February 11^th

All Day: Kids Fun Area, corner of Ace of Diamonds and Wall Street

10:00am: Events sign-up at stage on Ace of Diamonds

11:00am: Curling Competition and Demonstruction at the Ice Rink

12:00: Triathlon begins at Pioneer Park

12:00: Big Air Competition begins on Airport hill

2:00pm: Snowshoe Drag Race on Ace of Diamonds

3:00pm-5:00pm: Street Dance with music by Black Label at stage on Ace of Diamonds

5:00pm: Awards Ceremony at stage on Ace of Diamonds

6:00pm: Pond Hockey at the Ice Rink

February 12^th

All Day: Sledding and snow play on the Airport hill

11:00am: Snowmobile Fun Ride to Redfish Lake.  Participants meet at corner of Niece and Critchfield.

12:00: Powder 8s Competition.  Participants meet at Bridge Street Grill in Lower Stanley.

12:00: Pond Hockey at the Ice Rink

For more information, visit the Stanley Chamber website at www.stanleycc.org.

The views from the Arrow A Ranch are incredible. With the Upper Main Salmon River flowing by and the Sawtooth Mountain Range in the foreground, it’s easy to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the views. Lower Stanley is also within walking distance of Upper Stanley (which is normally just referred to as “Stanley”. Between Upper and Lower is a beautiful creek called “Valley Creek” that, as the name suggests, meanders through the valley separating the Sawtooths from the Salmon River.

What’s the ultimate relaxing day in the Stanley area? Wake up at the Arrow A Ranch, make some coffee, and go for a leisurely stroll up to the Stanley Bakery. Hang out there until the sun heats the valley and then walk down to the Salmon River. Do some fly-fishing and when you’re tired of catching fish, pick up some barbeque supplies at Jerry’s (in Lower Stanley) and fire up the grill back at the Arrow A. With cold beer and tasty food in hand, enjoy a phenomenal Idaho sunset from the porch of the deck. To top it off “Idaho-style”, head over to one of the many nearby hot springs to enjoy a soak before turning in for the night.

If that sounds good, be sure to make reservations at the Arrow A Ranch. Reservations can be hard to get, especially during peak season during the summer months, so it’s suggested to make reservations as far ahead of time as possible. Give Jay or Connie a call to reserve your night. During the summer, call (208) 774-3521. During the winter, try them at (208) 466-5719. You can also visit the Arrow A online at www.arrowaranch.com.

The dam and the power plant were constructed in May of 1910. Power from the plant was utilized by the Sunbeam Consolidated Gold Mines Company at their mine and mill located 13 miles up the Yankee Fork at Jordan Creek. It didn’t last long, just 11 months, before the company realized their upside-down venture and the power plant and dam were sold at a Sheriff’s Auction in April of 1911.

In 1934 the dam was partially blown up. There are various reports with broad discrepancies outlining the details of how the dam eventually met its demise. One report, from the then-former governor of Idaho, Cecil Andrus, states “a party or parties unknown ran a dynamite-laden raft into Sunbeam Dam.” Another report reads, “In 1910, miners built Sunbeam Dam on the Salmon River east of Stanley, cutting off the sockeye’s migration route. They were thought to have gone extinct in the 1920s. But the fish reappeared in 1931 after sportsmen blew a hole in Sunbeam Dam.”

Those who stop at Sunbeam Dam will find another theory behind the cause of the gaping hole in the dam. A sign at the historic overlook says this:

“The dam’s fish ladders eventually fell into disrepair. Idaho Fish and Game then contracted the blasting of the bank next to the dam to allow fish passage in 1934.”

Regardless of how the dam was blown up there are two things we know are true: Sockeye Salmon have one less obstacle to contend with on their trek to Redfish Lake and whitewater rafters on this stretch of river sure have a unique rapid to navigate.

Aside from simply looking cool, the Sawtooth Mountains are home to some of the best backcountry skiing in the country. Many a powder hound has gazed with big eyes at the steep slopes and chutes that run like white veins down the mountainside; but, alas, the summer tourist can only dream. There are just a few whom follow-up six months later to return to Stanley and make what was a summer daydream a winter reality.

For those who do have the determination to ski the Sawtooths there is no better way of doing it than utilizing the ski base called the Bench Hut. The Bench Hut is tucked away in the mountains out just six miles from Redfish Lake and can sleep up to 20 people inside.

A giant wall tent, the Bench Hut contains all the amenities you will need to spend as much time as you’d like in the Sawtooths: Two wood stoves, a two burner propane stove for cooking, pots, pans, tableware, lanterns, bunks with foam mattresses, books, cards, games and a wood fired sauna will make your excursion comfortable. Those visiting the Bench Hut simply need to bring their food and sleeping bag.

Skiing from the Bench Hut is phenomenal and the terrain offers a wide variety of options. There are gentle slopes, huge bowls, steep chutes, and cross-country and snowshoe options as well.

The Bench Hut is run by Sun Valley Trekking and reservations are required. They also have other yurts and huts to choose from depending on the size of your group. One popular option is to visit multiple yurts and huts during a longer trip. This allows you to see different terrain and find your favorite place to stay for future trips. To reserve your yurt or hut, call Sun Valley Trekking at 208-788-1966 or visit them online at www.svtrek.com.

The River Company, based out of Stanley, offers first-class day trips in the Stanley area for families and thrill-seekers alike. Their most popular option, the all-day lunch trip, takes you through rapids such as Piece of Cake and The Narrows. While on the river, you will float by singer/songwriter Carol King’s wilderness ranch, have the opportunity to jump into a deep pool at Jump Rock, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a beautiful riverside camp.

Whitewater rafting on the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho

Looking for some “Snorty Whitewater”? From late May through June, The River Company offers a Class IV trip that adds eight river miles and three additional class IV rapids to the standard Class III rafting trip.

The River Company’s professional guide staff will share with you the many secrets of the river, including information about wildlife, salmon, local lore and history, and much more. Kids will surely enjoy their arsenal of funny jokes and you may be lucky enough to catch one of the guides doing a back flip off of a jump rock.

From the moment you arrive at The River Company’s headquarters on Highway 21 in Stanley, Idaho, you will be treated like a cherished guest. Guests from four years old to eighty-four years old are welcome on most trips, with the exception being spring high-water Class IV trips. For more information about rafting in Stanley and the various trip options go to www.TheRiverCompany.com or call them at 1-800-398-0346.

Turning off of Highway 21 and onto Stanley’s Wall Street, a naïve visitor, having seen the road sign, might expect a row of financial institutions, perhaps a gathering of young stockbrokers huddled in front of a television, Blackberries beeping and buzzing. What you are actually left with is a dirt road, a bakery, a small restaurant, and, if it’s the summer, a few vehicles parked with driftboats or rafts in tow in anticipation of a Middle Fork of the Salmon trip.

If Wall Street of the East is full of worry and stress, Stanley’s Wall Street is the place to go to experience the opposite. The things people worry about here range from what to order for breakfast, to when they should walk up the nearby hillside to catch a great view of the Sawtooths, to what fly pattern they should tie on later in the day to fish the Upper Salmon River. And the lucky visitors who are making Wall Street a pit-stop before embarking on the Middle Fork of the Salmon have nothing but worry-free days ahead.

Starting from the southern end of the street the first block is relatively uneventful. The junction of Wall Street and Ace of Diamonds Street is the heart of Stanley’s restaurant scene. There’s the famous Stanley Baking Company (www.stanleybakingco.com), a great pizza joint called Papa Brunees, and the Kasino Club – arguably the best steaks in town. For those more interested in catching their own dinner, just a block away is one of the best fishing stores you’ll ever visit: McCoy’s Tackle Shop (www.mccoystackleshop.com).

If you decide to venture all the way down the street you will eventually find yourself on Airport Road. A short walk up the hill leads to a great view of the Sawtooths and, spinning around, a grand view overlooking all of Stanley. As the name suggests, this road leads to Stanley’s airstrip which is commonly used by visitors embarking on week-long trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

If you find yourself often worried about “the other” Wall Street, Stanley is the place for you to escape. In fact, only recently has the town received cell phone service. Yes, Stanley’s own Wall Street fits the character of Idaho to a T: rugged, beautiful, and relaxed.

Stanley, Idaho, in the Spring

Alas, if I cannot change your mind and if I cannot persuade you to return to our town (which, by the way, is etched in the foreground of what is possibly the greatest and most majestic mountain range in the Lower 48), than I give you this: a tutorial in how to spend your time wisely, and efficiently, during your 24 hour stay.

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Grab coffee, a few Sawtooth Sourdough Pancakes, and a view at the Stanley Bakery Company.

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Take a stroll up Wall Street towards the airstrip to catch a scenic flight of the Sawtooths and surrounding area.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Head over to Red Fish Lake, get lunch to-go, and rent a paddleboat to cruise the north-eastern bank. Looking to your right you will catch an Ansel Adams-like reflection of the mountains off the lake.

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Rent a bike from Riverwear and cruise west on Highway 21. After a few miles, turn right onto a dirt road (NFD Rd 563). This road will take you to Lower Stanley, where you can make a right onto Highway 75 and complete the loop back to Riverwear.

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy live music and good eats and drinks at the Casino Club.

9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Finish the day in typical Stanley-fashion: in a hotspring with Valley Creek trickling by (access via the Mountain Village Resort). Then hit the hay – you’ll be tired.

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.

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.

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!