SAC Blog...Live from Stanley Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountains

Stanley, Idaho- The Ultimate Family Destination

2009-07-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lately I find myself explaining to potential clients across the globe why Stanley, Idaho is such a great family destination.

First, in an effort to offer full transparency..... I not only make my lively hood catering to family's adventurous desires, but I am also the Stanley Chamber of Commerce President. So if you are wondering if I am biased? Well.....Yes, but I can also validate my opinion.

Like many of my clients I am always looking to exceed last years family vacation. To my wife's dismay, I am a 34 year old kid. I love to play outside and can rival any 12 year old's appetite for fun and adventure. I appreciate the common comforts, but also seek unique off-the-beaten-path locals that host a variety recreational opportunities, all while being safe and relaxing. I love finding a place that should be the next Jackson Hole or Moab.... but is lucky enough to be over looked by the development monster.

Stanley is a very unique place. It is like no other place in the world with its amazing rivers, endless trails, hundreds of mountain lakes and a variety of natural hot springs. No other town can boast such a magical confluence of the Sawtooth Mountains (American Alps) and the Salmon River of No return (longest free flowing river in the US) all smack dab in the middle of the largest wilderness in the United States.

Families can raft the Salmon, hike the Sawtooths, explore Redfish Lake, bike smooth singletrack, ride a horse through the wilderness, fish for trout and soak in natural hotsprings. All while enjoying a variety historic lodges, mountain ranches, riverside cabins, restaurants and shops.

Give us a call if you need help planning a vacation in this amazing valley.

Hope to see you soon,

Jared & Roni Hopkinson

1.866.774.4644

Sun Valley River Rafting Trips

The Utah-Sun Valley Connection

2009-07-03T06:22:00.001-07:00

Fellow Utahns enjoying Idaho's Salmon River

What is it with Utahn's obsession with Ketchum and Sun Valley? Every summer I am amazed by the growing number of Utahns that flock to the Sun Valley and Stanley Area. It has become the must-do summer excursion for many Utes. Being from Utah myself, I think its great thing. In an effort to "keep it all in the family" I would like to offer my fellow Utahns a great deal on Sun Valley Family Rafting Trips. Let us know you are from Utah when making a reservation and receive a $10 per person discount.

New Stanley Chamber of Commerce Website

2009-07-01T13:11:00.001-07:00

As the President of the Stanley/Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce I am very excited to announce the new Stanley, Idaho Chamber website. This new and powerful site will serve as a useful tool for visitors planning an adventure in this magical valley.

The new Stanley Idaho Blog will offer area businesses a great opportunity to highlight special events, sales and promotions.

Stanley, Idaho is an amazingly unique, off-the-beaten path Rocky Mountain destination that should be on every persons list who seeks out beautiful and wild places.

The Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains merge in this vast valley to create one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the west.

Remember, the absolute best view of the Sawtooths and Stanley is from a raft on our scenic float trips through the valley.

Early June Fun

2009-06-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

With rain in the early part of June this year, the Sawtooth Adventure Guides decided to make the most of the high water levels! This provided the guides the opportunity to take lines through the class IV rapids (which are for the most adventurous of our guests) that had all the other local companies coming out to witness! But don't worry, when rafting with customers taking a swim out of the boat is a rare occurrence.

For the remainder of the summer we offer a great 10 mile trip that includes numerous class II & III rapids that are fun for the entire family!

With the deep snow pack this winter and with plenty of precipitation earlier in the year, the river is running at a very fun level right now! Be sure to book your Stanley River Adventure, it will be the highlight of your Idaho Vacation!

Family rafting adventure; July rafting on the Salmon River

2009-06-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

July brings with it sunny weather, clear water and rapids to suit everyone in the family. Join Sawtooth Adventure river guides for a fun filled day on the Salmon River. Grab a paddle and help your guide navigate through the splashy rapids, or challenge the class III rapids and follow a guide in your own inflatable kayak. If relaxing is more your style join us for a float and soak on the majestic Salmon River. Kick back on an oar boat and let your guide do the work while you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River valley, top it off with a soak in a riverside hot spring.

Family Rafting Trips in Sun Valley, Idaho

2009-06-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

Kids line up for a dip at Jump Rock, a crowd favorite

This time of year I answer hundreds of phone calls asking about our family rafting trips on the Salmon River north of Sun Valley, Idaho. In an effort to best serve our clinets I have included a list of frequently asked questions.

1. Q: Do you have trips that are safe for kids?

Answer: I am a parent of an 8 year old daughter and fully understand and appreciate this question. Both our Scenic Float and Half Day Rafting Trips are great for kids. Our class III whitewater trip is a great introduction to river rafting for kids 4 years and older. For the moms out there.........we take special precautions when boating with young children, give us a call for further explanation.

2. Q: How long have you been in business?

A: This is our 9th season on the Salmon River, the longest tenure amongst our competitors. Since 2001 we have hosted more than 20,000 guests and run the most Class IV trips on the Salmon. Our Salmon River guides are professional, mature (ages 24-33), intelligent(all college grads)characters that return year after year. We take your safety very seriously. Yes, on occasion guests might fall in the river, but your trained guides will have you back in the boat in no time.

3. Q: Do you offer group discounts and will you match your competitions price?
A: Yes, we offer a group discount for groups of 6+ and will always match our competitor's price for a similar service. That being said, I will only match their price if I can afford to offer a very safe, fun and high quality trip.

Give us a call, or start your adventure at sawtoothadventure.com.
Hope to see you on the river,

Jared

SAC Owner/Operator
Idaho river rafting guides

Main Salmon River Rafting

2009-06-05T16:11:00.001-07:00

Travelers ask me on a daily basis what to expect on our 6 day adventure down Idaho's Salmon River . This video by SAC cameo guide Mike Matson does a great job of showcasing the amazing wilderness, hot springs and historic spots that can only be accessed by rafting the Main Salmon.

Stanley, Idaho 2009 Salmon River Snow Pack

2009-06-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Sawtooths and the Salmon River on May 31st, 2009
Holding strong, lookin good!

Sawtooths and the Salmon River on May 31th, 2008 (112% snow pack)

Sawtooths on May 30th, 2007 (85% Snow Pack)
Our backyard view.

Join us in June for big water, great weather and no crowds!
Stanley river rafting at its best.

Last Minute Travel Deal: July 4th-9th Wilderness River Trip in Idaho

2009-05-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

The journey begins: Corn Creek Boat Ramp at 7 feet

Book our July 4th, 6-Day Wilderness River Trip

on Idaho's Main Salmon and receive

$150 off per person

Call 1.866.774.4644

info@sawtoothadventure.com

Stanley, Idaho Rafting; Class IV rapids

2009-05-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

Veteran guides Jenna Martin and Mike Bachman show us how it's done (and how it's not done) in shotgun rapid.

Mike and Jenna running the Sunbeam damn at 7 feet.

Annual SAC Rafting Training Trip; Main Salmon River

2009-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

The annual Sawtooth Adventure Company training trip was a mixture of big water, wild flowers in full bloom, beautiful sunny days and one epic hail storm. With four new guides and nine return guides it was a great way to build camaraderie while enjoying this amazing Idaho river. Side hikes leading to fields of wild flowers and historical cabins/ranches, dutch oven cooked meals, whitewater rescue procedures, and big fun rapids around every river bend; made for an action packed six days. The SAC crew hit the Main Salmon at 72,000 cfs, the biggest any one had ever seen the river. Check out the pics!

Buckskin Bill's Gun Tower

Adrienne, Kristen and Thomas hangin
out by the camp fire.

Playing it safe on the river. Putting to use our swift whitewater rescue on the river, including z-dragging a tree out of an eddie before it reached our boats on shore. Always training.

Creek crossing, now that's teamwork.

Rookie Guide Collin Friedman, aka Captain Safety!

Vanessa Browning livin on the edge, Barth Hotsprings.

Salmon River Guides kick off the Idaho White Water Rafting Season

2009-05-17T09:49:00.001-07:00

While we are loving Stanley, Idaho's cool, wet spring conditions. SAC guides have been taking advantage of Utah's warm desert canyons. Cataract Canyon is a great way to kick it off the rafting season. Some of the largest rapids on the entire Colorado River are found deep within Cataract. Now add 30,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) of water and you have some stomping whitewater.

Beach-front accommodations at the Rio Colorado

SAC guides Jenna and Johnny keep'n it real
Thomas, Matt & Greg

This week the SAC Crew will head north to join me on Sawtooth Adventure Company's Annual Training Trip. We will run Idaho's Salmon River of No Return at what could be very high flows. During this 6-day training course SAC guides will receive a refresher on River Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, Emergency Protocol, Area History, and all of the SAC systems. The entire week is a team building experience and an invaluable tool towards employing hard working, happy, fun, smart and safe guides for the 2009 rafting season

The season kicks off this week. Stay tuned for regular updates, announcements, and a glimpse of what its like to live, work & play in Stanley, Idaho and on Idaho's Main Salmon River

Unlike the economy, the snow pack and weather conditions could not be better. It is going to be a great summer for rafting on the Salmon River

Come see us in Stanley,

Jared

50% off at the Sun Valley Lodge

2009-05-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hello SAC Friends,

Being in the travel and tourism industry I receive hundreds of travel deals a year. Some are better than others. This 50% off deal at Sun Valley Lodge is not only unheard of, but one of the best deals I have seen in years!

Hundreds of our summer rafting guests stay at the Sun Valley Lodge while exploring this amazing part of central Idaho. There can be only one original. And since 1936, Sun Valley has held that distinction. Born out of a desire to bring the magic of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon, without peer on this continent or any other. Sun Valley's nearly one million acres of wilderness promise long sunny days, bright starry nights and a resort experience that your family will cherish for generations.

Time is of the essence. The 50% off sale is for this weekend only. Hurry and book your vacation in paradise. Remember, now that you have saved hundreds of dollars on your accommodations, give us a call to book a very reasonably priced, fun and safe rafting trip on Idaho's Salmon River. Our 1-day trips start one (very scenic) hour north of Sun Valley, Idaho

An excellent snow pack in the Sawtooth Mountains guarantees a great rafting season . I look forward to seeing you and your family this summer in Stanley, Idaho.
Jared, SAC owner

Chinook Salmon return predicted for Idaho's Upper Salmon

2009-05-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Looks like a great year ahead for our endangered Chinook Salmon. These magical fish return from their epic journey each summer to the Sawtooth Valley. These massive fish have avoided commercial fishing in the Pacific on there way to Japan and back to the Columbia river. They laboriously travel upstream through 3 different rivers, over 600 miles and through 8 dams to spawn within meters of where they were born 4 years earlier. Simply amazing!

Join Sawtooth Adventure Company Aug 28-September 2nd and experience the educational and awe inspiring experience of floating the Salmon with these huge, magical fish. Stay tuned for additional Salmon facts throughout the summer season.

Salmon River, Idaho Snowpack

2009-04-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I headed up to Stanley to attend the Stanley/Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce meeting and check out the Salmon River snow pack. Spring has been slow to return to the valley, but came with a vengeance last week. Temperatures approached 70 degrees and spiked the river to 5.5 ft. on the Yankee Fork gauge. Downstream the Salmon River of No Return swelled to 35,000 cfs at the Whitebird gauge. Current estimates have the Salmon River Snowpack at 93% of normal. Don't worry, the current forecast calls for cold weather and snow for the next week. Great news for the river community and could swing us back towards 100% . The season for rafting the Salmon River is just around the corner. Are you ready?

Shotgun Rapid (Class IV) at 4.5 feet (medium low level)

on the Salmon River near Stanley

A few of Stanley's year-round residents relax and take in the sun.

Classic Sawtooth Scenery

Spring Sunset

Top of Galena Summit looking north towards Stanley

Time to go rafting in Moab, Utah

2009-04-17T19:02:00.001-07:00

While Stanley, Idaho is still a winter wonderland, Spring is going off in Moab, Utah.

SAC guides are heading south to catch the deserts runoff and polish their skills for the upcoming Idaho rafting season. The Moab trails are in great shape, perfect training for a summer of mountain biking in Idaho.

Ample snow pack and a warm weather has the big, fun desert rivers of southern Utah in prime condition. Check out Red River Adventures, a well run Moab rafting company with great guides and family friendly activities. In addition to Rafting and Kayaking the Colorado, they offer a great Moab canyoneering experience that is fun and safe introduction to the amazing slot canyons of Arches National Park.

Rafting Trips in Idaho: SPRING BOAT SALE

2009-03-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Mid 90's 22' WING Self Bailing gear boat. This PVC boat is as bomber as they come. Great boat for a family or desert river gear boat. Frame is not included. Boat is in great used condition. One cosmetic flaw- leftover glue residue from a former logo. As you can see from the pics the boat is in great shape with very little wear and hardly any patches. Boat retails for $6000+. Asking $2500 OBO

18' AVON SUPER PRO
Early 90's Avon Super Pro. 18' Self Bailing Boat. Boat has been used on Idaho's Salmon River for the past 20 years. It has a variety of patches and wear pads but holds air tight and works great. There is cult-like following for the Avon Super Pro and this is the opportunity to get into one for far less than retail price ($5800). Asking $1500 OBO

(3) 2002-2004 Air Super Puma's for Sale

The 12.5' Super Puma is the Porsche of paddle boats. We run a fleet of 12 Super P's and recycle them every 4-6 years. These boats are in great shape! Our entire fleet is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis and stored indoors. Retail Price $3600 w/ 2 thwarts. Asking $2200 OBO. I have 3 available. Buy first and pick the best one.

1999 14' Achilles Self Bailing Boat with 3 thwarts

An absolutely bomber hypalon boat. This boat is in great shape and hold air tight. It has a few patches on the floor in addition to a variety of wear pads. Retails for $4000, asking $2000. Pictures coming soon.

All of the boats are currently in Salt Lake City, Utah. I will be happy to blow them up for you to take a look. Email info@sawtoothadventure.com for more details and additional images. You can also call jared at 1.866.774.4644

Sawtooth Adventure Company specializes in Family Rafting Vacations on Idaho's Main Salmon River

Book an Idaho White Water River Rafting Trip for 10+ people and receive 1 week free in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

2009-02-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Take the reigns and organize a 2009 Idaho Rafting Trip for your family and friends and repay yourself with a trip to paradise.

Book a 2009 All Inclusive River Trip for 10+ people and receive 1 week accommodations for 2 people in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexcio during the winter of 09/10.

You will enjoy a brand new 3000 Sq. foot flat overlooking the pool, beach and the pacific ocean. Condominio Delfines is an adult-only, gated community in Nueva Vallarta, 15 minutes north of the Puerta Vallarta International Airport. The property offers a private beach, pools, fitness room and beautiful grounds. This private residence is beautifully decorated and designed for unsurpassed relaxation.

Give us a call at 1.866.774.4644 to explore the possibilities!

info@sawtoothadventure.com

Fantasy Ridge Solitude, Utah

2009-01-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

Frozen or flowing, SAC guides are addicted to playing in water. Johnny, 6 year SAC guide joined me to a day of exploring Fantasy Ridge and skiing fresh powder under blue skies. Fantasy Ridge has been labeled the most technical inbounds hike in North America, it deserves the hype. If you are one of the lucky few that call Solitude home, its simply your back door.

Give us a call to book a Family Rafting Trip. You might catch me on the chairlift, or better yet in the tress playing in the water..... frozen water.

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua : San Juan Howler Mountain Bike Race

2009-01-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

A mid-winter update on the Idaho Mountain Bike scene: Escape the snow, pack up your bike and head to Nicaragua for your pedal fix.

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua (SAC's favorite place to escape) is rapidly becoming an all around adventure destination. Nica naturally boasts amazing beaches, jungles and world class surfing. You can now add to the list a 12 hole Frisbee golf course through the jungle and an annual mountain bike race. Stay tuned for further development on SAC's Latin American Operation.
Mountain Bike Race February 28th, 2009
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Attention Mountain Bikers! Bodhin Adventure Services invites you to participate in the inaugural San Juan Howler Mountain Bike Race: an 18k loop of mountain bike racing adventure on dirt roads, ox trails, and stream beds covering some wild and crazy terrain in the topical dry forest of Southern Nicaragua.

18K of Ox paths, single track, dirt roads, and river beds make 'the Howler' a mountain biking adventure to make even the most experienced racers HOWL!
"Nicaragua is known for it's untouched, raw landscape, and this course takes full advantage of the diversity in the surrounding terrain. You only have to go 5 minutes outside of San Juan to find some really amazing stuff!" says Anthony Ippolito, World Class racer and lead monkey course setter.

So come get a little howler in you bark get ready to dominate the hills of San Juan!

Summer is on the horizon. Give us a call today to see check out our guided mountain bike trips, white water river rafting day trips, main salmon rafting, guided fly fishing available in the wild Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

New family-friendly pricing on Idaho's Salmon River

2009-01-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

I am torn. As the owner of Sawtooth Adventure Co I strive to offer the absolute highest quality, full service river trip available to meet the expectations of our Sun Valley Clientele. As a father, I see our Salmon River Adventure as the ultimate family vacation, one which should be available for every kid on the planet.

Over the past decade Sawtooth Adventure Company has offered a top-shelf, full service river experience. Our wilderness trips have gained a reputation where guests can expect exquisite cuisine, high end equipment, charming guides and all while not lifting a finger. Our guides take care of every detail and camp task ensuring you a truly relaxing escape from everyday life. This high level of service has gained us a stellar reputation amongst the Sun Valley visitor and a solid client base. Unfortunately this exceptional level of service comes with a hefty price tag, a limiting factor for families. There lies my struggle.

I believe the Salmon River was made for families! It offers such a unique experience where parents receive uninterrupted time with their kids in a safe, fun, and life changing environment. Unlike Disneyland, on our wilderness rafting trips you are the characters, and the magic comes from natural hot springs, family fun rapids, and the vast Idaho wilderness. Idaho’s Salmon River is an awesome and unique adventure that every family needs to experience.

To solve my struggle I have decided to offer two distinctly different trips, each for a different price. Throughout the 2009 Summer Sawtooth Adventure Co. will offer both our classic Wilderness River Trips and our All Inclusive Rafting Vacation.

The All Inclusive Rafting Vacations will include Air Charter from Boise International Airport, vehicle transfers, 2 nights at riverside lodges, food, beverages, guides, and gear….everything. Guests can expect to experience an absolutely top-notch vacation where the guides not only entertain, but also do everything from offer you a hot evening shower, to preparing a delicious Dutch Oven Prime Rib. On our All Inclusive trips we bring extra help, the ‘Guest Guru’, designated to lead you through this adventure, introducing the unknown and everything that makes the Salmon River so magical. Guests can expect guides to take care of every detail and camp duty, allowing you to experience the most relaxing and luxurious trip available on the Salmon River of No Return.

In contrast, Our Wilderness River Trips offers the magic of a multi-day trip down Idaho’s Salmon River, but at drastically reduced price. Same trip, without the fluff. Instead of Prime Rib, guests will be treated to tasty Dutch oven pasta and Mexican dishes. You won’t find any lodges on this trip, just the starry sky and sound of the river as it rushes by. Guests can expect the same great guides and quality equipment, but are asked help put with camp duties. The extra help will free up your guides to introduce you to the amazing hikes, epic beach games, un-matched history and magic found within the River Canyon.

I hope through offering a more reasonably priced trip I can attract more families to experience this amazing adventure vacation.

Give me a call to explore the possibilities. I would love to answer your questions and talk about our trips.

Cheers,

Jared

Happy New Year from Sawtooth Adventure Co.

2009-01-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

I feel like the holidays just ran me over like a Mack Truck. It appears the vacation is over …….time to shake the holiday hangover and get back to work.

I keep hearing change is upon us in the New Year. Whether it is a campaign slogan or our world pressing the ‘reset button’ it seems to be happening. Fine with me.....I plan to embrace it and see where it takes me. Since change is hip , I am jumping on the train and making some big changes at Sawtooth Adventure Co. for the 2009 summer. Why not?

Here is a little change I think you can handle...... we have drastically reduced the price of our wilderness river trips for the 2009 summer. A trip that cost $1300 in 2008 will now only cost $900 in 2009. Crazy? Maybe, but things are kinda crazy right now. I hope this makes our trips on the Salmon river more realistic for families, because in the end it’s all about the family.

Take a minute and check out our Family Rafting Trips in Idaho for your daily dose of ‘change’.

Cheers,
Jared

Salmon River Fishing Guide

2008-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Jimmy K, life-long friend and veteran Fly guide for Salmon River Anglers shows us all how its done. Nice fish Jimmy.

Give us a call while fishing in Sun Valley to spend a day fly fishing on the Salmon River of no Return .

1.866.774.4644

What is it about the Holidays?

2008-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Why is it that only during the Holidays we make such an effort to get together with family and friends. It seems like the most hectic time of year to squeeze in a party every other night. Why don't we make this same effort throughout the year?

Here is an idea; Keep the celebration rolling and book a river trip for the 2009 season. Our customers unanimously agree, there is no better place to relax and spend time with your family and friends than on Idaho's Salmon River.

I know, I know...... with the economy in the dumps who can afford a rafting vacation? It is more reasonable than you might think. Hell, make me deal. After all, it is the season for giving......

Make it a fun & Safe Holiday Season.

Cheers,

Jared & the SAC crew

I almost forgot.......

please...please...please pray for snow.

Overnight Rafting Trips near Sun Valley

2008-07-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Alas, for the first time Sawtooth Adventure Company is able to offer an overnight trip to our Sun Valley and Stanley visitors.

Join SAC on our 1-night trip down the Salmon River to catch a glimpse of the high level of service offered on our 5 Day Rafting Vacations. Our overnight camp is fully equiped and a prime location for an evening hike, beach games, fishing, or simply relaxing with your family and friends. It is the perfect opportunity to experience camping on the river's edge along with our amazing Dutch Oven Cuisine. Check out details at:

Overnight Rafting Near Sun Valley

or call

1.866.774.4644