The Redfish Lake recreation complex has reopened following the Bench Lake Fire. Officials report that the blaze is now 90% contained after burning through 2,595 acres
The Bench Lake Fire, which prompted the closure, was contained but has left its mark on the landscape. The fire began on July 11, just one mile west of Redfish Lake and eight miles south of Stanley, Idaho.
According to an article published by Challis Messenger, the Thunder Fire, ignited by lightning, burned 2,474 acres approximately 12 miles south and southwest of Salmon. The closure order was lifted on August 2, reopening roads and trails in the Williams Creek area of the Salmon-Challis Forest.
Additionally, the Deer Fire, another lightning-caused blaze, consumed 52 acres about 33 miles northwest of Challis and southeast of Pinyon Peak in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness since it started on July 25. The Pony Fire also ignited on August 3, burning approximately 10 acres nine miles west of Salmon.
Despite the reopening, some areas within the Redfish Lake recreation complex remain off-limits. The Point and Inlet campgrounds are still closed to visitors. However, day-use activities outside the Inlet campground closure area, such as hiking to Saddleback, are permitted.
Several trails also remain closed, including the Alpine Way Trail 52 between Marshal Lake and Redfish Lake Lodge, Fishhook Trail 186, and all trails leading to the Bench Lakes.
For those planning to camp in the area, reservations are now required for the Glacier View and Outlet campgrounds. Four other campgrounds, Sockeye, Chinook Bay, Mountain View, and Mount Heyburn are operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
On August 4, management of the Bench Lake Fire was transferred back to Sawtooth Forest officials. While visitors may still observe embers and smoke from interior pockets of the fire, these are not considered a threat to the established containment lines.
