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| Home > Idaho > Stanley Lake |
Stanley Lake
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
| Other Names | Sawtooth National Forest, Stanley Ranger District, Elk Mountain, Trap Creek, Little Basin Creek, Stanley Creek, Idaho Centennial Trail, Stanley Basin |
| Last Known Status | Open |
Stanley Lake is smaller than nearby Redfish Lake, but packs in as much beauty with less traffic. The area features a decent single track trail system that winds through a Lodgepole pine forest with top notch mountain and lake views. The area is popular with dual sport motorcycles since Casino Creek is a short distance away, which has another fantastic trail system.
The main staging area has a loading ramp, informational kiosk with a trail map and vault toilet. From here follow the dirt road a short distance in for the actual trails. The staging area is open for day use only, but camping is a short distance away.
Lakeview and Stanley Lake campgrounds are close by, and each site comes with gravel parking pad, picnic table, BBQ grill and nearby water spigots. Firewood is available next to the campground host which can be purchased for a small fee. Stanley Lake and Lakeview campgrounds get less use then other sites in the immediate area, but reservations are still recommended.
The lake has a boat ramp, but is open to non-motorized use, which makes for a perfect paddle for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. There is no fee charged to use the boat ramp, but all water craft must display a current Idaho Invasive Species Boat Sticker, which can be purchased online or at nearby vendors. Adjacent to the boat ramp is a life jacket loaner station, free of charge.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Idaho OHV Registration Sticker |
| Dates Open | May 1 - November 30 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | A non-resident registration sticker must be purchased. (As of January 2020, Idaho no longer honors stickers from other states.) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | ||
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Prohibited | |
 UTV & SXS | Prohibited | |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | youth only required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | keep on the trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Miles Of Trail | 50 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 6500 to 7800 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud |  Little | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills |  Many | |
| Water Crossings | Some | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Many | |
| Roads |  Few | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Few | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) |
 Novice | Little | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367 |
 Water | On Site | Stanley Lake and Lakeview Campground (208) 774-3000 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Stanley RV and Basecamp Lodge (208) 774-2202 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Stanley RV and Basecamp Lodge (208) 774-2202 |
| Campground | On Site | Stanley Lake and Lakeview Campground (208) 774-3000 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SE) | Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $22.00 RV: $22.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $11.00 Stanley Lake and Lakeview Campground Fees |
RATINGS
| Pros | beautiful mountain scenery, miles of pure single track, decent campgrounds, decent lake with scenic views |
| Cons | short season |
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Stanley, ID | ||
| Address | Stanley Lake Road, Stanley, ID 83278 | ||
| From: Sun Valley, ID
1) Take Hwy 75 North about 60 miles 2) Turn left (north) onto Hwy 21, continue about 5 miles 3) Turn left (west) onto Stanley Lake Road, continue 3.5 miles toward staging area. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Sawtooth National Forest - Stanley Ranger District HC64, Box 9900 Stanley, ID 83278 (208) 774-3000 mailroom_r4_sawtooth@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
Stanley Lake is surrounded by some amazing mountain views. From here you can see McGown Peak surrounded by various pine and aspen trees. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The day use area has paved parking and access to the boat ramp. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
This is a hiking trail that leads to a small inlet beach and fishing area. The trail crosses There is a wooden bridge that was recently repaired after the most recent earthquake from March 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The campsites at Stanley Lake Campground have gravel lots, picnic table and BBQ grill. The campground is popular with dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles since the trail system is just a short distance away. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
This is the informational kiosk and self pay station at Stanley Lake. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
This is the trail map that can be found at the Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
A vault toilet is located next to the trailhead and informational kiosk at Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The Stanley Lake Staging Area has plenty of room for parking. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The boat ramp at Stanley Lake is paved but is open to non-motorized watercraft. Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are popular here. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
Stanley Lake is usually very smooth, making it a perfect place to bring the kayak or paddleboard. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
One of the vault toilets that can be found near the day use parking area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
After the March 2020 earthquake, some of the trees were submerged under water. This section can be found at the end of the boardwalk. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The kiosk next to the hiking trail explains the background of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that happened March 31, 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
The boardwalk offers some nice views of the lake and surrounding marshlands. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
This is the wooded boardwalk that leads to a small inlet beach. The boardwalk was repaired after the recent earthquake back in March 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
This is the motorcycle loading ramp at Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
Stanley Lake is very smooth, making it perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
Stanley Lake Trail Photo
Stanley Lake Campground is surrounded by mature pine trees and has some amazing forest views. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS