Stanley is a small town with a big reputation as a jumping off point for wilderness vacations. Many rafting companies use Stanley as a place to meet there summer guests who stay in one of a handful of hotels. The headwaters of the main Salmon River are found 40 miles to the south of Stanley at the base of Galena summit. It always amazes me that such a small stream grows into a major river that is vital to many communities in Idaho.

Fishing is excellent for trout or steelhead and a minute number of Salmon still find there way home. You can wade into the main Salmon or fish the many streams and lakes in the valley.

Stanley is also an excellent place for extended backpacking, day hikes or rock climbing. There is an abundance of campgrounds for tent or trailer camping. You can water ski at Redfish Lake or canoe on Stanley Lake.

Check out this website for your gateway to adventure. http://www.stanleycc.org/

One of my favorite restaurants is the Bridgestreet Burger and Brew in Lower Stanley, a smaller village about a mile north of Stanley locate along the main Salmon. It is owned by Brett Wooley who's family has owned property in the Stanley Basin for at least 2 generations. You can dine in the fresh air next to the river and gaze at the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains at the same time.