2013 Map of Alturas Lake

About this map

Sawtooth City lies at the southern end of the Sawtooth Valley, a high-altitude basin where the headwaters of the Salmon River begin their journey. This landscape, dominated by the Sawtooth National Forest, is defined by a series of glacial lakes including Alturas Lake, Pettit Lake, and Perkins Lake. The settlement patterns here reflect a mix of historic mining roots, evidenced by the Sawtooth Cemetery, and a long-standing recreation economy. Lodges and seasonal camps such as Smokey Bear Lodge, Lake Alturas Lodge, and Camp Perkins dot the shoreline and forest edge, while State Highway 75 provides the primary transit artery through the valley. The presence of the Smiley Creek Airport and nearby Smiley Creek Lodge further underscores the area's role as a gateway for backcountry access and wilderness exploration in the early 21st century.