Location: Stanley
Top Things to do in Stanley
Countries
The 8 Best Things to Do in Stanley, United States
Stanley is a town in Custer County, Idaho, United States. The population was 63 at the 2010 census; down from 100 in 2000. The center of population of Idaho in 2000 was located in Stanley.
Restaurants in Stanley
1. Redfish Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Resort lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
We stopped at Redfish Lake in July while driving the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. We were hoping for some relaxing, restorative mountain scenery, but the atmosphere was chaotic. There were throngs of people and all of the parking spaces near the visitor center were full. There was a line of irritated boaters arguing near the boat launch, and the idyllic scenery we'd imagined was shattered by the whine of jet ski motors and loud music. This recreation area seemed like it could be very nice, but it was just over-run by people. We didn't stay long. If you want to visit, definitely try to avoid peak vacation times. Amenities at the lake include a lodge, marina (boat rentals), visitor center, restaurant and bar, campgrounds, boat launch, picnic tables, public restrooms, trails and a beach.
2. Redfish Outlet Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
A scenic lake with views of white-capped mountains.
Reviewed By ThatGuyKevin - Boise, Idaho
Visting twice in July, once over the july 4th weekend and again in late July. This place is awesome - lots to do, great swimming, rent a boat for a ride around the lake, good food if you don't want to bring your own picnic. Stunning scenery and just a great classic place to enjoy.
3. Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 250 reviews
The 105-mile stretch of the Salmon River cuts through a highly inaccessible and untamed part of Idaho's rugged countryside.
Reviewed By fava - north carolina
Beauty and history for everyone. There are all kinds of outdoor activities to be had for no charge such as bicycling, hiking, bird and wildflower siting, photography etc. Rafting tours and fishing tours are available.
4. Stanley Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
I was excited to visit Stanley Lake because I had seen photos that made it look so beautiful and serene, but when we visited on a Wednesday in July it was anything but peaceful. It was very crowded, and people had set up their campsites shoulder-to-shoulder around the lake shore. We had trouble even gaining access to the lake between campers, and finding a spot to photograph the lake without tents, coolers and bbq grills in the scene. The lake IS a very beautiful location - I enjoyed the views of McGown Peak and the wildflowers - but there were just too many people loving it to death. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.
5. Gerheim Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By WaynemHill
We ventured into this hidden art gallery by chance....glad we did. This wasn't a place we're a pretentious employee displayed avant-garde overpriced nonsense. The artist himself showed us his beautiful photographs with hand carved frames. The were also sculptures and other carefully crafted objects that captured the true essence of this wonderful alpine paradise.
6. Stanley Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Sherstur - New Jersey
We visited this museum beneath the mountain range while in Stanley for the day. We learned a lot about the history of the Sawtooth Recreation Area and how it was protected from development via an interesting video. The museum building was the former Old Valley Creek Ranger station. Learn about the history of gold mining in the area and see original furnishings and an ice house.
The museum is free (donations appreciated) and is open 11-5 from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and beautiful postcards for $.20-.25.
7. Iron Creek To Sawtooth Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By paula c - United States
My husband and I arrived around 1:00 p.m. on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. Parking (free) was maxed out but luckily we found a spot; near the Trailhead is your standard bathroom should you need one. At the Trailhead is where you fill out your free wilderness permit.
Now, the hike was lovely! It starts out pretty flat with your standard Idaho forest and eventually begins to climb. You'll cross a couple of creeks (logs and rocks strategically placed if you'd like to remain dry), enter into a beautiful meadow which still had wild flowers in bloom on September 3, and ride switchbacks with some epic views of the Sawtooth Mountain range. The trail will vary from a powdery dirt like substance to gravel, to rocks... be careful to avoid twisting/spraining your ankle!
We found the hike to be pretty strenuous with a pack as our goal was to camp at the lake, but it was doable!
By the time we arrived at the lake, all of the lakeside camping spots had been taken (obviously)! We still found a nice one but Lake side is what you should strive for!
We did a little bit of fishing and were pretty successful in the evening (sunset) and early morning (sunrise) in catching tiny trout.
The haze/smoke from Montana has reached this lovely range; while it has impeded some of the views slightly, it didn't affect our air quality (as far as we could tell). I lugged my Canon 5D Mark III, 35mm f/1.4 lens, and a tripod JUST to get a shot of the stars. Nothing was visible by midnight so we went to bed. We didn't include our cover/precipitation/wind protector in hopes of seeing some stars... I was hesitant at first due to the cold weather BUT the newest Marmout sleeping bags we purchased were PERFECT and kept us warm. I woke around 2:00 a.m. to beautiful stars!! It was so cold... I couldn't bring myself to get out of my sleeping bag SO I just enjoyed it for what it was. It was also SO QUIET! Our dog actually slept through the entire night without being bothered by little creature noises in the night.
8. Yankee Fork Gold Dredge
The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is one of the best preserved and presented dredges in the lower 48 states.
