You can certainly find a fancy meal in Boise as you launch or conclude your visit to Stanley. But if instead you fancy a good value, consider a visit to one of the establishments below.

Bitter Creek Alehouse (www.justeatlocal.com/bittercreek)

Bittercreek Alehouse marries Northwest cuisine with 39 draft beers from craft brewers in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Northern California. Lights (and TV’s) go out weekdays from 4 to 6pm for Bitter Creek’s ‘Low Power Happy Hour.’

Rstuarant Hours: Daily 11:am till Close

246 North 8th Street 208-345-1813

Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery(www.bardenay.com)

Situated in a once empty warehouse, Bardenay (a sailor’s term for ‘cocktail’) is America’s first restaurant distillery. Concoctions featuring house-distilled spirits (including vodka, rum and gin) and freshly squeezed citrus juices are a highlight.

Three Locations:

In Boise: 310 Grove Street 208-426-0538

In Eagle: 155 East Riverside Drive 208-938-5093

In Coeur d’ Alene Idaho: 1710 West Riverside Drive 208-765-1540

Le Café de Paris French Bistro (www.lecafedeparis.com)

Mathieu Choux’s bistro brings a little bit of Burgundy to downtown Boise. The French native established La Café de Paris in 2006, and offers authentic, casual French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner - good food, but not all fancied up.

204 North Capitol Blvd Between Idaho and Bannock. 208-336-0889

Hours: Sunday and Monday 7am till 3pm. Tuesday thru Thursday 7am - 10pm. Friday and Saturday 7am till 12pm

Goldy’s (www.goldysbreakfastbistro.com)

Boise’s best breakfast restaurant may very well be Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro, which has been featured in Bon Appetit. Favorites include dishes featuring the homemade Hollandaise, Spinach Frittata, and a unique treat — Andalusia Eggs.

Located at 108 Capitol Blvd. 208-345-4100

Hours: Monday thru Friday 6:30am till 2pm. Saturday & Sunday 7:30am till 2pm

Moon’s Kitchen (www.moonskitchen.com)

If you like the comfort of diner food, Moon’s Kitchen is your kind of place. Operating since 1955, Moon’s offers breakfast all day, plus a variety of classic sandwich offerings.

712 W Idaho
(Next to Old Chicago) 208-385-0472
Open 7 Days A Week Hours:
Monday thru Saturday 6:30am-3pm
Sunday 7am-3pm

HIGH-END PLACES TO EAT

Many visitors en route to Stanley will spend a night in Boise, Idaho’s capital and business center. Though a city of modest size, Boise has many metropolitan attractions - including some fine restaurants. A few favorites are listed below. They’re a little more spendy than the local drive-in, but hey, if you’re heading to Stanley, you’re probably on vacation - so enjoy!

Chandler’s (www.chandlersboise.com/)

Chandler’s Steakhouse specializes in prime corn-fed and Kobe-Style beef. Martini aficionados will want to visit Chandlers Martini Bar to sample master mixologist Pat Carden’s Ten-Minute Martini. There’s live jazz 7 night a weeks featuring Kevin Kirk and guest performers. The wine list features two hundred fifty selections. Best Fine Dining Award from the Idaho Statesman’s 2008 & 2009 Best of the Treasure Valley.

CHANDLERS STEAKHOUSE is open 7 nights a week for dinner starting at 5:30 P.M. Monday through Saturday. Dinner starts early on Sundays opening at 4:00 P.M.

Chandlers Steakhouse
Hotel 43
981 West Grove Street
For reservations, call 208.383.4300

Berryhill (www.berryhillandco.com)

The creation of noted chef and restaurateur John Berryhill, this downtown eatery boasts a host of Idaho beef options, pasta and the Idaho Pork Chop Ragout - a locally reared chop braised in an herb, fennel, artichoke and preserved lemon ragout. Live Pianist in the restaurant nightly. Berryhill is located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho.

The restaurant is located at 121 N. 9th St. Call 208-387-3553 for reservations.  Lunch Monday - Friday 11-2 Saturday 12-3 Dinner Monday - Friday 5 till Close

Red Feather Lounge (www.redfeatherlounge.com)
The Red Feather celebrates the bounty of local food and the legacy of lounge culture. Many meals here - including the three-course Price Fixe - feature sustainably farmed ingredients sourced within 100 miles, including pan seared Hagerman Sturgeon, served with zucchini fritters. Dinner every day starting at 5 pm

208.429.6340
246 N. 8th Street

THREE PLACES TO FISH NEAR STANLEY

Main Salmon River:
The Main Salmon River begins its over 900 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean from the Stanley/Sawtooth area. Before it joins with the Snake River and then the Columbia, it becomes a mighty river but in the Stanley area, it is a much smaller stream and a great place to fish. The Idaho Fish and Game Department stocks catchable Rainbows in the area from about 20 miles above and about 20 miles below Stanley. Beyond those areas there is a better likelihood of finding native Westslope Cutthroat, Rainbows, hybrid Cutbows and Bull Trout. In the spring there is a great chance of catching an ocean run Steelhead.
If you just like to get out and fish a bit, the fishing within a couple miles of Stanley is a great place to toss a line and relax and fish with the views of the Sawtooth Mountains overwhelming your fishing spot. If you prefer to spend more time and are looking for better chances at native fish try the areas farther from town or give Sawtooth Fishing Guides a call for a day of guided fishing. Call them at 208 774 8768.

Valley Lakes:
There are a number of larger valley lakes that it is possible to drive to and fish, hike or just enjoy the views. The best valley lake for fishing during most of the summer is Stanley Lake. It is located by driving about 4 miles West of Stanley on Highway 75, turning off on the Stanley Lake Road and driving another 3 miles. The most popular spot to fish is around the inlet area at the far end of the lake.
If you never caught a fish at Stanley Lake, you would be sure that just driving there and seeing the view was reason enough to go there! It is spectacular! This lake has several kinds of fish and is stocked with Rainbows. That doesn’t mean you might not catch a Cutthroat, a Brook Trout, a Bull Trout or a Mountain White Fish as all of them are present in the lake.
Mountain Lakes:
Most any of the lakes that have hiking trails also have fish in them. Idaho Fish & Game typically stocks fingerlings in these high lakes on a three year rotation. As always, the place to start with fishing most of the high lakes is near the inlet or outlet. Recommended lakes that aren’t a super long day hike are Farley Lake and Cabin Creek Lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains and Fourth of July and Washington Lakes in the White Cloud Mountains.
If you are up for a longer hike, most any of the lakes hold fish and most of the fish are willing to come to a fly as the season for “food gathering’ for these fish is a short one. Many of the lakes are snowed in and iced over from November until June or later. It is always wise to check with the Forest Service before you hike to a lake to find out trail conditions.
For information on guided fishing in the Stanley area, call Sawtooth Fishing Guides at 208 774 8768 or www.sawtoothfishingguides.com

For information on fishing licenses types, purchase of licenses and Idaho fishing regulations, contact Idaho Fish & Game at 1-800-824-3729 or visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov McCoy’s Tackle Shop in Stanley also sells fishing licenses.

For more information and a map of hiking trails, mountain biking trails and roads to different areas near Stanley, look for “Sawtooth & White Cloud Mountains” trail map produced by Adventure Maps. It can be purchased at McCoy’s Tackle shop, online at www.adventuremaps.net or sales@adventuremap.net or by calling 1-800-849-6589.

 Main Salmon River:

The Main Salmon River begins its over 900 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean from the Stanley/Sawtooth area.   Before it joins with the Snake River and then the Columbia, it becomes a mighty river but in the Stanley area, it is a much smaller stream and a great place to fish.  The Idaho Fish and Game Department  stocks catchable Rainbows in the area from about 20 miles above and about 20 miles below Stanley.  Beyond those areas there is a better likelihood of finding native Westslope Cutthroat, Rainbows, hybrid Cutbows and Bull Trout.  In the spring there is a great chance of catching an ocean run Steelhead.

If you just like to get out and fish a bit, the fishing within a couple miles of Stanley is a great place to toss a line and relax and fish with the views of the Sawtooth Mountains overwhelming your fishing spot.  If you prefer to spend more time and are looking for better chances at native fish try the areas farther from town or give Sawtooth Fishing Guides a call for a day of guided fishing.  Call them at 208 774 8768.

Valley Lakes:

There are a number of larger valley lakes that it is possible to drive to and fish, hike or just enjoy the views.  The best valley lake for fishing during most of the summer is Stanley Lake.  It is located by driving about 4 miles West of Stanley on Highway 75, turning off on the Stanley Lake Road and driving another 3 miles.  The most popular spot to fish is around the inlet area at the far end of the lake.  

If you never caught a fish at Stanley Lake,  you would be sure that just driving there and seeing the view was reason enough to go there!  It is spectacular!   This lake has several kinds of fish and is stocked with Rainbows.  That doesn’t mean you might not catch a Cutthroat, a Brook Trout, a Bull Trout or a Mountain White Fish as all of them are present in the lake.

 Mountain Lakes:

Most any of the lakes that have hiking trails also have fish in them.  Idaho Fish & Game typically stocks fingerlings in these high lakes on a three year rotation.  As always, the place to start with fishing most of the high lakes is near the inlet or outlet.  Recommended lakes that aren’t a super long day hike are Farley Lake and Cabin Creek Lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains and Fourth of July and Washington Lakes in the White Cloud Mountains. 

If you are up for a longer hike, most any of the lakes hold fish and most of the fish are willing to come to a fly as the season for “food gathering’ for these fish is a short one. Many of the lakes are snowed in and iced over from November until June or later.  It is always wise to check with the Forest Service before you hike to a lake to find out trail conditions.

For information on guided fishing in the Stanley area, call Sawtooth Fishing Guides at 208 774 8768 or www.sawtoothfishingguides.com

For information on fishing licenses types, purchase of licenses and Idaho fishing regulations, contact Idaho Fish & Game at 1-800-824-3729 or visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov       McCoy’s Tackle Shop in Stanley also sells fishing licenses.

For more information and a map of hiking trails, mountain biking trails and roads to different areas near Stanley, look for “Sawtooth & White Cloud Mountains” trail map produced by Adventure Maps.  It can be purchased at McCoy’s Tackle shop, online at www.adventuremaps.net or sales@adventuremap.net or by calling 1-800-849-6589.

 Sawtooth & Alpine Lakes:

 Round trip to Sawtooth Lake - 10 miles

 Round trip to Alpine Lake     -   8 miles

 Intermediate hiking and moderately strenuous

This is a not to be missed hike in the Sawtooth Mountains that includes everything you would want to see on a hike in the mountains.  The trail starts at the Iron Creek trailhead which can be accessed by driving 2 miles West of Stanley on Highway 21 then driving about 3 miles on a dirt road to the Iron Creek Trailhead and Campground.

This hike is starts in the forest and at about 1 mile it opens up into a beautiful alpine meadow.  It continues on into the forest again and begins to climb a bit for about 2 more miles.  After crossing the creek in an open alpine basin, the trail climbs more abruptly on switchbacks to the turnoff to Alpine Lake which is about ¼ mile off of the main trail.   The trail continues on up for approximately another mile or so switchbacking back and forth on a ridgeline with incredible views of the mountains and valley below.  At the top the trail passes a small lake and a few hundred yards farther it opens up on Sawtooth Lake and Mt Regan.

Fourth of July & Washington Lakes:

Round Trip to Fourth of July Lake - 3.6 miles

Round Trip to Washington Lake —  5.6 miles

Easy hiking at about 9,500 foot elevation

This is a great hike for a taste of what the White Cloud mountains on the East side of the Sawtooth Valley are like.  The elevation is higher than the Sawtooths, the geology is different and the sense of being in the mountains is overwhelming for such a short hike.  The access road for this hike is located about 15 miles south on Highway 75 from Stanley to the Fourth of July Creek Road.  Drive about 10 miles on a dirt road which can be a bit bumpy to reach the trailhead.

The hike starts in the forest and reaches Fourth of July Lake at about 1. 8 miles where the lake, the meadow around the lake and the mountain views are incredible.  Washington Lake is about another mile over a small pass and down a bit from there.  It is in a tighter basin with views as great as those at Fourth of July.

Marsh Creek (headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River):

Easy hiking for any amount of mileage as the trail follows the river and a turn around can be done at any time.

The trailhead can be reached by driving northwest from Stanley on Highway 21 to the turnoff for Lolo Campground and Bradley Boy Scout Camp.  Turn off the highway and follow the dirt road a mile or two to the trail head which is beyond Lolo Campground.

The hike follows Marsh Creek which is one of the two main tributary streams that form the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.   At about 1 ¼ mile, the trail crosses the stream on a bridge and from there on it opens up in some areas with views of surrounding mountains and at other times it is in thicker forest, but is always follows the stream.

At about 5 miles Marsh Creek meets up with Bear Valley Creek to become the Middle Fork of the Salmon.  The confluence of these two streams is called “The Big Hole” and is a great place to eat lunch and turn around for the return trip. 

For more information and a great map of hiking and mountain biking trails look for “Sawtooth & White Cloud Mountains” trail map produced by Adventure Maps.  It can be purchased at McCoy’s Tackle shop, online at www.adventuremaps.net or sales@adventuremap.net or by calling 1-800-849-6589.

When I have a day or a week off my first choice is to hike in, study the water as I am eating my lunch to determine the best way to fish. I must admit that the incredible beauty of Central Idaho sometimes  distracts me from my fishing , especially when I see Big Horn Sheep walk up to the far shore to get a drink or watch elk graze in the meadows. And as I look back, one of life’s greatest treasures is to have been able to share these experiences with my Children as they were growing up.

So, if you are planning a trip to our area be sure to stop by McCoy’s Tackle and Gift Shop for the best selection of flies and lures for this area. We can show you what works best at the time you will be fishing here and give you some tips on the best way to use them. As an ORVIS dealer we have a great line of rods, reels and can easily put line on your reels for you. If you are looking for a convenient travel rod with a sturdy  case, contact us before your trip and we can get you the appropriate set up for this area and have it ready to fish on your arrival. Or if you don’t want to travel with your gear we have both Fly Rod’s and Spin Rods to rent. We have Outdoor Clothing and accessories, T-shirts and very informative Maps and  books about the area. Looking forward to seeing you on your next vacation. We are located in Stanley, Idaho, one block off HWY 21, across from the Post Office.

Jane Mc Coy the long time owner of Mc Coys Tackle has a great fly selection and always knows what the fish like at any goiven time.  Jane always has a warm smile and  abig Idaho greeting for all who enter her shop. All of the Solitude River Trip guides buy flies at Mc Coys on a regular basis.

Family Vacation Ideas: Idaho Rafting, Fun For The Whole Family!

Idaho boasts over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams, offering up some of the finest white water rafting opportunities available anywhere.  The Middle Fork, the Snake, the Salmon, Hells Canyon, the Payette, the Owyhee, Jarbridge, the Selway – these and other Idaho rivers beckon thousands of visitors every summer.  But not every white water rafter is a grizzled “river rat” – in fact, many families who have no white water experience whatsoever take to the river canyons for once in a lifetime wilderness vacations.   Rafting vacations combine the excitement of traversing white water with an immersion in the natural world, a rustic camping experience, an education in Native American and pioneer lore, and perhaps even an introduction to fly fishing.  There’s something for everyone (on many rivers, that includes natural hot springs – Mother Nature’s own spa treatment).  Highly trained river guides make your family’s safety their first concern, in the water and out…and help your family understand and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. From 1/2 day trips to multi day trips Idaho rivers have it all. Its never too late to book a trip. So what are you waiting for? Idaho beckons!

Elk Mountain Loop:

Loop length  — 11.5 miles   Intermediate skill level - moderately strenuous

The trailhead for this ride is located by driving about 4 miles west of Stanley on Highway 21 to the Stanley Lake road then driving about 3.5 miles on that road to the trailhead just beyond the turnoff to the Inlet Campground at Stanley Lake.

The ride starts out with a climb in the first two or three miles then gradually looses altitude throughout most of the rest of the ride.  There is some great riding though the forest and along a beautiful mountain meadow on single track for much of the ride.  The beginning and much of the end is riding on dirt road and the last mile or so is a return to the trailhead on the Stanley Lake road on pavement. There is a mile or so in knobby rocks but most of the ride is pretty easy. 

The scenery goes in and out of great mountain views, meadow views and forest.

 Joe’s Gulch/Nip-N-Tuck Loop:

Loop length  — 14 miles  Easy riding - moderately strenuous

This ride starts in Lower Stanley just downriver from Stanley on Road #633 opposite “Bridge Street Grill.”  It follows Road #644 for about 5 miles to the intersection with Road #653.  Make a right turn onto #653, ride .3 miles crossing the creek and take another right turn still following Road #653.  At almost 3 miles, Road #653 becomes Road #431.  Stay on that road for another .7 miles where it takes a sharp right and begins to climb on Road #139.  Follow this road up to a pass with some great views for

about 1 ½ miles then ride downhill on Road #328 for about 2.5 miles.  This will bring you back out on Highway 75 where a right turn and a ride of about a mile brings you back to the beginning point

The first 3 miles of the ride could be done as a turnaround trip and would offer some incredible views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the Stanley Basin and wouldn’t necessarily require a map.  The full ride should be done with a map in hand.

 Fisher Creek Loop:

Loop length  –17.5 miles  Advanced and strenuous riding

This ride starts at the trailhead for the Williams Creek Trail about 10.5 miles south of Stanley on Highway 75.  It should be ridden in a counterclockwise direction so the two miles or so will be on Highway 75.   

This is a well known and often written up ride.  It includes some beautiful views of both the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains, as well as both road and some fun and somewhat challenging single track riding with a narrow steep descent near the end. 

Start the ride by riding South on Highway 75 for about 2.3 miles.  Turn left (East) onto Fisher Creek Road #132.  At about 7 miles it will become Trail #132.  Ride about a mile or so on that trail to a junction with Trail #104.   Be sure to turn left onto

Trail #104.  Ride the last approximately 7 miles of mostly downhill back to the trailhead.  The 7 miles or so on Road #132 is mostly uphill.  This ride should be done with a map in hand.

 For more information and a great map of mountain biking and hiking trails look for “Sawtooth & White Cloud Mountains” trail map produced by Adventure Maps.  It can be purchased at McCoy’s Tackle shop in Stanley , online at www.adventuremaps.net or sales@adventuremap.net or by calling 1-800-849-6589.

For over 40 years Mystic Saddle Ranch of Stanley, Idaho has set the standard for back country trips into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether you want a quick overnight trip or an eight day excursion, hosts Jeff and Deb Bitton pride themselves on being a “custom company” that will design the perfect trip for your group. From groups that need only riding or pack horses to groups that need everything from meals to fishing poles, Mystic Saddle Ranch has it covered.
No experience necessary as guides offer up basic riding instruction and horses are well suited for young buckaroos to old cowpokes. Your personal guide will not only introduce you to solitude and adventures but also show you the best streams and lakes and give you pointers on landing that trout! Guides are licensed and first aid/CPR certified to ensure your safety.
Don’t have time for multi day camping? Head on over to either Red Fish Lake Corrals or Galena Stage Stop Corrals, both operations of Mystic Saddle Ranch offer trail rides daily through out the summer season. Stop in for a scenic tour or schedule a full day ride with lunch included. Day rides vary from a full day in the saddle with a quick stop for lunch or ride a few hours to a lake where you can fish the afternoon away.

Extended pack-trip into the wilderness or an hour trail ride, either way you will receive the same first rate service that Mystic Saddle Ranch is known for while taking in views you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. So, give Jeff and Deb a call. Let them show you why they chose to raise their family sharing this unique lifestyle with visitors from around the world.
Toll Free: 1-888-772-5432

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is among forty nine other venues around the world that you must “fly fish before you die” – at least according to author Chris Santella, which features the river in his book, Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die:

“The Middle Fork of the Salmon – framed by the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in central Idaho – remains a stronghold for native west slope cutthroat. And anglers could hardly hope for a prettier place to pursue this most becoming salmonid.”

Through in-depth interviews with many of fly fishing’s acknowledged gurus, the book beyond standard guides to convey the very essence of the recommended locations. Readers can vicariously cast mouse patterns to fifty-pound taimen in the wilds of Mongolia, wrangle with wily permit off the Florida Keys, and match the hatch on Montana’s Armstrong’s Spring Creek….and watch brightly colored Middle Fork cutts rocket up through the river’s clear waters to take a well-presented caddis imitation. The essays include a cultural/natural history of each destination, along with colorful anecdotes based and authorities’ experiences. Full of engaging fish tales, the book also provides adventurous anglers with enough travel-and-tackle information so that they, too, can start planning excursions to go fish around the globe.

For both armchair travelers and avid outdoorsmen who may have already started a checklist of their own, Fifty Places To Fly Fish Before You Die maps out the Meccas of the fly-fishing world. It’s been one of the best-selling fly fishing books since A River Runs Through It was released in 1976.