#338 - Redfish Lake Lodge Near Stanley, ID

Historic Lake Lodge

In August, Don and I spent a couple of nights at this charming lodge, tucked into the forest, near lake and mountains.

The historic lodge has been offering up lakeside accommodations for nearly a century.

In this crazy ever-changing world, I love that this lodge has remained pretty much the same over time.

Guests can still sit on the long porch and look out towards the sandy north shore of Redfish Lake.

They can enjoy a view of the Sawtooth Mountains.

They can swim in the alpine lake, or wander out on the dock and admire the boats.

The lodge view from over the water hasn't changed much, since this image was captured on a real photo postcard. 1940s?

1996

In this photo from 28 years ago, the water and mountains look the same. But the kids aren't the same anymore. They're all in their thirties now!

Our kids and their cousin had fun, wandering out on the floating docks. But my memory is pretty limited. We only stopped to peek at the lake and lodge, back in 1996. 

August 2024, Without Kids

This past summer Don and I got to enjoy 2 notable nights at Redfish. 

This time, our kids weren't with us and neither was their cousin. But Cousin Andy's parents were! Thanks to Chris and Karen for encouraging us a year in advance, to book at the lodge! We grabbed 2 of the 8 lodge rooms!

Arrival

It was a Monday afternoon last August, when the 4 of us arrived at the lodge. We had just spent one night at lovely Sun Valley Resort. I was ready to embrace a whole different Idaho resort experience, at the rustic Redfish Lake Lodge.

The 1-hour drive was lovely, but had us a little concerned. Smoke from nearby fires looked worrisome. We'd been warned of a possible evacuation in nearby Stanley.

Lots of Activity

There was no smoke when we arrived. 

Just blue skies, towering green pine trees and lots of guests enjoying the lawn and lake.

Exterior

We parked in our designated space in back, not far from a towering log pole, that held an American flag. 

I paused to study the basic log and stone structure. It reminded me a little of Lincoln Logs. But this sturdy creation has been tucked into the forest for nearly a century. My L.L. creations never lasted a day.  

​The lodge initially had only 1 floor, when it opened to the first guests, in 1929.

Eventually there was a gas station, a small dock, 3 cabins, 10 canvas tents and a second floor.

Today the lodge looks just as dwarfed by the tall pines, as it did 95 years ago.
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Heading In

​It was after 4, when we headed inside, to check in. The porch was buzzing with guests. I spotted grannies and toddlers, frisbees and cartwheels. Even a Great Dane with a Support Vest. A happy vibe! 

We headed in the main door.  A smiling Redfish greeted us from the stained glass.

Redfish Lake was named after the endangered sockeye salmon and its brilliant spawning colors. 

​Lobby

The small lobby in front of the dining room, was hopping  when we entered. (unlike my morning photo)

Besides a lot of guests lounging on the comfy furniture, there were lots  of old photos and curious ads to amuse me.

Salmon River Valley Playground! I love a vintage ad!

The smiling cowboy with the gun and rose vest, was Robert Limbert. He was known as an explorer, photographer, and writer and also the man who wanted to create this place. A place where people could escape and commune with nature. Sadly he died just a few years after building Redfish Lake Lodge. 

Going Up

After checking in, we had 2 options for getting our luggage to the second floor.

The outside staircase was close to our parked car, but there was a more entertaining set of stairs, just inside the back door.

What a view as we climbed! And how lucky for us, that a very gracious woman who was hanging out in the lobby, offered to help us carry a load upstairs.

Second Story
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I climbed the stairs and wondered how long the bear (skin) had been clinging to that log wall?

The upper floor  held all the guest rooms. 4 faced the lake and 4 had woodsy views, in back. 

​The knotty pine walls reminded me of our family room, in my 1960s childhood home.

So did the Carrom Board (game) and badminton rackets, displayed on the wall.
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The pump organ also brought back childhood memories. We had one of those too. We kids perfected the art of spooky music.

The braided rug looked like one we had back in Iowa. But we never had a chair quite like the orange one, sitting on the rug. I'm sure that mod chair wasn't around in 1929.

Sitting Area

I spotted an open door to a guest room, facing the back. I peeked in and it looked pretty adorable! Super tiny, but lots of exposed logs and delightful rustic detail.

The Lodge website warned guests about booking those rooms. These are rooms meant for people who spend all day out on an adventure, and are not planning on spending a lot of time inside. I guess this odd lounge area, (pic above) was for the people with tiny rooms. We walked through it to get to the hall near our room.

Room #12

Don and I (along with Chris and Karen) were able to book rooms facing the lake. 

We didn't have log walls or dramatic sloped ceilings, but we did have some knotty pine and a pretty darn cute corner sink. 

There were no phones or TVs in the lodge, but we had a ceiling fan and a window. It was glorious letting in the air and sounds. 

Voices of kids playing on the lawn and the rhythmic squeaks and clanks coming from rocking boats near the dock, brought on more memories. Sounds of students and squeaky swings in old schoolyards!
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​And the view! That's the porch roof in the photo. Not a paved area.

The summer scenery was lovely. If I got curious about how the lake might look in the winter, I could study the photograph above the bed. Hmm? was that a snowy Salmon River scene?

We were grateful to have a comfy queen bed and one chair, which I used for a bedside table. I've no idea how rustic the accommodations were 90 years ago, but surely less cushy than this.

Bathing

We were also grateful to have our own sink for face washing and teeth brushing. 

Through the years Don and I have gone along with shared baths in campgrounds and old hotels. It's a hassle, but usually worth it.

Across the Hall

1 night of sharing a bathroom with strangers, is no big deal. I hoped our 2 night stay wouldn't make me crave a night at Holiday Inn. But honestly we couldn't complain. There were 2 nicely renovated community bathrooms, just across the hall. (men's & women's)

I loved the snazzy showers, with sliding barn doors and photo tiles.

Near the sinks, an old black & white photo delighted me. I wish I'd packed overalls.

I'd been a little worried at first about 8 rooms sharing, but the spotless bathroom was usually empty. Except for a sweet mom helping her daughters brush their teeth one night. Not a problem at all!

Limbert's

​I can't say enough about Limbert's, the Lodge's restaurant. The cozy dining room was busy and festive during meal times. The menu options were pretty fabulous. Ricotta gnocchi to steelhead trout... sophisticated flavors and definitely not 1929 prices.

These photos were taken during a quiet moment, free of diners and staff. It was fun to peek another time, when young staff members were grabbing a bite, during off hours. They reminded me of camp counselor's, at the end of summer. So relaxed and familiar with each other.

The Old Hickory furniture brought back memories of the National Park lodges. Although I've never seen Old Hickory highchairs!

The day temps were lovely, but it was a treat to come down in the chilly morning and see flames flickering in the the old stone fireplace.

Best Table

We were so lucky to have this very table, for 3 of our meals.

Our table wasn't near a window, but it felt like it. The large painting gave us a view of the lake.

To the left of the painting was a tiny photograph. 

It showed Robert Limbert holding a pallet and brush, standing beside the very painting! We learned a few stories about this very interesting man, who created the lodge. I'm sure he'd be pleased to know guests are still enjoying.

Rustic Lounge
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Next to the photograph was an entrance to a bar, known as Rustic Lounge.  You have to love the  "loggy" Dutch door! 

I half expected the head of Mr. Ed, (the talking horse) to suddenly appear!

I snapped some pics before Rustic Lounge opened at noon. What a cozy little place with the big fireplace and a very fun assortment of chairs!

We never had a chance to try out any of the curious stool or chair options. The weather was too nice, to sit inside with drinks.

The Porch

We got to know the porch well. We got downstairs early the first morning and grabbed a seat easily.

From the chairs we had a lovely lake view. But there was also a pretty dramatic view in the window reflection!

In the afternoon and evening it was tricky business, getting 4 seats together. But the other guests seemed friendly and welcoming. Lots of scooting to make room for folks. Lots of chatting among strangers.

First Morning

The first night, we slept with windows and shades open, so morning would wake us. I got out a little after 7, to see what the property was like before crowds.

The pines behind the lodge were just beginning to glow with light. All 20 chairs were waiting for guests.

​I walked out on the rocky beach and enjoyed seeing the lake, so quiet and still. The rising sun spotlighted the mist above the water.

I greeted a fisherman with his dog. I played with my shadow for a while.

Around 8, Don and I wandered to the Two Guns Cafe, to grab some coffee. Once the old gas station, I believe.

The freshly painted logs made me think of tootsie rolls... which they might have sold at the General Store, next door.

In the store, we bought no candy and we didn't have coins to put in the machine for Character Readings. But we bought a souvenir mug, which Don and I now fight over. 

The chilly porch was still too shady, so we took our coffees inside and sunk into the worn leather couches, with the funny, but practical "armrests". What a view! 

After breakfast with Chris and Karen, we headed for the porch once again!

Tuesday was quieter at the lodge. Lots more porch time awaited us, after a trip into Stanley, to check on fires. 

Stanley

​It was about a 10 minute drive into the smoky town.  We got gas at Sinclair and I posed on the dinosaur, named Claire. 

Sadly, the nearby "Wapiti Fire" had been burning for nearly a month. Our eyes were burning, so we didn't stick around long. Lucky to have our oasis at the lake.

Ice Cream for Lunch

​I felt like an oldster, so content with my porch chair. Karen was brave enough to join lots of kids in the cold lake water, while the rest of us gabbed in our cushioned chairs.

The kid in me said Forget Lunch and opted for an ice cream at the nearby Lakeside Grill. 

The Dock

I enjoyed my cone and wandered down the dock to check on the boats. 

We had booked a pontoon boat ride for 3:30! 

The Syringa, looked extra appealing, sitting at the end of one dock. The vintage boat could be booked for a sunset appetizer cruise.

I looked across the docks for the pontoon that we would be enjoying later.

That's when I noticed the steep ramp, leading down to the lower level. Yikes. 2 in our group of 4 had some walking issues that had me concerned. There was no railing.

Low Lake Level

I talked to staff and they apologized about the wonky ramps. They explained how the lake level had dropped after a summer of fighting fires.

An old photo with Chris, Karen and kids, shows how the floating docks once matched up. We were worried about getting our party down the steep ramps. Especially since the winds were strong and the floating docks were constantly in motion.

Not to Worry!

This photo is evidence that we all made it down the ramp. An incredibly sweet young staff member jumped in to offer his sturdy arm for anyone in need.

What a blissful hour! We had the boat to ourselves, along with Captain Hannah. She zipped us across the lake for the first 10 minutes.

The ride was exhilarating and the views were gorgeous. Hannah slowed the pontoon down near a cove and shared a little knowledge about the geology and the lodge history as well. After an hour we headed back to the lodge. Skies looked ominous with smoke.

And winds were wild as we headed off the dock! Don and Hannah both lost their hats in a sudden gust! I caught Hannah's with a cartoonish snatch. Don's hat took a swim, but Hannah and a coworker used 2 oars like chopsticks, in a comical rescue mission!  

Happy Group

​Our happy gang headed back to the lodge for another good evening of porch time and dining.

At dinner, we had some playful conversations with server, Melody... who could not be convinced to sing, despite her name. Our chatting got more serious as she shared about the lodge's evacuation 2 weeks earlier. It was sad to know that Redfish was again at risk. 

We stepped outside after dinner and the air smelled smoky.

We slept with windows closed on the second night, but still smelled smoke.  

We woke to a different view in the morning. The lake looked sad and eerie.

We thought about sitting on the lobby couches before breakfast, but they were all taken, with guests who were not looking out at the view. They were busily using the lobby's wifi.

The folks staring at laptops and phones seemed to be mostly cabin and camping guests, who were scrambling to make new plans. Fire worries. 

​We were some of the lucky ones, since we had already planned to leave that day. We headed out to see the lake before breakfast.

At breakfast the staff seemed more subdued. What a long summer they'd had. Lightning had started the Wapiti Fire over a month before. The lodge had been forced to close during peak season.

Wapiti Fire
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We packed and checked out at 11 and avoided road closures with a different route back to Boise.

As far as I know, the lodge did not have to evacuate after we left. But I'm sure fire concerns, stressed the staff and interfered with business. I so hope the lodge and area recovers from the summer fires. 826,000 acres have burned in Idaho in 2024.

What's Notable?

Our stay at Redfish Lake Lodge made me feel I'd stepped back into summer of 1965. It felt simple and relaxed. Comfortable temps. Delicious food. Boat time. Cozy rooms with open window. Being with family... I'll always have fond memories.

I'm so glad we won't have memories of evacuation or scary flames. I'm also glad we were sort of unaware of just how serious things could be. It felt like I was a kid, shielded from worry. We were surrounded by the upbeat staff, in a positive atmosphere. I felt like a kid at camp, where our biggest decision was what time we should go eat and what flavor of ice cream to order. I'm so glad Redfish Lake Lodge survived the summer fires. I hope it's still around in another 100 years.
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