Attractions
There are so many amazing things to do and see in the Sawtooth Mountains. Here are just a few of our favorites!
Fishing
With world-renown fishing out your back door, the Stanley Basin is a fisherman's paradise. Fish in the Salmon River just steps from the cabin or explore the innumerable nearby mountain lakes and streams that are regularly stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. Explore on your own or with the help of local guides.
Hiking
Hiking and backpacking in the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains is an unforgettable experience. The limitless opportunities for day hikes, or multi-day backpacking trips to one of the hundreds of alpine lakes are some of the best in the Country. Venture out on your own or with the help of local guides for the experience of a lifetime.
Horseback Riding
Bordering the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, makes horseback riding as good as it gets. You can ride deep into the wilderness to get away from it all for a few days, or simply take the family on an afternoon ride.
​
There are more trail options than you can count and a number of local outfitters who can take you on whatever adventure you're up for.
Sawtooth Fish Hatchery
We have been camping and enjoying the Sawtooth Mountains with our kids since they were babies. As they've grown, we've found fun activities we loved to do at every age.
​
The Sawtooth Fish Hatchery is just a few miles south of the entrance to Redfish Lake on Hwy 75. They have stocked fishing ponds and free tackle for kids to use. It's a great place for kids to catch their first fish!
​
They also have a great visitor's center and you can see "baby" fish in the runs and watch the adult salmon and steelhead run up the fish ladder to return to their birthplace to spawn. Even though our kids are grown, we never skip the fish hatchery.
Yankee Fork
Another family friendly outing is a trip up the Yankee. If you turn off Hwy 75 at Sunbeam, along the easy dirt road you will encounter an old gold mining dredge where they offer informative tours and a even a souvenier shop. It's a great stop on the way to Custer. Also along the road are a number of dredge ponds that are regularly stocked with fish. These are a terrific place for kids to fish as the casting and catching are easy.
​
When you're done at the dredge ponds, just a little further up the road is the historic mining town of Custer. In this quiant little ghost town there is an interesting self-guided tour through pioneer cabins, the school, a store, and the old pioneer cemetery. They often offer activities for kids like a lesson on panning for gold. This is a family favorite for young kids.
Redfish Lake
One of the most popular destinations in the Sawtooth Valley is Redfish Lake. This spectacular mountain lake is surrounded by beautiful campgrounds that are some of the most popular in the country.
​
There are a number of sandy beaches, and the marina provides everything you can dream of for a day of fun at the lake. They offer boat, kayak, canoe, SUP, and paddle boat rentals, as well as shuttle services for hikers and a sunset appetizer cruise.
In addition to the fun at the lake, there is a lovely visitor's center that offers exhibits and tours, as well as free programming, including a Junor Ranger program!
Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Central Idaho is home to over 1400 acres designated by the International Dark Sky Association as Idaho's Dark Sky Reserve, the first-ever Gold Tier preserve in the US and one of only 12 world-wide.
​
When you look up into the sky at night you will see more stars than you've ever seen in your life. The splendor of the night sky in the Sawtooths is unlike anything you've ever seen, so be sure to spend at least one evening looking up into the majestic star-filled sky.
Other Lakes
There are a number of breathtaking lakes in and around the Sawtooth​ Mountains. Access ranges from an easy drive to a strenuous hike.
​
Petit and Alturas lakes are accessible by car from highway 75 about 30 minutes south of Stanley just before Smiley Creek. Stanley Lake is just up Highway 21 from Stanley and offers camping and hiking with a bit smaller crowds than Redfish.
But some of the most beautiful lakes require a day or overnight hike. Alice Lake is a 5 1/2-mile hike from Petit Lake and is one of the most scenic lakes in the Sawtooth range. The path to Sawtooth Lake is even less traveled, but still fairly accessible via a 5-mile hike from the Iron Creek trailhead.
River Rafting
Idaho is known as the "Whitewater State" because it boasts more miles of runnable whitewater than any other state in the U.S. With over 3,500 miles of whitewater rivers, including iconic ones like the Salmon, and Payette, which are both accessible from Stanley, Idaho offers unparalleled opportunities for rafting and kayaking adventures. The typical rafting season in Idaho runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you're interested in a river rafting adventure, we recommend that you reach out to one of the many experienced guides in the area who have the training to ensure your trip is both memorable and safe.
Local Events
There are so many events happening in and around Stanley year round that it would be impossible to list them all. Some of the most popular events include nightly live music on the lawn at the Redfish Lake Lodge, the annual Sawtooth Arts and Crafts Festival, The Sawtooth Valley Gathering music festival, and so much more. You'll definitely want to consult the local events calendar and plan your visit around these events!
