Visit Stanley Idaho » Horseback/Trail Rides

Stanley, Idaho: How to Escape Society – the Middle Fork Lodge

stanleyidaho — Wed, 11 May 2011 22:35:13 +0000

Along the banks of the Middle Fork of the Salmon, mixed in with tall Ponderosas, trickling mountain springs, and wandering elk, is the Historic Middle Fork Lodge. Deep within the Frank Church Wilderness Area the thought of comfortable beds, dining room tables, and electricity is a far cry from what many might expect, but the Middle Fork Lodge fits naturally into the mountainous hillside like a springtime blossom of Syringa flowers.

The Middle Fork Lodge has a storied history on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. First established in the 1940’s, it served as the year-round residence of the Tom McCall family. It soon became a family business to run the “Dude Ranch” and the hunters, or “dudes”, were flown into the Forest Service dirt airstrip just a mile downstream. In fact, much of the supplies and materials used to build the structures were flown into that very airstrip, which is now known as the “Thomas Creek Airstrip”. Items that couldn’t be flown in were packed in by horse or mule or, in some instances, floated in by sweep boat.

As the Lodge gained popularity and prestige it began to take in some high-profile celebrities. Two U.S. Presidents have spent nights at the Middle Fork Lodge. With the closest town of Meyer’s Cove being 40 miles, no roads leading in or out of the property, and the fact that it’s located in the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48, the seclusion and isolation of the Lodge makes it the perfect true “get-away” for visitors.

Today’s Middle Fork Lodge has been remodeled extensively to meet the demands of its clients. High-speed satellite internet, a huge meeting room overlooking the river, and a wide array of outdoor activities offered make it a prime candidate for business meetings and team building events.

Occasionally, river rafting or fly-fishing groups that are floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon will spend a night at the Lodge. For most trips, this is mile 36 of their float down the river and marks their second or third day. Staying at the Lodge means warm showers, a night of comfortable sleep, and a beautiful place to call home for the night.

For more information about the Middle Fork Lodge, visit them online at www.MiddleForkLodge.com.

Stanley, Idaho: Finding Paradise at the Flying “B” Resort

stanleyidaho — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:50:08 +0000

The Flying “B” Ranch on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a popular guest ranch that can be accessed by backpackers, horseback riders, those floating the river, or by back-country plane. The ranch is located 38 miles southwest of Salmon, Idaho and features a main lodge, nine cabins, indoor facilities and its very own hydroelectric power plant.

A popular stop for those on Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting or fishing trips, the Flying “B” Ranch (known simply as “the B” to most guides), has a small store used sometimes to restock float trips for their final 35 miles to the confluence with the Main Salmon River. They carry rare wilderness items like block ice, ice cream, beer and soda.

Getting supplies to the Flying “B” is no easy chore. With no road access, nearly all items are flown in via small back-country planes. When items can’t be flown in they are floated from Boundary Creek, the normal launch site for Middle Fork of the Salmon trips, to the ranch, more than 65 miles downstream. A photo in Cort Conley’s guide book to the Middle Fork of the Salmon shows a VW Bus loaded on a sweep boat on its way to the Flying “B” Ranch.

Many often wonder what exactly the “B” stands for in the Flying “B” name. Captain Bernard was a major player in the Sheepeater Indian War. Bernard Creek enters the river from the left only a mile downstream of the ranch.

Those who stay at the Flying “B” Ranch are treated to great meals and even better surroundings. The Middle Fork canyon in this area is wide-open but the “B” marks the start of what has become known to boaters as “Impassable Canyon” – where the canyon shortly pinches in and the river picks up speed. Trails from the “B” go both upstream and downstream, which allows visitors access to hundreds of miles of trail to explore, side creeks to fish, and vistas to climb.

More information about the Flying “B” Ranch:

Online: www.flyingresortranches.com
Phone: 877-562-1129
Email: flyingresort@centurytel.net

Idaho Horseback Riding: Saddles For Young Buckaroos And Old Cowpokes

stanleyidaho — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:25:50 +0000

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