In the shadow of the Sawtooths: these Idaho mountains offer the essential summer vacation—smack in the middle of nowhere - Travel

Sunset, July, 2002 by Jeff Phillips

WHERE: From State 21 west of Stanley, take gravel Iron Creek Rd. 3 miles to parking.

LENGTH: 11 miles round trip.

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.

Sawtooth travel planner

Summer--mid-June into early September--can be cool with cold nights; snow is possible in the high country. Although you can sample the Sawtooth NRA in a day trip from Ketchum, we recommend a week.

Lodging reservations are essential in July and August. Stanley has a variety of motels; contact the chamber of commerce (800/878-7950 or www.stanleycc.org).

The closest airport with car rental is in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area; contact the chamber of commerce (800/634-3347 or www.visitsunvalley.com). Boise is another good gateway.

Attractions

Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The best stop for information is the visitor center (closed Sun; just south of Stanley off State 75; 208/774-3000) at the Stanley Ranger Station. You can also stop at Sawtooth NRA headquarters (208/727-5013; 877/4446777 for campground reservations) off State 75, 8 miles north of Ketchum and Sun Valley. Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area. From State 75, turn north on the paved road to Sunbeam (no services) and Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. Its 9 miles (last 5 on gravel) to the dredge, where tours ($3) are offered from 10 to 4 daily. The museum at Custer, a mile farther, is open from 10 to 5. Custer Day, with a shootout, food, and fiddlers, is July 20. (208) 879-5244.

McCoy's Tackle & Gift Shop. Buy a fishing license and stock up on maps. Ace of Diamonds St., Stanley; (208) 774-3377. Rafting. Several companies offer Salmon River floats out of Stanley. We chose the six-hour lunch trip offered by the River Company ($85; 800/398-0346), which includes a hot lunch.

Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. Free guided tours offered daily in summer. Visitor center open 8-5 daily On State 75 about 6 miles south of Stanley; (208) 774-3684. Sawtooth Fishing Guides. A full day of fishing with Julie Meissner, including lunch, costs $200 for one person, $75 for each additional person. (208) 774-2264.

Dining

Stanley Baking Company. Go for breakfast and sandwiches, or a latte and baked goods. Closed Wed. On Wall St., Stanley; (208) 774-2981.

Stanley Kasino Club. Steaks and ribs, Chinese pork tenderloin, fresh salmon, and the best bar in town. Ace of Diamonds St., Stanley; (208) 774-3516.

Lodging

Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Built in 1930 as a private retreat, this historic ranch has 17 cabins and 4 lodge rooms. From $106 per person for a cabin, including breakfast and dinner. Stanley; (208) 774-3544 or www.idahorocky.com.

Meadow Creek Inn & Spa. Six charmingly redecorated motel-style rooms; ask about spa packages. From $85. Stanley; (800) 811-5745 or www. meadowcreekinn.com.

Redfish Lake Lodge. New owners are slowly polishing this rustic old lodge, with 21 cabins and motel-style rooms. Avoid the lodge rooms upstairs. A fun Wednesday-night barbecue features local musicians. There is also a marina with boat rentals, and a restaurant. From $94. (208) 774-3536 or www.redfishlake.com.