Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
as, fireweeds, bluebells, and columbines. Miles of trails thread through the forests of firs,
pines, and aspens, and crystal-clear streams and rivers lace the large recreation area.
If you decide to stay a while, the visitor center is a valuable resource; located eight
miles north of Ketchum, it offers trail maps and guidebooks. When exploring, be on the
lookout for mountain goats, pronghorns, bighorn sheep, and elk.
5.
Galena Summit Overlook
A half-mile past Galena Summit, which stands at an elevation of 8,701 feet, this overlook,
perched near a terraced hillside with aspen groves and willows, commands a not-to-be-
missed view. In the distance to the north lies the Sawtooth Range. Nearer at hand the Sal-
monRiverdominates thescene: some2,000feetbelow,theSalmonValley spreadsoutlike
avastrumpledcape,itsroundedcontoursmoldedbythesameslowpassageofglaciersthat
honed the jagged peaks thousands of years ago.
A five-mile descent leads to the valley floor and the Salmon River, where chinook sal-
mon hatch in the spring, then begin their long journey—about 400 miles—to the Pacific
Ocean. Tolearn about the remarkable fish,visit the Sawtooth Hatchery onthe river'swest-
ern bank. Another springtime sight, the sandhill crane, can often be found high-stepping
through the wetlands that line portions of the highway. If you'd like to take advantage of
local camping, consider Alturas Lake, good also for picnics and swims.
6.
Redfish Lake
Named for the sockeye salmon that spawn there, Redfish Lake, nestled as it is among tall
peaks, resembles a polished mirror ringed with mountain gems. Redfish Lodge offers a re-
laxing escape from civilization, and if you feel like roughing it, several campgrounds are
available. Little Redfish Lake, just up the access road, bans motorized craft, a rule that
makes for a particularly peaceful day spent fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring.
7.
Elk Mountain Overlook
ThedrivecontinuesnorthtothetownofStanley,thenswitchesontoRte.21,thePonderosa
PineScenicByway.Foroneofthefinestvistasinthearea,takeStanleyLakeRoad—about
five miles farther along—to Elk Mountain Overlook. The view includes Stanley Lake, a
shimmering alpine oasis in a forest of lodgepole pines.
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