Nestled in south-central Utah, Fishlake National Forest is a high-altitude playground for anglers, hikers, and families. If you are searching for things to do with Fishlake, you have come to the right place. From the famous Pando aspen grove to quiet blue-ribbon trout waters, this forest delivers outdoor adventure without the crowds of the Mighty Five parks.
When you stay at Flying U Country Store & RV Park in nearby Joseph, you are just a short drive from the best things to do at Fishlake. Here is your no-nonsense guide to trails, lakes, and wildlife.
1. Fish Lake: The Crown Jewel
Most things to do at Fishlake start at the namesake lake itself. Fish Lake sits at 8,848 feet and is one of Utah’s largest natural mountain lakes. It is known for massive mackinaw (lake trout) and yellow perch. Ice fishing is popular in winter; by June, the boat ramps are busy with trolling anglers.
Do not overlook the Fish Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 25). It hugs the eastern shore and offers pull-offs for picnics, kayaking, and shoreline fishing. If you want a simple entry point for things to do in Fishlake, start at the Lakeside Trail. This flat, 2.5-mile path connects the marina to Bowery Creek. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it one of the most family-friendly things to do in Fishlake.
2. Trails for Every Skill Level
You do not need to be a backpacker to enjoy the forest. Here are three trails that cover the best things to do at Fishlake on foot.
Pelican Canyon Trail (4 miles round trip) – Gentle grade, open meadows, and consistent deer sightings. Connects to the larger Fremont River Trail system.
Mytoge Mountains Loop (7 miles) – Moderate climb with panoramic views of Fish Lake from the west rim. Wildflowers peak in July.
Big Flat Trailhead to Copper Creek (10 miles round trip) – Advanced day hike. You will cross aspen stands and small streams. Look for elk tracks.
For a shorter walk, the Pando Interpretive Trail is less than a mile. Pando is a quaking aspen clone estimated at 80,000 years old. It is one of the most unique things to do at Fishlake and a must-see for any nature lover.
3. Lakes Beyond Fish Lake
Many visitors ask for things to do at Fishlake but miss the smaller lakes. Johnson Valley Reservoir is 15 minutes from Flying U. It holds rainbow trout and grayling. Non-motorized boats are welcome. Forsyth Reservoir is another quiet option with campsites and brook trout.
If you have a high-clearance vehicle, visit Mills Meadow Reservoir. The road is rough, but the payoff is solitude and cutthroat trout. These lesser-known spots are excellent things to do Fishlake if you want to escape the marina crowds.
4. Wildlife Watching
The forest is part of the Fishlake National Forest and is managed for mule deer, elk, and wild turkey. Early mornings along the Fremont River Road are prime for spotting beavers and moose. Birders will note sandhill cranes, osprey, and bald eagles near Fish Lake’s southern marshes.
One of the quieter things to do Fishlake is to park at Doctor Creek Campground at dawn. Bring binoculars. The meadow just east of the campground is a regular elk feeding zone from May through September.
5. ATV and OHV Routes
Fishlake has over 300 miles of designated OHV trails. The Pahvant Mountain Trail and Elkhorn Loop are two favorites among guests at Flying U. Both routes offer high-alpine scenery and access to old mining sites. Always check local MVUM maps at the ranger station in Richfield.
ATV riding is one of the more adventurous things to do Fishlake, especially in late summer when the wild raspberries ripen along the trails.
6. Practical Tips from Flying U Country Store
Before you head out, stop by Flying U Country Store & RV Park. We sell day-use fishing licenses, ice, live bait, and firewood. We also carry printed trail maps for Fishlake National Forest because cell service is spotty past the junction of Highway 24 and 25.
Pro tip: The best things to do Fishlake require preparation. Bring layers (afternoon storms are sudden) and a physical map. The forest roads around Pelican Canyon and Seven Mile are not GPS-reliable.
7. What to Skip
Not every suggestion online is worth your time. Skip the “Mystery Cave” near Bowery Haven unless you have a guide and a helmet – it is unmarked and dangerous. Also avoid the so-called “shortcut” from Koosharem to the lake via Blue Bench Road after rain. That clay turns to grease.
Stick to the verified things to do Fishlake listed here, and you will have a safe, memorable trip.
Fishlake National Forest offers a quieter alternative to Utah’s national parks. Whether you fish, hike, ride ATVs, or just watch elk graze at dawn, you will find no shortage of things to do Fishlake. And when you return to Flying U Country Store & RV Park, you will have hot showers, full hookups, a well-stocked store, and a picnic table waiting.
Book your stay at Flying U Country Store & RV Park and discover why so many families return year after year for the best things to do Fishlake.
Intermountain Forest Service, USDA Region 4 Photography, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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