Idaho · Hiking

Sawtooth Creek

8.6 mi
round trip
4,500 ft
climb
5,810 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Sawtooth Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in North Fork Ranger District. It doesn't name Sawtooth Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (6 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · North Fork Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Sawtooth Creek is a hard hike in Idaho's Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, on the North Fork Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 3,900 feet to roughly 5,800 feet, with a total gain of about 4,500 feet over its 8.6-mile length. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open from June 1 to September 30. The route is not accessible, and the surface is natural. Bikes and horses are both allowed. The steepest stretch comes early, around mile 0.9, where the grade reaches about 31 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs stay in the upper 20s. The trailhead is at Sawtooth Saddle, and the hike takes about five hours. Mallard Peak and Pole Mountain are both within about a mile and a half, and Scribner Falls is about 1.3 miles away. For an overnight stay, Surveyors Lookout campground is about 3.2 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Sawtooth Creek

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 34.3 mi away at 6,028 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.