Right off the bat, let’s say it: if you want to do a most excellent hike in Squamish and you have the stamina to go up and down 800m in a single session, The Chief is bar none the best route around. But this is a page about family adventures—and more specifically, families with little ones. This hiking guide is for those who want to get the taste of a good coastal BC hike but either don’t have the time or the wherewithal to get too gnarly.
But if you want righteous views, bodacious groves of old-growth trees, and just enough sweat to remind your heart that a little exercise is most excellent, then may we present to you Murrin Park, just a few kilometers south of Squamish. It’s located right at the top of the hill between Shannon Falls and Britannia Beach, making it a must-stop spot along the Sea to Sky highway.
Why This Trail Builds Resilient Kids
Living in the Sea to Sky corridor for nearly two decades, I’ve found that getting kids stoked on the outdoors is about finding that perfect reward-to-effort ratio. Taking our kids out here has proven that short, punchy trails followed by a world-class view are the best recipe for building resilience. They get to scramble over roots, navigate varied terrain, and learn the basic life skills of foot placement and pacing, all without the exhaustion that leads to meltdowns.
It’s also an incredible place to introduce a culture of mountain safety early on. As a backcountry guide, I treat these summer hikes as foundational training. We practice staying together, observing our surroundings, and making smart decisions on uneven ground, which hopefully will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
The Route & The Rocks
Rock climbing is regarded as religion in the park. As long as the kids keep a safe distance, there is usually a friendly climber who will happily answer questions from curious minds about their gear and what they are doing. It’s a fantastic way to expose little ones to different outdoor pursuits.
The loop trail offers excellent panoramic views of Howe Sound, but a quick heads up: if you’re not used to hiking, the way down can be a bit steeper than expected, especially if the kids are tired and want to be carried. It’s not impossible, but it does take some slow, deliberate walking to ensure safety. Strollers are fine at the lake, but you’ll soon want to ditch them for a hiking backpack if you want to get anywhere good.
The Hard Data: Logistics & Amenities
Distance & Elevation: The loop is roughly 1.8km with about 160m (524 ft) of elevation gain. Expect it to take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Amenities: There are no running water or food facilities here, so stock up before arriving. There are standard pit toilets located right by the parking lot and halfway along the loop trail.
Post-Hike Vibe: There are plenty of picnic tables next to Browning Lake right at the base. Bring snacks or a lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Parking: Parking can get pretty nuts on the weekends. Your best bet is to come before noon midweek. (Note: Do not park on the highway shoulder; you will be towed).
We also have a ton of gear reviews to help you explore in comfort and practicality, and love to hear from other families who are out there doing it. Or learn more about us where you can also get in touch.
Visiting the Sea to Sky? Check out our free app
We made an app to help families visiting the Sea-to-Sky corridor plan their trip more efficiently. Filter by activity, location, and your kid’s age and effort level. Check it out and let us know what you think!
Note: This trail is currently undergoing maintenance, with the reopening scheduled for summer 2026.
There are very few places you can visit where its residents live over 10 times longer than humans. Cheakamus Lake is a step into the ancient. The stillness here carries a weight; the striking feeling that the life around you existed long before you arrived, and will remain long after. The forest starts on the lower slopes of Whistler mountain, extending far into the wilderness where few humans have ever set foot.
Quick Stats:
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (Mostly flat, but long for small legs).
Best For: Families seeking old-growth immersion without a massive climb.
Seasonal Note: The road is usually snow-free from late May through October. In early June, the forest is at its most vibrant and “mossy.”
The Trail In
The trail starts at the end of the Cheakamus Lake Road, a 8km winding road that you take from the highway at the first lights when you get to town from the south. The road can get dusty in the summer, so watch your speed.
From the parking lot, it’s 3km to the lake. The first 1km is probably the steepest and most un-interesting as the area has been logged in the past. But once you hit the old-growth forest (and you’ll know when you do), it’s a surreal feeling. You step through a curtain of boughs to enter a biome that is teeming with life energy—if you’re willing to slow down to listen.
The Forest
The sheer size of these trees is what stands out the most. Very few people have actually spent time in an ancient forest, and it shows. I firmly believe that the more time people spend in forests like these, the less disharmony we would all have.
Nice spot for a snack!
Arriving at the Lake
About 1km from the lake, you begin to see the Cheakamus River that the lake feeds. That is the sign that you are close. Several branches of the trail get close to the river, but with little ones you’ll still want to stay a ways away for their safety. But soon enough, you will see the first view of the lake; and what a view it is.
The stunning turquoise hues come from the silt that the glaciers grind up, known as “glacial flour”. On a sunny day it refracts the light to a vibrant display that is much more stunning in person than any photo could capture.
The backdrop behind the lake showcases the wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park; an untamed backcountry area that is legendary for mountain exploration, given how close to civilization it actually is.
As beautiful as the lake is, it’s also extremely cold. The same glacier melt that causes the bright hues is also just above freezing…. so even on a hot day it’s a quick in-and-out to say you’ve done it type of thing. There are plenty of non-glacier lakes near Whistler to hang out at if you want to spend some time in the water.
The trail continues to wind around the lake to the far end; but after that, you’re on your own. If you’ve made it this far with kids, it’s probably a good time to head back. That is, unless you’re camping!
Camping at Cheakamus Lake
There are two campgrounds at Cheakamus Lake, both require reservations in advance. They have some cleared ground, a food cache, and outhouses, but not much else. If you have a wagon that would make things easier to haul stuff in—especially with kids.
But the experience you have at these sites is vastly different from the more glitzy frontcountry campsites that BC parks operates. Many times (especially mid-week or the offseason), your group will be the only ones there.
That solitude comes with a responsibility though. Cheakamus Lake is black bear habitat, and while encounters are rare, the odds go up tremendously if you leave food out. Once a bear becomes conditioned to human food, they will seek it out, and become aggressive. This is what the food caches are for. So make sure that you use them if camping out.
Helpful Info
Getting There & Parking
Access: Turn off Highway 99 at the Cheakamus Lake/Function Junction intersection. Follow Cheakamus Lake Road for 8km.
Road Conditions: It’s a gravel forestry road. While generally fine for 2WD vehicles, it’s notorious for “washboard” ripples and potholes. Take it slow, especially if the kids are prone to carsickness.
Parking: The lot is at the very end of the road. It fills up early on sunny weekends, so aim to arrive before 9:30 AM or after 3:00 PM for the “golden hour” light.
Permits & Fees
Day-Use Passes: For the 2026 season, BC Parks requires a free day-use pass to park here from mid-June through mid-October. You can reserve these starting at 7:00 AM two days before your visit at the BC Parks website.
Camping Fees: If you’re staying overnight, reservations are mandatory year-round. It’s $10 per adult and $5 per child (6–15) per night, plus a small reservation fee.
No Dogs Allowed: Since this is Garibaldi Provincial Park, pets aren’t permitted on the trails or in the campgrounds to protect the local wildlife.
Timing the Adventure
Trail Distance: It is a flat 3km (1.8 miles) from the parking lot to the first lake access point (Cheakamus Lake Campground).
Budgeting Time: * The “Hiker” Pace: 45 minutes each way. • The “Family” Pace: Budget 1.5 to 2 hours each way. This accounts for the “First Kilometer” climb, stopping to look at the massive Douglas Firs, and the inevitable “I found a cool rock” breaks. • Full Experience: Plan for 4–5 hours total if you want to enjoy a picnic and some shoreline exploring.
What to Pack
The “Lake Layer”: Even if it’s 25°C in Whistler, the lake creates its own microclimate. Bring a light windbreaker or fleece for when you reach the shore.
Bear Safety: This is active Black Bear country. Carry bear spray in an accessible spot (not buried in your pack) and make sure the kids know to stay close and keep the “chatter” up while walking. More information on how to be Bear Aware.
Water & Food: There is no potable water at the trailhead or the lake. Bring a filter if you’re camping, or pack at least 1.5L of water per person for a day trip.
Footwear: The trail is wide and “wagon-friendly” (if you have one with rugged off-road wheels), but roots can be slippery. Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are better than flip-flops.
A Note on Respect
This trail goes through some of the last accessible old-growth forest in British Columbia. It’s a sad, sobering statistic, but one that ushers even more urgency that we need to protect this area from harm. This means following Leave No Trace principles, and staying on the trail.
It also means respecting other people’s desire to be in nature and leaving loud speakers at home, packing out what you pack in. As the saying goes: Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
Good stewardship helps set a good example for our children, so that they grow up doing the same. Eventually that energy will spread, and hopefully our society will begin to value places like these more. That is our hope, at least.
Enjoy This Place of Wonder
Hiking to Cheakamus Lake is one of the best activities for families in Whistler, and one I have been showing my kids since they could barely see past the ends of their noses. They absolutely love it, and so do us parents. It’s a place I often take people visiting to help immerse them in the power and beauty of an old-growth forest.
Yes, the lake is a nice photogenic destination on the hike, but to me, it’s all about that feeling you get when you walk into the ancient forest. It’s hard to describe in words, but it’s a feeling that you can’t get out of you and sticks with you. And in doing so, hopefully it reinforces a desire to make sure places like this can thrive for many more generations and centuries to come.
Want to Find More Hiking Spots? Check Out Our Free App
We made an app to help families navigate the Sea to Sky corridor a bit better. Check out the Sea to Sky Family Navigator app to plan your trip and find spots based on map, activity, location, and more! The best part, it’s free!
Shannon Falls is an easy stopover while going up the Sea to Sky Highway. The massive falls are just minutes from the parking lot, and will give you a glimpse of the massive scale of the Coast Mountains up close. Why Stop at Shannon Falls The park sits right on the Sea to Sky Highway… Read more: Shannon Falls: The Family Guide to This Sea To Sky Staple
Once in a while, you get to test a totally new innovation and see how it stacks up to the establishment it claims to be beating. I’ve just spent the past three months testing out the Unrestricted cooler on our family adventures: hiking, camping, and biking around the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia.… Read more: The Dometic Backpack Is the New Kid on The Block and A Bit Cooler than Others
Heads up: This guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps keep our guides free. It never changes our picks or their order. Read our Gear Review Policy. Even if we had all the money in the world, we’d… Read more: Splurging at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
For all the obvious reasons and the fresh air fun, duhh. But maybe it ain’t so obvious when you think of all the work involved, I certainly am no stranger to that all too familiar heavy hurdle. And sure, you can get a good dose of the outdoors by simply going for a walk, hike, picnic, beach day etc., but to really feel the benefits of nature, to feel the weight lift, our family likes to spend some solid time without a solid roof over our heads.
The Sea to Sky corridor in British Columbia is a hiker’s paradise. For families with toddlers, the same venues are also the ultimate classroom, playground, device-free, wonder-full venue for our kids to play in.
Our kids are now 2 and 3. They have outgrown the carrier/backpack stage, which actually made things better for mom and dad to get some extra mileage. Nowadays, our hikes are more of a bumble, but that is fine… seeing the world through their point of view is actually an activity that I (and I’m assuming many other parents) find great joy in practicing.
Having lived in the Sea to Sky corridor for over 22 years, I’ve spent a ton of time in these mountains on foot. But none has helped me really understand the ecosystem like a shortened walk for little legs and an in-the-moment attention span.
Sea to Sky Gondola is definitely worth the price of admission.
Our Favourite Hikes With Toddlers in the Sea to Sky
Here are some of our favourite easy, kid-friendly hikes along Highway 99, from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton and beyond. They each have something unique to offer, with all of them manageable for little legs.
The lovely seaside hamlet of Horseshoe Bay, Where the Sea to Sky Highway begins
Horseshoe Bay: Start of the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Seaview Walk
This is an old road that was reclaimed into a trail, and is a favourite for locals to stretch their legs and walk the dog. The name is spot on and it’s more of a stroller-friendly walk than a hike. But at the far end of the walk by Nelson Creek there is a hike up toward Whyte Lake that is worth the 2-hour detour. It’s a fairly steady ascent to a small pass where the lake sits. The lake isn’t much but the forest and gulleys that you get to after crossing the highway are well worth the exercise for those with carriers, or bigger kids. It might be a lot with toddlers who don’t like backpacks, but if you have a backpack it’s a great workout for the parent!
It’s not a bucket-list destination but is a great stop if you want to break up a road trip before continuing up the Sea-to-Sky highway, or to burn off energy before getting into the ferry lineup.
This park has a large grassy area, a decent sized playground, tennis courts, and a great natural trail system. We do warn that the “cliff” in the park name is not for show — it is a long drop from the cliff’s edge. The good news is that there are plenty of safe access points to the water, including a nice rocky beach with logs and millions upon millions of rocks that one can throw into the ocean.
Murrin Park is right off Highway 99 and one of the best easy hikes near Squamish for families. It’s a perfect stop if there’s heavy traffic heading up the corridor. The trail loops around the lake (about 2km) with ample rock-throwing opportunities along the way, if your kid is into that sort of thing. Getting a parking spot here is half the battle, but pretty easy before 10AM, so try to get there early if you can.
The park is a popular spot for rock climbers, which our kids love watching. The loop trail will take you around the park to a beautiful viewpoint (which you see in the feature image at the top of the page), although it can be a bit higher on the difficulty scale if your family is used to more flat ground. This might be a good trail to break out the backpack if you’ve got one, but it’s well worth the view looking at Howe Sound if you can muster the patience.
It’s not as extreme as it looks, we promise!
Alice Lake
This is an easy walk around the lake from the main parking lot (which can get incredibly busy in the summer). There are bigger loops one can do with some elevation such as the Four Lakes Trail, but for little legs it’s a nice walk around to the far side of the lake where there is some greenery to explore inmthe far side.
Parents and bigger kids who mountain bike will want to spend some time on the trails around Alice Lake — they are exceptionally good! And for the toddlers there’s a pump track that is well worth a visit, right next to the awesome forest playground.
Worth a visit if you’re from out of town, and worth an annual pass if you live around here! The gondola takes people up 800m above sea level to an area with well-cleared trails both short and long. The Alpine Alley trail is made specifically for little ones, with cutout animals along the way and information about local ecology. It’s an excellent way to spend a day, or even just a few hours in the afternoon or evening.
Whistler has it all, from leisurely walks on the Valley Trail to Strenuous overnight backpacking missions in the alpine. Somewhere in-between is a good family-friendly hike that will suit any ability (or energy) level. And the best part is, most everywhere is Dog Friendly. Remember that Whistler is bear country; so it’s important to follow bear aware principles wherever you are.
Lost Lake Park
This is a must for any family visiting Whistler. It’s got everything you want in a good summers day…all packed up into one session. Beach time, easy hikes, and a trail network offering a good progression from beginning to intermediate trails make Lost Lake Park the best all-around spot in Whistler for summer fun. Parking is prohibited in the summer because it’s so busy, but there are shuttles from the village and day lots. Alternatively, it’s a 2km walk from the village, which is stroller and wagon friendly.
Lost Lake Park
Emerald Forest
This is a good hike with toddlers in the fall when the rains come and the mushrooms pop out. Summer is fine, but there isn’t much good water nearby to cool off, unless they are on bikes. There’s a pond but the water isn’t exactly free-flowing. However as a forest, the trails are easy and safe, and you can meander back and forth to kill a few hours easily. There are intermediate trails too if there are older siblings or cousins looking to be entertained.
Train Wreck
This old wreck from way back in the mid-20th century is probably one of the most unique hikes in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. It has become a bit of a graffiti museum and decommissioned bike park. It’s only relatively recently that it was on the radar for everyday visitors, thanks to an upgrade to the trails and a bridge over the river. The result is a very photogenic collection of rusted metal amongst some second-growth forest that hardly even knew the train wreck happened. The bridge over the river is a hit, too.
This one is a bit more than a jaunt, but it’s also stroller or wagon-friendly once the kid’s legs get tired (and they will). But this out-and-back walk takes hikers through some of the most majestic old-growth forest that is easily accessible. It’s an 8km drive up a dirt road from the highway at Function Junction, and then another 3km walk in on a well-cleared trail to the lake.
The old-growth forest starts about 1km in. So it’s not for the faint of heart if you have little ones, but well worth it. That’s where the image in this header is from, and we could go on and on about how magical it is there! You can read more about it here.
Toddler-Friendly Trails in Pemberton
One Mile Lake
Right before you enter town from the south side you’ll see One Mile Lake on the right. This lake has a swimming and picnic area for when it’s hot out, or you can walk the boardwalk and trail around the lake for a good kid-friendly loop. This is a popular spot for birders in the morning, so if you have a loud toddler you might not make any friends… however they are usually gone before most kids are up and going.
Nairn Falls
This is a 2km out-and-back hike that isn’t completely flat, so you’ll want to leave the stroller. The scary parts are fenced in, but it’s nature — if it’s raining or your kid likes to move, just keep them in close range. The falls are stunning and the forest is lovely.
Beyond Pemberton
Joffre Lakes Park
This is the iconic spot that blew up on social media about a decade ago. Nowadays you need a reservation to get there, but it’s well worth it. Whether you just hang out at the first lake or are ambitious enough to get to the third, it’s well worth the drive. The drive itself is worth the effort to get out of cell phone range and into a mountain pass of iconic beauty. The one-hour journey from Pemberton to Joffre Lakes takes you up and into a pass that offers jaw-dropping vistas at every bend in the road, rising over 1000m in a matter of 15 minutes. You will get that iconic shot of the turquoise lake with rocky alpine backdrop within 30 seconds of the parking lot… or you can do the hour-and-a-half hike to get right up close and personal with the landscape at lake three.
The only time we’ve been there as a family was in the winter… time to go back!
Map of the Best Toddler-Friendly Hikes in the Sea to Sky
The Journey Begins
These zones are really just scratching the surface of where you can hike with a toddler in the Sea to Sky. But it sure is a good start. Checking all of these off your list will give weeks of enjoyment. By then, your family might be ready for a bit more challenge.
See you out on the trails!
Want to Find More Hiking Spots? Check Out Our Free App
We made an app to help families navigate the Sea to Sky corridor a bit better. Check out the Sea to Sky Family Navigator app to plan your trip and find spots based on map, activity, location, and more! The best part, it’s free!
There are very few activities around Vancouver, BC that offer real outdoor adventure with a few local comforts. Sure, there are pretty parks such as Stanley Park and Lighthouse Park, or activities such as Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but our favourite spot to take our little ones is the Sea to Sky Gondola, just outside Squamish, BC.
About 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Gondola offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to experience the beauty of the BC coast mountains without the usual heavy effort to get there. Within 10 minutes the gondola whisks visitors up the mountain to over 800m above sea level, offering views of Howe Sound, the Squamish Valley, and a beautiful panorama of the Coast Mountains.
At the top of the Gondola is the Summit Lodge. In actuality it’s nowhere near the summit; but those semantics are for another day. The lodge is beautifully crafted, with everything you’d expect in a tourist destination: A cafe, bar, and of course, a gift shop. Everything is kept pretty clean and the staff are friendly. It’s a great start and finish point for some fun on the mountain.
The star of the Summit Lodge is the patio that offers sweeping views of Howe Sound and Sky Pilot mountain. Fridays in the summer become a ton of fun with live music and the sea to sky community getting out to enjoy the late afternoon/evening.
Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge
Right at the patio is the suspension bridge offering a beautiful view of sky pilot mountain. It’s nowhere near the vertical drop of the Capilano suspension bridge, but it still offers enough to look down upon as you walk over the tree tops. But the views in the distance are the real treat, especially late in the afternoon as the sun begins to hide behind the mountains.
The suspension bridge with Sky Pilot mountain in the background.It’s worth it to wait for the right time to go across the bridge.
From there, it’s a short loop to get back to the base, where a variety of other hiking trails are available. There are also a few play structures for kids to play on; as well as a picnic area. As I’m sure you all know, when you have kids, it’s important to break up an outing with snacks, and the folks here have designed a great zone to break up each hiking loop with some other activities—including eating.
Front Country Hiking Trails
There are several trails within the patrolled boundary of the Sea to Sky gondola that all loop back to the gondola. They are much more mellow and suit the more casual crowd who isn’t a hardcore hiker.
Alpine Alley
This is the best hiking trail for kids is Alpine Alley, which is a simple loop trail with a few (fake) furry surprises. The trail starts and ends right next to the gondola, allowing for an easy exit if emotions get the best of a little one (or their adult). There are a few challenging sections for the bigger kids, but all the steep bits have a walkaround section if it’s a bit too much.
You can get a specialized map for Alpine Alley at the entrance to the trail, which also offers clues to all the different items you can find along the way. If you have only one trail to do with the kids, this is the one.
This tunnel was a hit with our 1 year old.
Panorama Trail
This trail is a bit longer, so smaller children might get bored, but it’s doable. It’s well graded and has nice construction along the bridges, offering a beautiful lookout before returning back. It’s still more of a walk thank a hike, but perfect for bringing little ones along without too much fuss.
Cruising along at the Panorama trail
Backcountry Hiking Trails
While I don’t have any official statistics, I’d guess that at least 90% of the guests at the Sea to Sky Gondola don’t venture beyond the main area and manicured front country trails. Those trails are nice and will suit an outing very well, with most people being more than satisfied for a day trip.
BUT… if you’re the type who wants to venture a bit further, then it’s well worth a bit of extra effort to go up the backcountry trails to make a whole day (or longer) out of it.
There are two mountains within a short jaunt of the top of the Sea to Sky gondola: Mt. Habrich and Sky Pilot. Habrich is very similar to what you find on The Chief: big granite cliffs that point straight upward. Sky Pilot, on the other hand, has much more jagged rock and is a different landscape altogether. It’s pretty remarkable that these mountains are so different and coexist right next to one another. But that’s the amazing varied geology of Squamish. You get a lot in a relatively short amount of space.
Mt. Habrich
Al’s Habrich trail is a fantastic loop that is similar to the Chief, only much larger in scale. The loop to the subalpine meadows takes about 5-6 hours at an intermediate pace, but you can go much higher than that. The peak is another story altogether and we wouldn’t recommend that for a family adventure. But you can get a bit further up from the “Neverland Loop” which is well worth the extra effort for the views.
This is only one angle but there are many more worth seeing from high up on Habrich.
Sky Pilot Mountain
This hike is definitely a bit more technical, and one we don’t recommend taking young kids on. That said, we took our daughter here when she was about 10 months old. Smaller babies are actually easier since they aren’t mobile, but we didn’t make it to the alpine since that would be a bit too dangerous for our liking. But the views still made it worth it.
Allow yourself a few hours as the trail (once the logging road ends) is a bit steep. But once you get to the subalpine you get a fantastic subalpine environment to explore.
Bottles up!
Events and Activities
The other beauty of the Sea to Sky Gondola is the programming they have. It seems as though there are always fun organized events happening. One regular event worth going to with a baby is the parent and baby hike. This can be a great way to meet local parents (mostly moms) and have a casual walk around without much pressure to push it, yet still get some exercise. Those happen on Thursday mornings, but it’s best to check with them for sure.
We already mentioned it but it’s worth a second nod: in the summer months, Fridays are hoppin’ with live music. The legendary Hairfarmers usually play a few times a year, but those events are so popular they eventually stop letting people up. So make sure you get up early for that one if so.
Winter is also a great time to visit the Sea to Sky gondola. Not only do you get out of the rain at sea level to (usually) a snowy mountain scene, but you will also find some of the best easy access backcountry skiing available. The 2km road to Sky Pilot is groomed, making for some quick access to the vertical. It’s easy to do a half day here and still get your fill for powder with such an easy turnaround.
For the kids, there is a tubing hill that costs $5 (at the time of posting) and is actually pretty thrilling—it’s easy to pick up some speed. It’s not suited for smaller children but bigger kids and adults will definitely get their money’s worth.
For those who want some softer activity, there is always snowshoeing and you can rent snowshoes from the summit lodge.
More Great Stops on the Sea to Sky
The corridor is packed full of fun stops between Horseshoe Bay and Whistler. Right next door to the gondola is Shannon Falls, which is worth the quick stop, and there is even a trail right from the gondola parking lot to save you the mess of dealing people fighting over the limited spots.
For a fun, interactive app showcasing the best of the sea to sky corridor, check out the Sea to Sky Family Navigator. It’s totally free and our gift to families both local and from afar!
Helpful Links
Here are some links that will make your visit to the Sea to Sky gondola a bit easier:
Cooling off at Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
Exploring The Sawtooth Mountains With a Baby
The Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho just may be the best kept secret for outdoor adventure in the United States. Despite going during peak season (Mid August), we were able to score a beautiful campsite at Redfish Lake and have an amazing week exploring the mountains with our 11-month old. We didn’t have an RV, we just had a nice tent and a love of hiking to bring us there. We highly recommend this area for adventures big and small, and for kids both younger and older. We learned a few tricks along the way, which we are happy to share with you below.
Scoring a campsite
Redfish Lake Lodge
The ranger station
Some of our favorite hikes
Stanley, ID
Other activities in the area
Scoring a Campsite
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has over 30 campgrounds and over 700 sites. Being that it’s a national recreation area, it has some advantages to a national park yet still gets major federal funding to be nice. This results in some of the finest public campgrounds I’ve ever seen. In some of the more popular areas you get incredible privacy in large sites that include a dining area, fire pit, parking zone, and tent pad. The site you see in this image was part of the Sockeye campground which is the furthest campground along Redfish lake that is accessible by car. I think it was only $22 per night.
The beauty of this campground was that it’s first-come, first-served so if you get there early in the morning, chances are you’ll get a spot. You might have to come back a day or two later or go to a neighboring site, but chances are good you’ll find a spot nearby. Or, you can plan months ahead and get one online. But if you’re like us, timing exactly which day you’ll arrive isn’t the easiest feat.
Redfish Lake Lodge
Sitting on the far end of Redfish Lake, the Redfish Lake Lodge is the epicenter of activities in the area. Home to a beautiful lodge with surprisingly good value food and drinks, the lodge also serves as an activity hub for both land and water play. But the best feature is the boat launch, where you can book a boat shuttle to the far end of the lake to drop you off for the day and get into the heart of the mountains. It’s well worth the fare to get you into some of incredible terrain. The Redfish Inlet Campground serves those who are self-sufficient will be even closer to the amazing trail network that begins right at the campground.
The scene at Redfish Lake Lodge on a busy Saturday evening. Live music, food, and drinks are open to the public.
The lodge has live music every Wednesday and Saturday night in the summer and is open to the public. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day exploring the mountains or sunbathing by the lake.
The Trails
You will find countless trails of all shapes and sizes throughout the Sawtooth mountains. Being that this was our first big trip as a family, we opted for day hikes only. But those more seasoned to backpacking with little ones will find ample opportunities for overnight camping in the wilderness. There is always another saddle to crest, another lake to swim in, and another peak to conquer if so inclined. Visit Idaho has a good Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Sawtooth Mountains, and we are happy to share our experience below.
Alpine Lake is a demanding, full-day hike, but even casual hikers can accomplish this. We saw people crushing beers on the boat ride over at 9 a.m. and wearing tennis shoes! No judgment, just stating that you don’t need the latest and greatest gear!
The hike starts in the forest and follows the Redfish Lake inlet valley up toward the treeline. You’re in the subalpine for the majority of the hike with incredible views the entire way. Here are a few images that showcase some of the beauty we saw:
Final Thoughts
The Sawtooth Mountains are a gem of a destination for adventurous families of all types. You can camp in plush conditions right by the lake, go backpacking in the backcountry, or roll up with your RV with the whole kit n’ caboodle. The Redfish Lake Lodge is a great base of operations to start or end your day, and the surrounding mountains and lakes will keep you busy for a trip of any duration. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks!
