Last updated on April 9, 2021 by Mountainswithmegan
Spring is in full swing and I’m lamenting not returning to hike in Stanley, Idaho for a third summer. Last summer, while working in Stanley, I hiked almost every weekend and visited every hiking trail and lake that was left on my list.
Although I’m very excited to hike here in Oregon this summer, I need a few moments to reminisce about my favorite places in the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains.
I intentionally didn’t include the most popular hikes on this list, such as Alice Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Goat Lake. They are certainly magnificent and worth a visit. There’s a reason they’re the most popular hiking destinations in Stanley, Idaho. But I wanted to make a list featuring the less obvious destinations. And I have articles on all those lakes I just mentioned if that’s what you’re looking for; simply click on the highlighted lake name.
Most of the trails and lakes on this list can be hiked as day hikes, but I would also recommend them as a camping destination. I’ve hiked about 200 miles of trails in the Sawtooths and White Clouds, and these are my favorites.
The Best Hiking in Stanley, Idaho
1. Baron Lakes
Somehow I didn’t make it to Baron Lakes until my very last hike in Stanley last year, the Sawtooth Traverse. I arrived in the morning and was so angry with myself that I couldn’t stay one night.
Baron Lakes are three lakes that cascade into each other. They are deep blue and are surrounded by jagged peaks. If you wish, you can even camp on a strip of land that juts out between two of the lakes.
It’s a difficult journey to get here. It’s about seven miles to get there from the Redfish Lake ferry landing location. First you have to make a steep climb to Alpine Lake. Then there is another steep climb up to Baron Divide before heading back down to the lakes. If you don’t want to do the whole hike, just head to Baron Divide and you’ll still have amazing views of the lakes.
Mountain range: sawtooth
Miles: 14 round trip
Start of the trail: Redfish Lake Ferry Landing
2. Cramer Lakes
Think of them as the simplest version of Baron Lakes. It’s not as difficult to get into, but it has many similar qualities. It is a series of three lakes that cascade into each other. There is even a small lake waterfall between two of them. There are some nice campsites to choose from, and it’s not too crowded.
I really appreciate the beauty and tranquility of these lakes. I’ve been here twice and it always calms me down and makes me want to stay. I think this would be a good introduction to the Sawtooths if you’re looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten path, but not extremely difficult to reach.
Mountain range: sawtooth
Miles: 14 round trip
Start of the trail: Redfish Lake Ferry Landing
3. Antz basin and Born lakes
I’m just going to say it. I think Antz Basin is the prettiest basin and/or valley in the entire Stanley region. On my first hike here, I just wanted to spend the night at Born Lakes. I knew I would pass by Antz Basin, but I had no idea what it really was.
The photo really doesn’t do it justice. When you cross the ridge, you suddenly discover a vast basin which extends below. Trees line the rocky mountains and the bottom of the pool is a mix of bright green grass and beige dry earth. This creates quite a nice contrast.
The trail descends into the basin and continues onto the Born Lakes. The lakes themselves are beautiful, uncrowded and reflect the mountains well. The sunset here was beautiful due to the location of the mountains. The sunset hits them and they glow orange.
If you don’t want to hike to the Born Lakes, just hike to the ridgeline overlooking the Antz Basin.
Mountain range: the white clouds
Miles: 10 round trip
Start of the trail: 4th of July Creek Trailhead
Lake Imogen
This lake is not a very common lake as it is a very long day hike and it is not on a trail that leads directly anywhere. You wouldn’t really pass by Lake Imogene unless you were trying to walk the long way to civilization.
Imogene is a nice and serene lake that won’t have too many people nearby. I don’t really know how to describe why this lake is so special, but it just has a quality. It evokes feelings of contentment and peace of mind.
Mountain range: Sawtooth Mountains
Miles: 16 round trip
Start of the trail: Hell’s Roaring Creek Trailhead or Tincup Trailhead (it’s a few more miles from here)
it’s a long drive to get to the trailhead, plus a big hike to get to the lakes. Some lakes in this area are not on a designated trail. Only leave the trails if you are prepared and confident in your abilities. I recommend this overnight hike due to the difficulty of getting there. I think this trail is better for more experienced hikers. If you’re new to hiking and backpacking, maybe do something else on this list first.
The Big Boulder Lakes are a chain of beautiful alpine lakes located in the White Clouds. If you don’t feel comfortable going off trail, I recommend camping at Island Lake. If you feel confident, camp at Cove or Sapphire Lake. It’s all wild and isolated.
Mountain range: White clouds
Miles: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. round trip, depending on your itinerary
Start of the trail: Boulder Creek Trailhead (at Livingston Mill)
Saddleback Lakes
(the top photo in this article is of Saddleback Lakes)
This spot is known for being a rock climbing destination. I actually did this hike with two friends who were planning to climb Elephant’s Perch the next day. This place is great for the view. Elephant’s Perch is so pretty, especially at dusk.
There aren’t many designated trails up to Saddleback Lakes, so this is another hike I recommend doing only if you are more experienced. Much of the path is over rocks and it is easy to veer off course or take a different route than planned.
These lakes are found in a narrow space between cliffs. Campsites at the first lake fill up pretty quickly, so keep walking to the next lakes if you have trouble finding a spot.
In reality, it’s not a huge hike and it’s doable as a day hike.
Mountain range: Sawtooth
Miles: 7 back and forth
Start of the trail: Redfish Lake Ferry Landing
Chamberlain Basin is another beautiful destination in the White Cloud Mountains. Similar to Antz Basin, you have an impressive view of the basin followed by a hike to the lakes to camp.
The trail seems a little busy at first until you pass Lake Washington. The terrain is also not as difficult as what is usually found in the White Clouds. It’s mild for the most part.
While camping at the lakes here, I had my first mountain goat sighting. These goats are much bigger than I expected.
If you just want to take a day hike, you can hike up to get a view of the Chamberlain Basin. If you want to camp overnight, continue to the lake.
Mountain range: White clouds
Miles: 18 round trip
Start of the trail: 4th of July Creek Trailhead
Don’t want to choose just one hike? You can see all the Sawtooth sites and do the crossing.
The large number of trailheads in the Sawtooth Mountains means you can enter the range at one location and exit at another location. I think there is no specific route you should follow. Take a look at the map and see what makes sense to you.
I won’t go into too much detail here as I wrote a very long blog post about the Sawtooth Traverse that you can use as a resource. If you like hiking and spend some time in Stanley, you can’t go wrong with the traverse.
Mountain range: Sawtooth
Miles: 40+
Start of the trail: varied
Where would you go hiking in Stanley, Idaho? Have you hiked any of the trails on this list or do you have any favorite places I haven’t mentioned? And don’t forget to bring a Sawtooth & White Cloud card with you.
Instructions
I put together a little map with all the trailheads and lakes that I mentioned in this article. Just click on the link to access it.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1XAfVtWxv0Il_9Pnj5sggNO_RTsiJPDCY&usp=sharing