A Guide to Stanley
Your vacation has officially started and you've arrive in Stanley, Idaho. You make your way to the Mountain Village Resort, but you still have time to kill before the 8:00 PM orientation meeting. You're hungry. You want to stretch your legs after a long day of travel. You want to get some last minute gear. We've written about our favorite spots and things to do in Stanley to help make your entire vacation in Idaho perfect!
Stanley, Idaho and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
The first time you step foot in Stanley you'll know you're in a special place. The illustrious Sawtooth mountains towering in the distance, skirted by the banks of the Salmon River, Stanley might be small, but it is mighty fun. There are a ton of things to do, see and eat.
Food & Drink
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the dining options in Stanley do not disappoint.
Stanley Baking Company - Hands-down the best breakfast you'll find in town and a great place to fuel up before you begin your Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting trip. Whether you're in the mood for eggs and bacon, killer sourdough pancakes, quinoa croquettes with seasonal veggies, or any number of freshly-baked pastries, eating at the Stanley Baking Company is the best start to any day!
Pro-tip - The bakery opens at 7:00 and there will already be a line outside. Get there around 6:50 to avoid the wait.
ECHO guides Zach and Vlad in downtown Stanley
Sawtooth Hotel - It's no wonder the food here is so good, it's owned by the same folks down at the Stanley Baking Company. Fresh, local, hand-made meals and desserts, a large selection of wine and beer, and a perfectly casual environment encapsulate the charm and character of Stanley.
Redfish Lake Lodge - If you've rented a car, you'll be able to get to the Redfish Lake Lodge. Located about 10 minutes from downtown Stanley, you can get a taste of the Northwest in their dining room or eat a burger, pizza, or ice cream in their outdoor gazebo.
Kasino Club - After the orientation meeting you're too excited about your trip the next day to go to sleep. A short walk from the Mountain Village Resort you'll find the Kasino Club - perfect for a nightcap and getting to know your new rafting buddies.
Things To Do
Stanley is in one of the most pristine wilderness and outdoor adventure spots in the country.
Hiking in any of the nearby Sawtooth Mountains is guaranteed to be stunning. There are a variety of different trails for all skill levels from relatively flat half-day hikes, to demanding backpacking excursions.
Heading out of Stanley
There are tons of mountain biking trails surrounding Stanley. With a view of the mountains as you ride, few other bikers, and pristine trails, you're sure to be in mountain biker's heaven. You can rent a mountain bike from Redfish Lake Lodge or River Wear.
Want to work on your fishing skills before you head down the river with ECHO? You're in the right place. First, make a trip to McCoy's Tackle Shop to talk about the current conditions and what flies you'll want to use. You can fish in the Middle Fork and Upper Main Salmon Rivers or in a number of lakes in the surrounding area. Stanley is undoubtedly a fisherman's paradise.
Shops
McCoys Tackle Shop - Are you an amateur angler looking for some pro-tips before you set down the Middle Fork? There is one place you must go in Stanley - McCoys Tackle Shop. Not only can you buy your Fishing Licenses here, but you can ask any question about fishing and get the most up-to-date answer.
Looking into downtown Stanley
River Wear - Oh shoot! You forgot that critical piece of gear at home. The trip just won't be the same without it. Well, River Wear's got you covered! From river shorts to headlamps to sturdy water shoes, River Wear knows how to outfit you and has great advice on the local outdoor adventure.
Your stay in Stanley is the first step on your Middle Fork trip with ECHO and a wonderful welcome to Idaho. We hope you enjoy it.
