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 Meadow Creek massage and wine bar. 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.

the Dark Sky Reserve in Central Idaho

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.

 

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Redfish Riverside Inn

Raft yourself and your family down eight miles of quiet water on the spectacular Salmon River with views of the Sawtooths as you have never seen them. Bring your camera and fishing supplies and enjoy the day. This is economical fun for large families and family reunions.

Stanley, Idaho, Hot Springs

Hot Springs

If you’re looking for relaxing things to do near Stanley, Idaho, hot springs offer an alternative to spas and allow you to be surrounded by picturesque scenery while you soak in a hot-tub like pool.

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.

Sun Valley to Stanley

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

fly fishing in Stanley, Idaho

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 near Stanley, Idaho

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!

road trip husband and wife

Drives within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Explore beyond Redfish Lake Lodge and enjoy the beautiful scenery Idaho has to offer. Start your trip by exploring things to do in Stanley, Idaho and set off on a scenic drive to see other parts of our beautiful state.

Ketchum/Sun Valley

Enjoy the beautiful drive over Galena Summit to explore this ski resort town filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Make sure you use our handy Sun Valley to Stanley road trip guide on your way!

SNRA – Scenic Driving

Petit, Alturas, and Stanley Lakes are right off of Highway 75. Nip ‘n Tuck, Salmon River headwaters, Indian Riffles, and Sunbeam Dam are also gorgeous mountain country nearby. Grandjean is the scenic country to the south of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area.

Candles and rose petals on massage table at the health spa

Massage & Wine Bar

Head to Meadow Creek Spa for a relaxing massage or other spa treatment. Their wine bar is a nice change of scenery for a nightcap. 208-774-3611