Stanley Idaho, nestled in a high mountain valley, is the definition of a picturesque mountain town. It is located at the junction of Valley Creek and the Salmon River, and as a result has long been a launching point for river rats floating the Salmon. It is also situated with the stunning Sawtooths as a backdrop, and lures backpackers, fishermen and cyclists to its doors. But that is really just the beginning of what this area has to offer.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Stanley is located entirely within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, created in 1972 to preserve the natural beauty of the area against the inevitable encroachment of development. The issue that galvanized the environmental forces was a proposed open pit molybdenum mine on the face of Castle Peak. A long fight ensued though the 60s and eventually, a compromise was struck. Some 756,000 acres are currently protected under this plan, which allows for limited human interests, such as hunting and cattle grazing, while preserving places from severely destructive activities, such as mining. The Sawtooth wilderness area lies within these boundaries, as do the towns of Stanley, Obsidian and Sawtooth City, each of which operates as an independent municipality.

History

The Sawtooth valley was originally settled by miners. Gold was discovered in the area in 1870s and towns up and down the valley were founded, including Hailey and Ketchum, a mere 70 miles down the road from Stanley. Today the area operates on a little mining, some ranching and a large economy based on outdoor recreation.

The town was named after the surrounding Stanley Valley, which itself was named for Captain John Stanley, a civil war veteran who lead a party of prosepctors through the area on their way to Idaho City. They camped and found a small ammount of placer gold, but did not linger. Some members of the party returned later. The town was founded in 1890, and is one of the last remaining in the area. Several ghost towns, including Vienna, Custer, Sawtooth City and Bonanza (the site of the Yankee Fork dredge) are scattered along the Salmon River.

Geology

Stanley is situated at the eastern flank of the Sawtooths, with the vast Salmon River Mountains to the north and the White Clouds to the Southeast. As a result, there is widely varying terrain, all within a daytrip away.

The Sawtooths are Idaho’s most solid mountains. They are composed of plutonic granite which formed 40 million years ago, and were uncovered by glaciation. The last of these glaciers occurred only 4 thousand years ago, so the range as it exists today is young. There are also a large number of glacial lakes in this range, with Redfish Lake acting as the welcoming jewel.

The Salmon River Mountains cover a sprawling mass in central Idaho and are named for the “river of no return” which encircles nearly the entire range. This is a range where erosion rules, where the mountains have been worn down. It is discovered primarily though its drainages, which wind through deep canyons cut into batholith granite and overlayed by eons of sediment.

The White Clouds may be the forgotten treasure of the area. The only range within easy distance of Stanley without a wilderness area, the White Clouds offer miles of breathtaking views, lung-burning climbs and alpine lakes to cool off. Also the home to Castle peak, the site of Idaho’s biggest environmental battle, the range was heavily glaciated, like the Sawtooths. But unlike the Sawtooths, this range is defined by looseness. The peaks are mostly topped with sedimentary stone, such as the brilliantly white limestone in the north, which gives these mountains their name.

Wildlife

Deer, of course, and elk flourish in this area. The White Clouds are home to a large mountain goat population, and if you’re lucky you might spot a predator of the mountain goat kids: the golden eagle. The moose population seems to be growing as well, and I rarely spend a length of time in these mountains without spotting one. Foxes proliferate in the area, as well as the rarely seen badger and even more rarely spotted wolverine.

Wolf reintroduction remains a sensitive issue here, and in rare cases their mournful howling can be heard echoing through the canyons. They are killed when they attack cattle, so are very skittish around people, but use caution if you are traveling with your dog. Wolves can be very aggressive around other canines.

Yellowstone Wolf

Cycling Opportunities

Both the Sawtooths and the Salmon River Mountains have sizable wilderness within them (especially the Salmon River Mountains, which contain the Frank Church / River of No Return Wilderness, currently the largest in the lower 48), but cycling opportunities are everywhere. From the gentle Nip ‘n Tuck road of the Salmon Rivers, to the picturesque Elk Mountain Loop, to the ‘black diamond’ trails of the White Clouds, there is something for all.

Getting There

Stanley sits at the junction of Idaho 21 and Idaho 75. It is approximately 70 miles north of the Sun Valley (Ketchum) area. From Boise, the most straightforward route is to drive northeast on Idaho 21 though Idaho City and Lowman. It is 150 miles to Stanley and the driving time is around 3 hours.

Restaurants, Lodging and Services

Mountain Village Resort A pretty good restaurant that is open year round.	Sawtooth Lodge Enjoy the scenery of Redfish Lake while you eat!
Haven Hot Springs is down the road near Lowman.	Sourdough Lodge between Lowman and Stanley has great pie!

Give Palmer's Cafe, in lower Stanley a try for breakfast.

This map, published by the chamber of commerce, can direct you to a number of restaurants, lodges, hotels and anything else you might need.

External Links

Lynne Stone's Idaho's Sawtooth Country is difficult to find, but a good overview of the area, including cycling trails, but beware of some outdated material!

Mountain Biking Idaho also provides a good overview.

This trail map gives good information about the area.

The Sawtooth webcam is an invaluable resource for checking conditions.