The Sawtooth Hotel in Stanley, Idaho

It was built back in 1931 and since then has passed through a variety of owners, including the College of Idaho, which used it for writing workshops and environmental studies. In 2004, however, the college sold it to now current-owners Tim and Becky Cron. The first thing the new owners did was bring the hotel into the 21^st century with a major restoration that took three years to complete but now leaves the hotel as charming as ever.

Included in their renovations was the addition of a new commercial kitchen and dining area. Visitors can indulge in their brunch and dinner menus, which include the likes of Ham and Smoked Gouda Sandwiches, Soups, Huevos Rancheros, Sauteed Coho Salmon, and Cornmeal Encrusted Chicken.

The Sawtooth Hotel is located at 755 Ace of Diamonds Street in downtown Stanley, Idaho. It is within easy walking distance of the dirt airstrip, fly fishing shop, grocery store, and various restaurants and bars.

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Contact the Sawtooth Hotel:
Visit them online at www.sawtoothhotel.com
Call them at 208-721-2459
Find them at 755 Ace of Diamonds Street

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.

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

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.

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.

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.