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For Nick Popplewell and his family, some of life's best memories have been made along the shores of Redfish Lake.

What began as a family tradition generations ago has become one Nick now shares with his wife and children. His  family has been visiting Redfish Lake since the 1930s, and some of his favorite childhood memories were spent there with cousins, his mom, grandmother, and great-aunt.

Today, the tradition continues with several trips to the lake each summer.

The adventure begins long before they reach the water. The three-hour drive from Buhl along Highway 75 is part of the experience, offering breathtaking views of Idaho's mountain landscapes. Along the way, the family passes familiar landmarks like Easley Hot Springs, Smiley Creek Lodge, Phantom Hill, and Galena Summit while taking in views of the Pioneer Mountains, Sawtooths, Boulders, and White Clouds.

For Nick, the scenery serves as a reminder of how beautiful Idaho truly is.

"It's hard not to feel a sense of wonder and peace when you're surrounded by mountains like that," he said.

Once they arrive, the family heads straight for their favorite spot at Point Beach. The day is spent soaking up the sunshine, swimming, building sandcastles, and watching the kids chase minnows along the shoreline. Some visits include renting a boat and exploring the lake from a different perspective.

Like any great family outing, food is an important part of the tradition. The family packs a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water while keeping a close eye on the local chipmunks, who are always eager to sneak a snack when no one is looking.

Before heading home, there's one stop that never gets skipped: an ice cream cone from Redfish Lake Lodge. Sometimes the family extends the adventure with a drive into Stanley for a snack before making their way back through the Wood River Valley and stopping in Ketchum for dinner.

While the destination remains the same year after year, it's the time spent together that keeps the tradition alive.

For Nick, Redfish Lake is more than a beautiful place to visit. It's a place where generations of family memories have been made and where new ones continue to be created every summer.

Because sometimes the best Idaho adventures aren't about discovering somewhere new—they're about returning to the places that feel like home.

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