Friday, September 24, 2010

Fall Raft & Fly Fishing Trips on the Upper Salmon

Amazing fall weather has Sawtooth Adventure company re-opening for raft, kayak and fly fishing trips through October 3rd. After 3 weeks of river closures to protect the spawning Chinook salmon the Upper Salmon is open to for all river activities. Zero crowds, unseasonable warm temps and amazing fall foliage equates to an amazing time to explore the Salmon River. Head to Stanley to experience your "own private Idaho".

Like to Fly Fish? Hurry, grab your rod and head to Sawtooths. Combine the warm temps and river closure and you have some very hungry fish. Join us on our 3/4 day Float Fly Fishing Trips to spend a memorable fall day fishing the Upper Salmon.

Oh' I almost forgot......The Mountain Biking is as good as it gets, give us a ring for trail info and current conditions.

Call 1.866.774.4644 for details

Monday, August 30, 2010

Stanley Idaho & Sawtooth Adventure Co in the LA Times

Idaho's Stanley Basin runs wild

A backcountry trip in the Sawtooth Range summons the spirit of the Old West.

By Dan Blackburn, Los Angeles Times

Click here to view the Original Article

August 22, 2010

Reporting from Stanley, Idaho —


Just an hour north of Sun Valley, Idaho's celebrity hot spot, lies the Stanley Basin — an amazing region surrounded by snow-capped mountains, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, with the Salmon River — also known as the "River of No Return" — running right through the middle.

Some 20 years ago, I spent serious time in this basin skiing and backpacking in the surrounding mountains, first with acclaimed Idaho mountaineering guide Joe Leonard and later alone or with various backpacking buddies. But for reasons unknown, I had not returned until one of them suggested a reunion of sorts with a small group of friends in this extraordinary place.

When I first traveled to Stanley, the sign outside of town said "Population 100." Today, the sign remains unchanged, and people who live here say the true year-round number may be more like 89 hardy souls. They certainly are outnumbered by elk, deer and maybe even by bald eagles and wolves, plus some mountain lions, bears and sandhill cranes. Much of the Old West is alive and well in this wild basin.

The landscape unfolded dramatically beneath us as we slowly descended from Galena Summit. The Salmon River sparkled in the afternoon light, and green meadows sprawled at the feet of jagged mountains. The Sawtooth Range is very aptly named. Before long, my partner Gloria and I turned off the paved highway onto a dirt road leading to a campground on the edge of Pettit Lake — a large lake popular for trout fishing and as a jumping-off point for backcountry trips into the high mountains.

Stanley veteran Greg Edson describes the area as "a mix of cowboy boots and river sandals." He adds, "The views. The vistas. The sense of solitude. The most magnificent opportunity to experience lands as they've always been."
That's not to say there haven't been changes. Antelope now graze in the meadows, driven north by continuing development in the Sun Valley area. Long-necked sandhill cranes are a fairly recent arrival, and the area boasts three viable wolf packs, which were nonexistent until just a few years ago and are a subject of controversy, especially among ranchers and elk hunters. In addition, the depredation of bark beetles has killed large swaths of pines much as they have done in the Lake Tahoe area.

However, the greatest impact has been the establishment of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area that covers 756,000 acres, including the Sawtooth Wilderness Area, and virtually bars development. It encompasses four mountain ranges with more than 50 major peaks topping 10,000 feet, more than 1,000 high-mountain lakes and 250 miles of trails. It also is the headwaters for four major rivers, including the famed Salmon River, whose waters stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean and are a major destination for salmon swimming upstream to spawn.

The Salmon is a premier location for whitewater kayaking, rafting and canoeing. Every summer, as many as 10,000 people take commercial rafting trips down the river, while an additional 5,000 make private trips. A couple of miles down river is a bridge that crosses over onto a road leading to Robinson Bar Ranch, which is owned by singer/songwriter
Carole King. Interestingly, about 30% of the people who journey under the bridge and down the River of No Return come from California, which is surprising when you consider that the area is relatively unknown.

We hopscotched our way down the river, stopping at various viewpoints to watch kayakers, rafters and canoe paddlers thread their way around some rocks and through fairly mild rapids. One of the most popular group trips is a four- to five-day
wilderness excursion on the River of No Return with the rafts stopping at natural hot springs and resting on sandy beaches. Jared Hopkinson, who runs the Sawtooth Adventure Co., told us, "I dig watching people push themselves. There is a lot of bonding, and families become lifelong friends. It is kinda like going on a cruise, but more exciting."

For many visitors, the crucial lure is the region's well-deserved reputation for trout fishing. Brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout rise to the surface of hundreds of streams, all snapping hungrily at colorful flies on the end of a line or snagging shiny spinning lures beneath the water. For those headed to the high mountain lakes, the best catch of any day is the spectacular golden trout. They may be California's state fish, but they have been transplanted to Idaho's icy mountain lakes, where they grow larger and seemingly more hungry.
Our visit coincided with a special annual event in Stanley: the Sawtooth Mountain Mamas Arts & Crafts Fair. For 34 years, artisans from throughout the West have brought their finest work to town to support a truly important charity. The tented booths contain such things as handmade quilts, knives and other items made from elk bones and antlers, spicy barbecue sauce and lots of items in between. Buyers travel annually from New York and other cities to sample the wares and make purchases. The income supports scholarships for local students, emergency medicine and search-and-rescue training, and people in need or who are stranded in Stanley. The Mountain Mamas are the only service organization in the valley.

Our big event was yet to come — a trip into the Sawtooth mountain backcountry. Because several stream crossings were running quite high, we decided not to hike in. Instead we contacted the Mystic Saddle Ranch to reserve a horse pack trip from Pettit Lake up to extraordinarily beautiful Alice Lake, which sits at 8,500 feet surrounded by multiple mountaintops and is renowned for gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. We wanted to be there for both.

Wrangler Nick Wetherbee — looking as though he had just stepped out of a Western version of GQ magazine — fitted the packs on the horses, tightened the cinches on our two animals and led the way up a trail that varied from hot and dusty to tree-lined and rocky. Alice Lake is 6 1/2 miles into the high country and 1,500 feet higher than the trailhead. It wasn't long before we were totally absorbed in the ever-changing scenery that unfolded before us.

The horses were a little skittish crossing a couple of the fast-running streams, but Nick nudged them along and we reached the lake in time to set up our tent, fix dinner and settle in for sunset. Jumping trout snatched mosquitoes out of the air, and a Cub Scout troop arrived to share the scene. Clouds prevented what could have been a great sunset, so we called it a night and waited for sunrise. It was well worth the wait. My alarm shrilled at 5:30 the next morning, and by 6 a.m. the rising sun was painting the clouds, sky and mountaintops. The display lasted for 20 minutes and just got better and better. When it was over, I lay with my head propped up on my pack and gazed out over Alice Lake. It took some definite nudging from Nick and Gloria to get me to saddle up and start the ride back to our base camp.

Jeff Bitten, a lean, soft-spoken, thoughtful rancher whose father started horse packing out of Mystic Saddle Ranch 42 years ago, says that he still enjoys getting on a horse and sharing the experience with other people but that fewer people are taking advantage of the opportunity. He adds, "What we're losing is not having people have these experiences. If your memories now are only of the gas fumes from the city bus in front of you, then you are losing quality of life."

You do not have to camp here to experience the Stanley Basin. There are motels and a few guest ranches available. I was stunned at the growth of the old Redfish Lake Lodge. It has doubled, perhaps tripled, in size, and the lakefront was awash in people. When I last saw it, a mother bear and two cubs were frolicking in a sudden autumn snowfall, and a few cabins were being hand-hewn from local timber. Those cabins remain, but many more have been added. Everyone did seem to be having a good time.

Sara Baldwin, the veteran U.S. Forest Service area ranger, dropped by our campsite while checking out conditions at Pettit Lake. Sara has been a ranger at Lake Tahoe, in Alaska and, now, here. I asked what makes this place so special, and she replied, "It's a great place to restore yourself. The big highlight is the backcountry experience where you can reconnect with nature. That's what people love about it. When people drive into the basin today, they know there is something different about this place."

Amen to that. We don't plan to wait another 20 years to return again.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Last chance for an amazing family adventure.....


Wow, I blinked and the 2010 Idaho rafting season is winding down. Our 10th summer on the Salmon River was great from the beginning. We were fortunate to spend six weeks in the Salmon River Wilderness and introduced Idaho's River of No Return to dozens of great families. In Stanley Idaho on the Upper Salmon we continue having a fun and safe summer while sharing the river with more return customers than ever before. Must mean we are doing something right.

One of our guests from our July 21st Salmon River Adventure wrote:

Jared, Gotta tell you something. Your crew did an outstanding job. They get high marks in every single category that I can imagine. The trip was great, yet it could not have been an outstanding trip without the crew. Mike, Jenna , Thomas and Collin took away all my jitters and replaced them with confidence and comfort for this trip. Great energy from the outset and really great people to hang around with....My family was very fortunate to have hooked up with Sawtooth Adventures. I haven't eaten so well since I used to spend the night at my grandmother's house. You have won my vote and I always talk about my good experiences. -Thank You Very Much, The Gray Family


Join SAC on our final 2010 journey down Idaho's Salmon River for on an unforgettable 4 night-5 day adventure. Our grand-finale trip includes round trip air to/from Sun Valley or Boise airport and ending with 1-night at a riverside guest ranch to finish out the season.

Last minute booking discounts available
Give us a call to explore the possibilities.......
1.866.774.4644
or
info@sawtoothadventure.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Bear Valley

Sawtooth Adventure guides take the day off to explore the surrounding beauty of the Sawtooth valley. Here is a sneak peak of the pristine waters that feed into the Salmon River.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

New....Check out our Hi-Def Raft Cams!

Capture your Salmon River Rafting Adventure with our new HD Raft Cams. This summer Sawtooth Adventure Company is offering a professionally edited video of your families adventure. Give us a call or ask your guide for details. An amazing adventure awaits.........

Sunday, June 27, 2010

MAIN SALMON RIVER RETURNS

10 high school friends from Oklahoma take a trip down the Salmon River
Many of which had not seen each other in 15 years
Stories of childhood mischief
River beach games lasting into the wee hours of the night
Reuniting friendships
Green hillsides, big water, rainbows and sunshine
The Salmon River proved once again a great place to reconnect, relax and have fun!



There was no shortage of food . . .

And no shortage of games.


Thanks to all the our Oklahoma friends for a great trip!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Big Water Rafting in Stanley, Idaho



SAC guides put our new HD raft cam to the test during a big water session in Shotgun and The Damn. New this summer . . . rafters can capture their entire adventure in full HD. Ask us about this great new option to record your day on the Salmon River.

Sawtooth Adventure Company Middle Fork and Main Salmon Combo

180 miles through the heart of America's largest wilderness area. 21 rafters and 7 boats in 7 days. An epic private trip down the Middle Fork began with 8 inches of snow but quickly changed to sunny days. Turning the corner onto the Main Salmon River of No Return we began our annual Sawtooth Adventure Company training trip. Swift water rescue, first aid, and various river skills all played a crucial part of the SAC guides cohesiveness. With an amazing amount of rainfall in a matter of three days the river quickly rose which made for a big water rafting experience. High water, dutch oven style meals, a great crew and beautiful scenery proved another extraordinary river trip. Check out our photos!




Riggin in the rain



Matt Haberstock AKA "Extreme"



Guides: Mike, Rachel, Forte and Maggie the dog



Mark Wilson from Stanley, Idaho's Riverwear and his buddy Mud

Our new Jenna AKA "Forte"

Our new guide Tyler

Our new training trip Mascot: Maggie



Shaley on the oars


Our fearless paddle boat!


The Main Salmon Barth Hot Springs

The two big reds

Good ol' Buckskin Bill's Gun Tower

Thanks for all who joined the SAC crew on another fun filled trip!

Friday, April 30, 2010

spring in stanley idaho

I took my annual spring trip to Stanley to check out how the SAC headquarters weathered another winter in the Sawtooths. Its a beautiful time of year. I love catching up with my Stanley friends. I think my visit confirms winters over...... summers on the way.

Thanks to my good friends at the Sawtooth Hotel for the great hospitality. Check out the Hotel this summer for a great, new spot to mingle, dine and drink in Stanley






Lower Stanley's resident Bald Eagle scanning the Salmon for Steelhead.


The new and improved Boat Box. I approve!
Rigs outside McCoy's Tackle Shop means Salmon Steelhead fishing in Stanley is in full swing

William's Creek trail head, aka Fisher Creek
I can hardly wait!
Give us a call for guided Mountain Bike Trips in Idaho

My next trip to Stanley idaho will be to open the SAC headquarters for our 10th summer and get ready for our Middle/Main training trip. Hope to see you this summer in the Sawtooths

Cheers,
Jared


Friday, March 12, 2010

Move over Disneyland....The Annual Kids Trip is now #1!


Its official, Disneyland is no longer my daughter's number #1. After a fun-filled week in the happiest place on earth my daughter proclaimed that the Tower of Terror was awesome, but not as fun as a 5-day river trip. Makes a daddy proud!


Join us on the 2nd Annual Kids Trip down the Salmon River July 29- August 2nd. This trip is catered to families with kids ages 6-18
Family Rafting Trips in Idaho

When was the last time you spent an uninterrupted week with the kids?
An amazing adventure awaits..........



Monday, March 8, 2010

SAC Training Trip: Bruneau River Idaho

Each May the SAC crew kicks the river season off with the annual "Training Trip". It is a great opportunity to explore new rivers, learn tons and have some big water fun. It is also an essential team-building adventure for the new guide crew. This year we will take on the 165 miles of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon, otherwise known as "turning the corner". This 7-day high water trip will be the perfect training grounds........

...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Idaho's Middle Fork Raft & Gear Rentals

Sawtooth Adventure Company rents quality Rafting and Camping Equipment for multi day Raft Trips on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon.
Raft-Whitewater Kayaks-Inflatable Kayaks-Camp Equipment


New for 2010!
SAC PAK
Food Packing system


Planning the food for 15 people on a 6 day wilderness river trip is a daunting task. No longer. Our SAC PAK system simplifies the food planning, buying and packing for your trip. Our creative menus utilize fresh and healthy food that is easy to prepare.


How easy is the SAC PAK?
Simply choose a menu and pick it up in Stanley Idaho on your way to Boundary Creeks. We send you into the wilderness with a detailed instruction packet to a fresh and tasty riverside cuisine. Choose to use your own coolers and dry boxes, or rent ours.

Our 'poor boy' menu starts at $15 per person/day, while our more creative menus range from $25 to $45 per person/day. We also cater beverages upon request.


Transportation
We provide car shuttles, equipment drops/pick up and van transportation to/from anywhere in the Rocky Mountain West.

Give us a call to help simplify your Middle Fork trip planning process
1.866.774.4644

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Stanley Idaho: The perfect wedding destination


Did I miss the memo or is January the month to plan a Stanley wedding?

Since the new year I have received a countless number of phone calls from couples asking questions about what we offer their destination wedding. Stanley's wedding scene has exploded the past few years due to an increased number of wedding services in the valley. Not to mention........the Sawtooths make an impressive backdrop to tie the knot.

Whether your getting married at Redfish , Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, Pioneer Park, Sawtooth Hotel, or a pristine mountain meadow we can help.

The 2010 summer marks our 10th summer hosting wedding parties to a fun, safe and memorable day on the river. Our destination management experience will help make your event in Stanley run smoothly. Often times wedding couples want to show thier out-of-town guests what Idaho is all about. Perfect...that's what we do best!

Here is a quick list of the services we offer:

References available upon request. Send us an email, or give us a call to learn more.

info@sawtoothadventure.com

1-866-774-4644

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Documentary on the SNRA and Stanley Idaho



Click on the link below to view this new documentary on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Stanley Idaho. Created by http://www.zippoproductions.com/ , this video demonstrates why the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is such a unique and perfectly preserved gem in the Rocky Mountains of central Idaho. Like no other place in the west.




The best ways to experience the magic of the SNRA is from on our Scenic Float Trips. Enjoy a leisurely and relaxing float through this amazing valley dominated by the majestic Sawtooth Mountain Skyline.


Call us 1.866.774.4644 to explore the posibilities!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Post a Trip Advisor review and get a free SAC coozy

One of the many perfect camps on Idaho's Salmon River of No Return
Post a review about your Sawtooth Adventure Company experience and we will send you a free SAC Coozy
Click below to post review

To redeem your coozy, send a link to your review and your mailing address to info@sawtoothadventure.com