At Twin Falls we pulled our old travel trailer northward from Interstate 84, following US-93 and then Idaho route 75, up into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The road takes you through trendy Sun Valley, on over Galena Summit (elevation 8701 feet) and into one of America's most beautiful valleys. Just before reaching the crossroads community of Stanley, we took the turn-off to Redfish Lake. It's clearly marked.

Just a couple of miles farther, we reached the road leading to Outlet, a National Forest Service campground near the lake's outlet stream. The name of the campground has nothing to do with utility outlets, for there are no electric or water hookups for RV's. Water spigots are available every few hundred feet, and several pit toilets serve the campground. This is pretty much a bare bones camping area, intended for self-contained RV's and tenters.

Parking for RV's, motor homes and/or tow vehicles with trailers, is very good. Most sites are level and of ample size, though few permit pulling-through. Back-in sites are the rule, but the road is wide, so getting in or out is no problem. One must be careful of the trees and a few boulders, of course. But park officials have made RV's just as welcome as tenters.

The setting is "picture perfect" and especially appealing when only a few late season campers share the scenery and tranquility. That's why we head for places like Redfish Lake after Labor Day. Families with school children are gone and it's peaceful in the forest and on the lake's pristine waters.

Our campsite was just a few dozen yards from the lake, making it convenient and easy to launch my little kayak from the campground. Folks with trailered boats can use an excellent launch area just a mile beyond the campground. A well-maintained boat ramp and paved parking area is provided.

The waters of Redfish Lake are crystal clear. You can see bottom at depths of over 20 feet, especially if the sun is behind you. The view, looking south down the lake, is spectacular. Majestic rugged mountains frame the lake, lined with tall evergreens right to the water's edge, to create a picture postcard scene few places in the world can match.

I could barely wait to launch my 17-foot sea kayak for the first paddling experience in that magnificent setting. On my initial visit to the area, several years ago, my travel schedule permitted only the briefest time to linger. This time would be different.

The lake is barely five miles long and, at best, a mile wide. The shoreline at the north end is sandy, with swimming beaches at a few places. The water is cold, even in late summer, so only the hardiest stay wet for very long. Along the western and southern sides boulders and rough rocky shorelines make beaching your boat out of the question.

My activity afloat was primarily paddling and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Fishing is popular, but I didn't see anyone catch one during the visit. With such magnificent scenery fishing, swimming or even water skiing has to take a back seat to just being there.

Shoreline trails afford delightful hiking among the pines and along the water's edge. Every now and then you get to see ducks, geese or perhaps songbirds. The sounds of chattering squirrels resonate through the trees, letting you know that they don't welcome intruders in their magnificent domain.