Are you visiting Sun Valley, Idaho this summer?  Check out this perfect 1-day adventure itinerary exploring the Sawtooth mountains, Salmon River and the fantastic town of Stanley, Idaho.

8 AM Head north! A beautiful one-hour drive over Galena summit to Stanley, Idaho. Morning drive offer the best opportunity to see some Idaho wildlife including Elk, pronghorns, mountain goats, black bears and birds….amazaing array of birds. 

9:15 AM Grab and amazing breakfast at the world-renowned Stanley Baking Company and enjoy watching the little town of Stanley Idaho wake up to another fantastic day in the Sawtooth Valley

10:30 AM. A short stroll from the SBC is Sawtooth Adventure Company.  Stanley’s adventure HQ.  Join us for our Class III rafting trip with lunch.   Enjoy the thrill and serenity of the Salmon River, topped off with a deliciously catered riverside lunch. 

11 AM Load onto SAC’s famous fish bus and head downstream! Your guide will lead your family through  Class III rapids,  historical hikes and a stunning era and wrap up the day with a fresh catered lunch and out riverside camp.  

3 pm   We return to our HQ in Stanley, Idaho After a fantastic day on the Salmon River .  Check out your pictures, thank your guide and grab some SAC swag to remember the adventure! Make sure to swing into the Stanley Fly Shop for a great selection of hats, gear and FreeFly apparel

3:30 pm Redfish Lake Lodge is the perfect place for a snack from the gazebo, or a happy hour at the Rustic. Spend some time taking in the absolutely stunning view of the Sawtooths From Redfish Lake Lodge

4 pm Time to head south, back over Galena Summit and onward to Sun Valley, Idaho.  

5:30 pm.  Back at the Sun Valley Lodge and ready for an evening of  dinners, symphony, Ice Show, or simply relaxing in the warm pool.

One of the best days of your Idaho Vacation lies only 1 hour north in the Sawtooth Mountains,  

March 18, 2024 Steelhead update

We are slowly starting to see fish in the Sawtooth Valley.  Currently the Salmon river is running clear, warm weather will likely affect water clarity.  Anglers should be prepared for winter-like conditions with low overnight temps.  Anglers should also be prepared to navigate snow to access the river.   Stanley Steelhead run consist of section 19, above the East Fork.

Steelhead Hatchery Returns– This includes the Pahsimeroi and Sawtooth Traps.

Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report-  A weekly report including water and wether conditions, fish-per-hour estimates and more

Facts:  The closest Whitewater rafting to Sun Valley, Idaho is on the Upper Salmon River in Stanley, Idaho.

Sawtooth Adventure Company, based in Stanley, ID offers Whitewater rafting trips 7 days a week through Labor Day weekend on the Salmon River.   Choose between June’s Class IV high adventure trips, to very popular July & August fully catered family rafting trips.

During July and August  guests will experience family-friendly rapids, crystal clear water and warm sunny days.

Call Janice to talk about trip options and to book an amazing Idaho Family Adventure.

Call Now 1(866)774-4644

Stanley, Idaho

Home to Sawtooth Adventure Company.   Located in the Sawtooth Valley in central Idaho and sits at 6,250 ft elevation.  Stanley, Idaho is surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains, The Frank Church Wilderness and White Cloud Mountains. Idaho’s famous Salmon River of No Return flows past Stanley from its origin 30 miles up stream, on its 900 mile journey to the Pacific Ocean.

Stanley, Idaho summer weather

Stanley, Idaho has a reputation as the “coldest place in the lower 48”. While winters can be brutally cold, it gets its reputation for its cold summer mornings. It is not uncommon for Stanley to dip into the lower 30’s and upper 20’s at any point during the summer months.  The fluctuation of temperature between 6am and 11AM can easily swings 60 degrees.  This is due to the majority of land surrounding Stanley is above 9000 ft.  The cold air pours into the valley in the mornings and a temperature inversion sets hold until the sun warms the valley floor . Stanley sits at the bottom of the Sawtooth Valley where all that cold air pools. 

Sawtooth Adventure Company & Rocky Mountain River Tours Commercial Driver 

This position combines two different driving jobs to create a fast paced, full-time, fun and adventurous seasonal position with very competitive wages.  You can expect to work 6/7 days a week plus gratuity. 

Rocky Mountain River Tours Big Rig Driver

Drive the Rocky Rig Truck, an International Commercial Truck, 6 Speed, Diesel with 22’ enclosed trailer through the wilds of Idaho.  Work with Middle Fork and Main Salmon Guides at rig and derig.

Sawtooth Adventure Company Day Trip Driver

Days between RMRT trips you will Safely Drive a school bus full of guest with a raft trailer to support our day trip operation in Stanley. Work with a team of river guides managing guests and gear. Fun and fast paced.  Take pictures of our rafting guests at rapids

Seasonal Full Time May 24-Sept 10.  Competitive Wages. Housing Options available.

Job Requirements

Hustle. This is an active position including lifting gear and directing guests in a fast pace, often busy, stressful environment at the river put-ins and take out.

Team player.  You are an essential part of the guide teams

Service Oriented

Clean Driving Record

Commercial Drivers License. We will train and license you

You will be interacting with the public at river access points