We spent a week exploring central Idaho and we loved seeing this beautiful part of the state. Stanley was one of the towns that we spent a few days in, and we can’t wait to go back and explore more. There is a lot to do, and it is only 6 hours from Utah or two hours from Boise, so it makes for a great family vacation. Here are the things to do in Stanley that we enjoyed as a family.
Stanley Lake
This lake is gorgeous. Stanley lake is just a few miles outside of the main part of Stanley and it has a trail that walks along the lake. It is a great place for paddle boarding or kayaking, and also has a day use area. A popular hiking trail to Lady Face Waterfall starts here, but we didn’t make it on that trail. We came here in the evening and enjoyed the scenery.
ATV Ride with Sawtooth Trax
We took a side by side ride up the mountains with Sawtooth Traxx. They were amazing to work with. They programmed a route that we could do in half a day right into the GPS, so we didn’t have to guess where we were going. In the middle of July, the wildflowers were spectacular and the views were amazing. There was a big storm rolling in, so we booked it down the mountain, but this was one of our favorite adventures in Stanley. More about our adventure here: Sawtooth Traxx ATV Ride.
Redfish Lake
One of the most popular spots near Stanley is Redfish Lake. This beautiful mountain lake has a lot going on. There are boat rides across the lake, paddle boards and kayaks to rent, and quite a few beach spots. You can also start a few hikes from this area, as well as stop in their Visitor Center for lots of information. Our favorite stop was to the grill where we got the most giant ice cream cone ever. It was perfect on a hot summer day.
We recommend stopping at the Visitor Center, eating lunch and playing at North Shore Picnic Area, ice cream cone at Lakeside Grill, Fishhook Creek Trail, and a horseback ride at the Redfish lake Corrals. More details on these last two ideas below. Day use fee required.
Fishhook Creek Trail
This hike was high on our list to do, but then we walked on part of it for the horseback ride, and ran out of time. It is flat and follows the creek the entire way. It is about 5.0 miles roundtrip, but you can hike as far as you want and then head back. So even though we didn’t hike the trail, it is the one adventure we wished we had finished.
Horseback Ride at Redfish Lake
This was our family’s first time going for a horseback ride and we were all huge fans. We rode with Mystic Saddle Ranch that operates at the Redfish Lake Corrals. They offer lots of different guided tours, and we did the 1 1/2 ride onto the bench. It was amazing. The views were spectacular. Our guide was amazing and she helped us manage the horses, as well as sharing information about the area. We all decided it was nice to ride and let our feet rest instead of hiking. Read our full review here: Guided Horseback Ride.
Salmon River
The Salmon River runs right through Stanley. There are a lot of things to do on the Salmon River. You can swim, float, fish, and even white water raft. We did some of these adventures in nearby towns, but there are local outfitters who can help you with any of these activities. The water feels so nice in the summer, and it is so clear.
Stanley Street Dance
In the summers, there is a weekly Stanley Street Dance. A band comes and plays while people gather to enjoy the music and dance in the street. We happened to be there on a Thursday night, which is when the dance happens, so we went to watch and listen. We love live music, so it was fun to be there with locals and tourists. Located in front of the Kasino Club from mid June to end of August starting at 6:30 pm.
Sawtooth Hotel
This historic hotel is a place that you can stay when visiting Stanley, but we went for the dinner. This is a little bit fancier and pricier, but the food was fabulous and the views even better. We loved sitting outside and looking at the Sawtooth Mountains while we enjoyed amazing food. Make sure to get pie and ice cream at the end, too. More info.
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch
Another great spot to stay and eat is the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. This all inclusive resort has cabins for all sizes of families and your stay includes access to the pond, pickleball, hot springs, mountain biking, and your meals. If you aren’t staying at the ranch, you can still make a reservation for dinner. The menu changes each night and features elegant and inventive dishes. We loved our visit and the views of the mountains were fantastic. Learn more here: Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch.
Stanley Bakery Co.
The Stanley Bakery came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint at all. Don’t be afraid of the lines. They move quickly and seating turns over quickly, too. There are a lot of great choices on the menu, plus they have bakery items like scones and cinnamon rolls. Everything we had for breakfast was delicious, and next time we are going to try lunch, too.
Stanley Museum
There is a small history museum in Stanley. The Stanley Museum is only open in the summer, but has some fun historical displays. There are items from the early times of Stanley, and outside there is an ice box and tool shed. This is a quick stop, but great for learning more about the area. There are also great views of the Sawtooths from the parking lot. Hours and more info.
Hot Springs
This area in Idaho is full of hot springs. We ran out of time for visiting the hot springs in the area, but if this is something that you enjoy there are three in the Stanley area. Boat Box and Sunbeam Hot Springs are both just on the side of the road on the edge of the river. Mountain Village Hot Springs are in the town of Stanley and require reservations. More details on those hot springs here.
Yankee Fork Gold Dredge and Custer Ghost Town
About 30 minutes toward Challis you can visit an old gold dredge and ghost town. The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is a self guided tour, but only open certain hours. It was interesting to see the inside of the dredge. Just a mile north of the gold dredge is Custer Ghost Town. This ghost town has a lot of buildings in tact and many of them you can walk inside. We loved walking through the historic town and learning about the area. More info:
Stanley River Retreat & Cabins
This isn’t an adventure, but we stayed at the Stanley River Retreat and Cabins and it was the best. The cabins are right on the Salmon River and offer great views of the mountains. We loved having a little porch to sit on, and a fire pit to enjoy in the evening. If you are looking for a fun place to stay, they are located in Lower Stanley and they also have a kitchen for making your own food. Reservations details here.
We are excited to go back and find more things to do in Stanley, Idaho. If you are in the Stanley area, you should also look at spending some time in Challis or Salmon. We made a nice little loop and it was the perfect summer vacation. Here is the info on all of those places:
- Things to do in Challis, Idaho
- Salmon: What to do near Salmon, Idaho
- One Week in the Heart of Idaho along the Salmon River Itinerary (coming soon)
