Must-do Activities in The Sawtooths, Idaho

There are so many epic things to do in The Sawtooths, located in Stanley, Idaho. The whole area is beautiful! Here are some must-do activities:

⭐️ soak in Sunbeam Hot Springs

-located just 10 minutes from town

- there’s a few shallow pools sectioned off on the side of the flowing Salmon River

- each pool is a slightly different temperatures as part of the chilly Salmon River flows into the pools as well

- relax and soak in the good vibes!

⭐️ Hike Sawtooth Lake

- miles: 10 rt

- elevation gain: 1,873 ft

- trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead

Sawtooth Lake is amazing! You can do it as a day hike, but I recommend backpacking so you can spend the night in this incredible spot. The hike is pretty mild until the last mile when the steep switchbacks come in.

⭐️Mountain Village Resort hot springs

- this hot spring is located right in town at Mountain Village Resort

- the only way to visit the hot spring is if you are a guest at the hotel (I do recommend staying here for one night anyways, and it’s affordable!)

- as a guest of the hotel, you can reserve a 1-hour block at the hot spring on the day of your arrival

⭐️Alice/Toxaway Lake Loop Backpacking Hike

- miles: 20.6

- elevation gain: 3,169 ft

- trailhead: Tin Cup Trailhead

This loop trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the Sawtooth National Forest. Most people do it either as a 2 or 3-day backpacking hike. If you are short on time, you could just hike to Alice Lake as a day hike instead of completing the whole loop.

⭐️Goat Lake

- miles: 8.1

- elevation gain: 1,768

- trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead

Goat Lake is another completely amazing hike. You can do it as a day hike (like I did) or camp up there for the night! This hike is challenging at the top and requires some scrambling and route finding. The views and the lake are worth it, though!

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