Thank you to Redfish Lake Lodge Manager Jeff Clegg and PR and Marketing Manager Austin Clegg, for filling us in on this year’s events and recent improvements to the property.
The Sawtooth Society would like to wish everyone at the Redfish Lake Lodge and fellow recreationists a wonderful summer season!
History
For over a decade the Memorial Day run has been going strong thanks to Wood River triathlete Bart Davis and his hopes to bring a triathlon to the area 12 years ago. Together, along with the U.S. Forest Service, an agreement was reached allowing the event to take place as long as it was held before June 21 or after Sept. 15. The first two years, it took place on the Saturday nearest to the June 21 date. With water temperatures a real concern (around 49 degrees), and even colder temps with snow the following year, organizers decided a Memorial Day run was a better fit.
A big hit
In the beginning, the event attracted anywhere from 275-450 people. They have reached their maximum permitted number of 500 participants for the last 4 or 5 years. Runners can choose from:
- A kid’s 1-mile race beginning at 9:30 a.m.
- Half marathon at 10:00 a.m.
- 10k at 10:30 a.m.
- 5k at 11:00 a.m.
It has become a wonderful tradition for families and groups who come every year. Many even choose to write the names of loved ones on their wrist band to honor their memory for the Memorial Day event.
Friday evening, a pre-race dinner is provided, and a catered event for runners and their families following the race on Saturday. For others, seasonal menus can be found here. The lodge plans to be fully operational as of noon, Friday, May 27.
Join the club?
At noon, runners (and others) meet up at the end of the dock to become members of the Bluefish club. A bit of a cool-down plunge into the refreshing water of Redfish Lake. You may even win a small prize.
Also, those who correctly guess the day when the last of the ice melts off the lake, will be entered into a drawing to win some fun prizes. You can enter on Instagram @redfishlakelodge.
Pitch in
Volunteers are needed- If you, friends, or family would like to be part of the volunteer effort both on and/or off the course, please contact Jeff Clegg at jeff@redfishlake.com.
Nearby spring hikes
- Fishhook Creek trail is an early-season hike for families. It’s a gentle 2 miles in and out. Stunning vistas and the towering Sawtooth peaks welcome hikers at the end of the trail.
- Another option is to take the shuttle to the end of the lake and up to Lily Lake and the waterfall. It’s about a 2-mile round-trip hike and doable for most levels.
- Take the Redfish trailhead from the transfer dock at the end of the lake for great views of the lake below. This is about 5.5 miles with a gain of about 800 feet in elevation.
Projects completed
- The kitchen has been completely remodeled as well as some changes to the office space above the kitchen. The new exhaust system, including a replaced hood fan, was a massive project bringing the lodge up to code. It will also be a relief to the cooks who have endured 120-degree temps the last few years.
- Renovations to the Getaway Cabin included a second floor and a new sitting area overlooking the Fishhook Creek marsh area.
- With two new housing units brought in, management is able to address housing issues and provide more beds to their wonderful employees.
Speaking of employees
The hiring season has been good with just a few more positions left to fill. Anyone interested in applying should click here for more information.
