YOUR FIRST NIGHT

Prepping For Adventure

Our pre-trip orientation is held at the Mountain Village Lodge at 7:30 the evening before departure. We meet guests to review plans for the next morning, answer questions, show you how to pack our waterproof bags, and introduce the group. We will offer local dining suggestions and help you get ready for an outstanding Middle Fork river rafting vacation. Make sure to download our whitewater rafting packing list below.

Packing List
things to do in stanley idaho with a view of redfish lake

GETTING HERE

If you have any questions about transportation logistics, please give us a call. No matter how you get there, we are looking forward to meeting you in Stanley.

DRIVING

Drive to Stanley and leave your vehicle at the Mountain Village Lodge parking lot during your river trip. At the end of the trip, we’ll provide transportation back to Stanley and you will arrive there around 6:00 pm. Boise to Stanley is a 3-hour scenic drive. We suggest that you spend the night in Stanley after your trip.

If you prefer, you can have your vehicle shuttled from Stanley to Salmon while you are on the river. We will have you to your vehicle around 3:30 pm. We suggest utilizing Caldwell Transportation for this service. The cost of the shuttle is about $120.00. Their local in-season office number in Stanley is 1-208-774-2265.

FLYING

If you fly to Boise and want to use an air shuttle service to get to Stanley, we suggest using an Idaho based flying service. We recommend Sawtooth Flying Service or Gem Air. It is a 45-minute spectacular flight over Idaho’s backcountry.

Most people who use an air charter service, fly from Salmon to Boise at the end of the trip and do not return to Stanley. We will have you at the Salmon airport around 3:45 pm on the day we get off the river. The flight from there to Boise takes about 90 minutes. Alternately, you can return to Stanley on our bus and fly to Boise the next morning or return to Boise by bus with Caldwell Transportation. You need to decide on your round-trip option when you book your flight from Boise to Stanley.

Air services have “seat” and “charter” pricing. Late reservations may be subject to charter rates if other passengers aren’t flying. There are strict bag weight limits of 35 lbs. per person. The Boise to Stanley fare is about $180; Salmon to Boise $225, with lesser rates if you book both legs of the trip.

For families, renting a car and leaving it in Stanley is an economical alternative to using an air shuttle service. Even though the vehicle isn’t being utilized while you are on the river, it is still less expensive than an air charter. Car rental agencies with weekly rates include Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Avis, and National. Enterprise offers our guests special rates. Call or email us for details. A typical standard vehicle weekly rental is $200 plus fees. There are no car rental drop-off facilities in Stanley.

STAYING HERE

Our Middle Fork trips meet in Stanley the evening before departure. Below are staff recommendations for lodging, places to eat, and things to do if you have an extra day to spend in the area.

STANLEY RESTAURANTS 

Mountain Village Resort Restaurant A convenient option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Guide’s choice: the 7C Breakfast Burrito.
Sawtooth Hotel Open for dinner Thursday-Monday. Gorgeous views on the outdoor patio. Delicious, homemade food in a casual setting.
Stanley Baking Company Tasty coffee, legendary baked goods, serving breakfast and lunch. Be sure to get in line early for this popular spot.
Peaks & Perks Food truck style coffee, bagels and smoothies. Located between Mountain Village Resort and Riverwear.
Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs Dine in or carry out their family-friendly pizzas, sandwiches, or Italian entrees. Online ordering available.
Stanley Supper Club Indoor/outdoor dining, small plates and a selection of entrees. Simple food prepared with great care.
Kasino Klub Pub fare with full bar. Live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the summer season.
Redfish Lake Lodge Restaurant “Idaho comfort food” in a rustic lodge setting. A 10 minute drive from town on the scenic banks of Redfish Lake.