When you reach the first lake entrance for Alturas you’ll find restrooms and picnic tables but no beach. This is more of a fishing spot with beach and camping further down the road.
Crystal clear waters ripple in the breeze on a beautiful blue sky day at Alturas Lake, Idaho. Even in the beginning of July, the nearly 40 degree water still required a little extra determination to wade into. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jeremy D. Wolff/Released)
As you continue on Alturas Creek Road along the side of the lake, you’ll find two campgrounds at the midway point with a small beach area for campers. All campsites at Alturas come with a picnic table and fire pit, but unfortunately do not have electric hook up. The biggest beach which allows for camping and single day use is at the far end of the lake at the Alturas Lake Inlet. There, sandy beaches meet the lake’s freezing cold water, being a glacial lake I expected cold. But, oh. my. word.
The water was probably right around 40 degrees and I had to will myself in to about chest level, that was a struggle and this is in the beginning of July. Others seemed to combat the cold with wet suits or spending the majority of their time floating above the water on a paddle board, kayak or air mattress. Freezing water aside it was truly a beautiful spot to spend the day. At the inlet there’s plenty of shade to escape the sun if the water is too chilly and picnic tables are scattered along the shore. There are restrooms there as well, and although there is no dock they do have a boat launch. We saw a few water skiers and tubers while we were there, but leave the jet ski at home because they are not allowed at Alturas.
Images of lake and clouds reflect off the author’s sunglasses at Alturas Lake, Idaho. With the lake sitting at 7,016 feet the sun is harsh, so DO NOT forget your sunscreen. (Courtesy Photo: Zoë Wolff)
In addition to bumming it at the beach, there are plenty of great trails around the lake for both hiking and off road vehicles. I didn’t get a chance to try any myself but they’re easy to find and just about any one of them will lead you to a good view. Scuba Diving is popular as well; I had no idea that was the case until we got there, but with the clear alpine water I can definitely see why.
Fishing is extremely popular among Alturas visitors, both regular and fly fishermen can be seen about the lake throughout the day. Bull, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout can be found as well as Kokanee, but from research before going and what I saw there myself you’re most likely to land Bull and to a slightly lesser extent Cutthroat and Rainbow. During our time at the beach I saw one man walk down the shore and back 3 times, each time he came back he had a sizable Bull Trout in hand. I really need to learn how to fly fish….
The author and his brother in law brave the alpine waters of Alturas Lake, Idaho. Alturas is the second largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area only to Redfish Lake. (Courtesy Photo: Zoë Wolff)
After getting equally red from the freezing cold water and the blistering sun, after a few hours we called it a day and made our way back to Ketchum. The in-laws were blown away at the beauty of the lake and surrounding area; I call that a success. We also found one of the many great restaurants in Ketchum to be the perfect post-exploring-day dinner before making our way back home.
It’s a beautiful remote lake that we’ll definitely be visiting again. As long as you plan out your weekend better than we did, you’ll have a great time.
As lake-goers begin to disperse, the inlet beach becomes even more peaceful at Alturas Lake, Idaho. When waters rise from the annual snow melt, it outflows to smaller Perkins Lake which then flows into the Salmon River. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jeremy D. Wolff/Released)
Commentary by Airman 1st Class Jeremy D. Wolff
This publication was made on behalf of Mountain Home Air Force Base Public Affairs.
Unearthing Idaho 
Great Site. Really enjoyed reading.
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