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Attractions and Things to Do in Stanley, Idaho

There are several things to do in Stanley, Idaho for guests of Redfish Lake Lodge to explore. Stanley may be a small town, but it offers unmatched outdoor adventure and relaxation for vacationers. Adventure seekers belong here; you’ll find hundreds of miles of Sawtooth trails to hike and white water rafting on the Salmon River. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, try one of the local hot springs or the Redfish Riverside Inn Spa. Scenic drives of the surrounding areas offer even more gorgeous views of the Idaho wilderness. Check out our resources on things to do in the Stanley, Idaho area.

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River Rafting / Fly Fishing

There are several river rafting companies for half or full-day trips down the famous Salmon River, or for multiple day trips down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. River rafting is an exciting way to explore other parts of the Idaho wilderness.

Day trips on the Salmon/ Fly Fishing

Dark Sky Reserve

The International Dark-Sky Association set aside 1,416-square miles of land to create Idaho’s  Dark Sky Reserve in December of 2017. This is the first-ever Gold Tier dark sky preserve in the United States, and there are only 11 others in the entire world! The purpose of this project is to protect the beautiful landscapes and night sky in the area for science, education, culture, and public enjoyment.

Multiple-day trips on the Main or Middle Fork of the Salmon

Hot Springs

Basin Creek Hot Springs: Unimproved natural hot spring flow out of the rocks and into the Salmon River. Users have piled rocks to create pools for soaking and relaxing. Be cautious of 170-degree water flowing into pools. 8.3 miles (11 minutes) N of Stanley on the river side of Hwy. 75. Highway junction between mileposts 197 and 198.

Sunbeam Hot Springs: Hot spring pools created at the edge of the Salmon River, where 170-degree water mixes with the cool river water for a delightful, soothing dip. Restrooms and dressing rooms on site. 12 miles N of Stanley on the river side of Hwy. 75 (15 minutes). Between mileposts 201 and 202.

Stanley Museum

This is a local pioneer museum with artifacts and photographs of historical significance to the settling of the Sawtooth Valley and the Stanley Basin. It is open through Labor Day and located 0.6 miles north of Stanley on the west side of Hwy. 75. Phone: 774-3517

Sawtooth Fish Hatchery

Self-guided tours are available at this facility built to help restore salmon and steelhead to their traditional waters. It is located 5.8 miles south of Stanley on Hwy. 75 (about eight minutes) between mileposts 183 and 184. Phone: 774-3684

Ghost Towns

Custer is a ghost town and museum with an emphasis on mining history. Located there is the Boot Hill Cemetery where you can read the old tombstones and learn about yesteryear’s history. You can also see the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, a restored gold dredge on the site of its former operations. Custer is located 13 miles (about 30 minutes) north of Stanley on Hwy. 75, then north 5 miles on Yankee Fork Road between mileposts 202 and 203. It is open through Labor Day.

Check out more of the incredible ghost towns near Stanley here!