Lakes & Rivers in Ketchum, ID

The Big Wood River winds directly through Ketchum, carving its way south along the Wood River Valley. Just steps from downtown, the river provides easy access for year-round recreation. Anglers flock to the Big Wood for its blue-ribbon trout fishing, where rainbow, brown, and brook trout thrive. Wading and fly-fishing are popular thanks to the river’s clear water and varied riffles, runs, and pools. The Big Wood offers opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and tubing, particularly during spring runoff when flows are higher. Trails and riverbanks create a natural corridor for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and photography, while shaded picnic spots make it a favorite for families.

Flowing just two miles west of downtown Ketchum, Warm Springs Creek is a serene mountain stream that winds through forested slopes before joining the Big Wood River. This creek is a favorite for fly-fishing, with cool, clear waters that hold rainbow and brook trout in quiet pools and shaded riffles. A network of nearby trails makes it popular for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.

Warm Springs Creek feels worlds away yet remains only minutes from Ketchum. It's an easy escape for an afternoon of fishing, a picnic, or a refreshing walk along the water.

Located about 3 miles west of Ketchum along Warm Springs Creek, Penny Lake is a small, easily accessible mountain lake known for its tranquil setting. Stocked regularly with rainbow trout, it’s a popular spot for family-friendly fishing, especially for beginners and children. A short loop trail circles the lake, making it ideal for a quick walk, picnic, or photography stop with beautiful alpine scenery.

Just downstream from Penny Lake, Dollar Lake offers a similar experience in a more secluded setting. Its quiet shoreline and connection to Warm Springs Creek make it a go-to for casting a line or enjoying peaceful views away from town. At only a few minutes’ drive from Ketchum, Dollar Lake feels tucked into the forest yet remains convenient for a half-day outing.

For those drawn to Ketchum’s blend of luxury and authenticity, Dollar Lake is a reminder of what sets the area apart: the ability to slip into a quiet, wild landscape without ever leaving the comforts of a vibrant mountain town. It’s the type of amenity that enhances not just a vacation but also the day-to-day rhythm of calling Sun Valley home.

Tucked into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, about 40 minutes north of Ketchum, Alturas Lake is an alpine escape that feels both grand and accessible. Framed by rugged peaks and thick forests, it’s one of the region’s most beautiful destinations for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. In summer, its sandy shoreline and quiet coves invite families to spread out for a day of swimming or picnicking, while surrounding trails offer access to hikes that climb into the high country.

Roughly an hour and fifteen minutes from Ketchum, Redfish Lake is the crown jewel of the Sawtooths. Backed by jagged granite peaks, it’s a hub for boating, paddleboarding, beach days, and trailheads leading into the wilderness. Lodges, marinas, and seasonal events give it a lively energy, making it as much a social destination as a natural wonder. For residents of the Wood River Valley, Redfish offers the kind of getaway that doesn’t require a plane ticket — a world-class alpine retreat just a scenic drive from home.

Titus Lake is a postcard-pretty alpine lake tucked below Titus Ridge, about 30 minutes from downtown Ketchum via Trail Creek Road to Trail Creek Summit (the road is seasonally closed in winter). The 3.6-mile out-and-back hike is moderate, weaving through shady conifers and small meadows with a few rocky steps before opening to a quiet shoreline that’s perfect for a snack stop or quick cold-water dip. Expect wildflowers mid-summer, golden aspen in fall, and patches of snow early season.