Stanley, Idaho

The Sawtooths are best enjoyed from within them; hundreds of trails lead through the wilderness to amazing alpine lakes and to the top of mountain peaks. That's not the only way you can capture the magic, however. Here are three consecutive spots in or close to Stanley (the "Gateway to the Sawtoo...

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Sawtooth Wildwerness, there are endless opportunities and spots to cast off. Valley Creek, a tributary of the famous Salmon River, snakes it’s way through the land just outside of the town of Stanley. It offers jaw-dropping views in all directions, and a team...

Valley Creek Hot Springs is a short drive off of the main highway (75), you'll travel along a dirt/gravel road. You'll exit at the Stanley Museum and follow the dirt road for about .4 miles. There will be a dirt parking lot on your left.  Walk across the foot bridge and stay left once on the othe...

There’s a very good reason why Idaho has been dubbed “The Whitewater State.” Stanley is located on the banks of headwaters from the famous Salmon River, and is a starting point for world-class rafting adventures that draws people from around the world. There is no better way to fully immerse your...

Park in the turnout west of Redfish Lake Road on Highway 75. The turnout is plowed to fit 10 to 15 cars.Walk over the bridge and turn right onto Redfish Lake Road. You will likely see tracks as it's a good access spot for backcountry skiers. The trail follows the road and is easy to navigate.Pass...

Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...

This moderate hike begins at Iron Creek Trailhead in the Sawtooth Mountains. Follow the trail through the forest and alongside Iron Creek. At 1.1 miles you will officially enter the Sawtooth Wilderness and soon after come to a marked junction. Turn left to follow Alpine Way Trail across Iron Cree...

This hike is great for anyone wanting to experience a scenic trail and peaceful alpine lakes. The five Bench Lakes are a chain of lakes draining from Mt. Heyburn. Park in the dirt parking lot across from the Fishhook Creek Trailhead near Redfish Lake.  Shortly after the start of the trail you wi...

Start your hike at the Fishhook Creek Trailhead by Redfish Lake. Park in the dirt parking lot across the street. Follow the trail (mostly flat) a few hundred feet to the first fork. Here, continue straight to Fishhook Creek. After another short bit on the fairly flat trail, which leads through a ...

The Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of...

This easy hike starts off from the dirt parking lot near Redfish Lake Lodge. Two small footpaths lead away from the far end of the parking lot crossing the road to the lodge just down to the left. The right trail will take you straight to the Fishhook Creek Trailhead, while the left trail will g...

There are plenty of camping spots all within walking distance of the lake or the outlet stream. There are also tons of hikes in the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range. The lake is known for its historic Sockeye Salmon runs. The lake is very close to Stanley Idaho and leads into the salmon river....

There are several good spots to photograph along the shore of Redfish Lake. The marina at Redfish Lake Lodge is a great viewpoint. Also be sure to follow the path to the east of the lodge to visit some of the beaches on the north shore. It is here that you can often find yourself alone at dawn wh...

McGowan Peak in the Sawtooths is breathtaking and the Stanley Lake Overlook is by far one of the best locations to photograph it at sunrise in the summer.  The Stanley Lake Overlook is located inside the Stanley Lake Campground. There is a separate parking lot (with bathrooms) at the overlook and...

Over Galena Summit, approximately 75 miles north of Ketchum, Park Creek is supported by Sawtooth Ski Club and the City of Stanley, Idaho. One of two groomed Nordic trail systems in the Stanley Basin, Park Creek has some of the best terrain and conditions for cross-country skiing anywhere.With bre...

Stanley Lake is an Idaho alpine lake located at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is about 7 miles from the historic town of Stanley, Idaho and just over an hour from popular Sun Valley, Idaho.Our photography and hiking adventure cap...