The COOLEST Place in the US You've NEVER Heard of... 3 Days in Stanley, Idaho

Stanley, Idaho is known as the Gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains and we will be spending a few days exploring this area. There are so many fun outdoor adventures to do here…. hot springs, fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and the list goes on! We plan to do many of these over the next 3 days.
Day 1
We kick things off with a hike in the Sawtooth Mountains. We hike to Goat Lake which is around 8 miles roundtrip and gets started at the Iron Creek Trailhead.
We follow the trail for around a mile through the forest and turn left to follow the sign towards Marshall Lake. We cross a creek and then begin heading uphill. As we head up some switchbacks, amazing views of the surrounding mountains come into view.
We follow around the left side of the mountain and eventually come to an unmarked junction by a large rock band. There is a small trail going down to the left and I had read on a blog post, we are NOT supposed to go this way.
Instead we scramble up the rock band on the right. After the initial climb up the rock band, cairns and an obvious trail reappear. This last section of the hike is very steep and difficult. We continue up the boulder field until we reach the top of Goat Falls. We cross the river and make the final ascent up to the lake.
We are blown away once we reach the lake! The water is a deep blue and the lake is beautiful. We continue around the lake and find a perfect spot to hang out and enjoy the views. After around an hour or so at the lake, we make the descent back down to the car.
After the hike, we make the 15 minute drive back to Stanley and stop at the Valley Creek Hot Springs just outside of town. It is the perfect way to end the day. It is just one pool that we have all to ourselves, complete with an amazing view of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Day 2
Today we head to Redfish Lake to do some kayaking! We rent a kayak from the Redfish Lake Lodge and it costs $20 per hour.
Redfish Lake is the largest alpine lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness. It is a very popular spot and it’s easy to see why. There is an amazing view of the mountains and the water is crystal clear. There are a number of ways to enjoy the lake.. you can rent boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and there is even a beach for swimming.
We kayak around 3-4 miles to the opposite side of the lake which offers awesome views down the valley. We make our way back but are not done just yet today. We head a couple minutes from the lake to the Redfish Trailhead to do a short, 4 mile hike to Fishhook Meadow.
This is an easy, flat hike that is supposed to offer really amazing views. We hike through the trees until we reach the meadow and it completely opens up to 180 degree views of the mountains. We don't get to enjoy it for long because there seems to be a storm building even though there was no rain in the forecast for today.
We make our way back to the car and while it thunders the entire way back, luckily it does not rain on us. It actually seems like we followed along parallel to the storm the whole way. Once back at the car though, the sky opens up so we make our way back to Stanley and call it a day.
Day 3
Today we get started at the Sunbeam Hot Springs at sunrise. This is a very popular hot springs and it seems like sunrise is a great time to go because not only is it nice and cool outside, but we have the place to ourselves!
There are several different pools here and we find the perfect one to soak in and enjoy our coffee and watch the steam rising off the river. It really is the perfect way to start our last day in Stanley!
We have one final activity planned this afternoon and that is paddle boarding down Salmon River. We rent paddle boards from the Sawtooth Adventure Company and it costs $40 per paddle board for the 1/2 day plus $15 for a shuttle one way.
We will be paddling 6 miles down river and were told it should take around 2 - 2.5 hours. We both have paddled boarded in the ocean before, but never down a river. The water is fast moving and pretty shallow so at times it can be tough to navigate around the rocks. There are small rapids but nothing too crazy.
It actually starts to rain and even hail on us but the timing is pretty perfect because we just happen to be passing Boat Box Hot Springs at the same time. We make a pit stop to enjoy the hot springs and wait out the rain.
It takes us a bit longer than the 2 - 2.5 hour estimate to get down the river. It ends up taking around 4 hours total but we stopped a couple times along the way.
We make it to the take out point of Mormen Bend and then head back to our place.
We fit so much in this week, from hiking to hot springs, kayaking and paddle boarding. We have one final adventure planned for this area and we think we might just have saved the best for last! :)
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[@kevinwhite7791]

Glad you enjoyed our Idahome! Born and raised here and the whole state is like a giant playground.

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for watching! You are lucky to live in such an awesome place, we really enjoyed our time there!! 😍☺️

[@TheIdahogrl]

#Idahome, #The208

[@kylenkoehn1431]

I also live here i love it and will never move

[@jakeschannel1066]

One of your videos popped up on my recommended and I decided to take a look... and WOW I'm so glad I did! These videos are awesome and the production quality is amazing, those drone shots looked so good! It's crazy that your channel only has under 800 subscribers when it's obvious you both deserve way more! Good luck for the future and I'm certain that in the next few years you'll have over 100 thousand subscribers, no doubt about it. Cheers! (I don't usually write such long comments but your travel videos are so fun and interesting to watch, I had to!)

[@WaypointofView]

Wow, seriously thank you so much for your kind words. This means so much to us and I am really glad you found us and took the time to comment!!! 😍😍

[@robinmarcgamangasso8054]

Stop showing off Idaho!! All the DB’s are now coming here.

[@carsthatlast441]

Yea, I reiterate what someone else said....I'm starting work this morning and this video popped up. I love this kind of footage and I watched the whole thing! You both seem to have good chemistry and are fun to watch. Keep making videos like this and your channel will grow fast. Thanks for the video, now I want to get to Stanley. 😆

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much for the kind words... we are really glad you found us! Thanks for watching!! 😍😍

[@ygkal123]

Thanks for this and other videos. Amazing trips. We are hoping to go do some of the same things soon.

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@CRJourney20]

Idaho is so amazingly beautiful. Love the lakes, crazy gorgeous waterfalls. So much fun with so many activities - wow. We are loving your videos, providing inspiring journey. Those sporadic rain and thunder, love it. We are so down for those hot springs it's like the cherry on top. Idaho potatoes are the BEST!

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much!! 😍

[@stargatemomma2027]

You guys are truly inspiring 😇and I have learned much from your share. 😊 thanks

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!! ☺️☺️

[@PlaceOfAbundance-cv8kp]

Our PRIVATE IDAHO! Moved here from SoCal for three years now, my family just loves it here! As long as you don't drive like you own the roads, be respectful and keep the environment clean, most Idahoans WELCOME you with an open mind and heart! :-)

[@sculptor210]

This video just popped up for me and I’m so glad it did! My son and his family live in Caldwell, and the only thing I’ve seen when visiting is their house and Walmart. 😟 Pulling my camper out there this summer and will be expanding my horizons thanks to you. New sub here, anxious to watch more. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@WaypointofView]

Oh yayyy I am so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for the encouragement and we really appreciate you subscribing!!! 😍😍

[@hunterusa4039]

It's fun to see you tour Idaho. I'm born and raised here. GOD Bless!

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for watching! You are lucky to live in a state with so much beauty!

[@fergferguson7370]

You guys are a very nice couple..keep up the good work,excellent editing

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you, we really appreciate the kind and encouraging words!! ☺️😍

[@jaz0485]

You two are so lovely. I miss my Idaho home. Glad you guys had good time.

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much for the kind words and thanks for watching! 🥰

[@markg3025]

Funny story about Stanley Id, I drove up from Boise late morning and I thought when I get to Stanley I will stop at McDonalds for a quick bite to eat. Needless to say no McDs but got a sandwich at the local store. The Sawtooth Mts are awesome.

[@evandarrington3473]

"There was no rain in the forecast, but it is going to thunder and rain" Yup that's Idaho. Give it 5 minutes the weather will change

[@WaypointofView]

😂😂

[@donreinholz8121]

Coffee and hot springs! Nice!

[@WaypointofView]

😍☺️😍

[@fronthealer8309]

Glad you decided to stop by Redfish, and showcase some of the natural beauty there is. Really hope our dock boys treated you well!(that's what we Redfish people call our dock hands)

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for watching and yes, they were very nice to us! ☺️

[@hectorhernandez9892]

I noticed the mountains were smoky. I was there last year and it was smoky as well, but when the skies are clear. Man that place is amazing!

[@kramyddob8851]

Paddling in the same Kayak with a wife is a feat in itself!

[@staceymay2655]

This new sub is lovnit!! You had me with IDAHO,,,,

[@WaypointofView]

Yayy so happy you found us, thanks so watching and subscribing!

[@chrisanderson7516]

We go to the Sawtooths every year! Heaven on earth. Goat lake is amazing but, Sawtooth lake is my favorite, you pass Alpine lake on the way which is awesome also. Next time you both are back Sawtooth lake is a must!

[@WaypointofView]

The Sawtooths really are amazing! Good to know about Sawtooth Lake... I was choosing between those 2 actually. Next time!! ☺️

[@CVSylver08]

LOL the sadness of not having dinner at 3:30 and having also left it in the car. You guys crack me up.

[@WaypointofView]

LOL!! ☺️😂 Thanks for watching!

[@alicelee5356]

Oh, my brother in law's name Stanley, he is a successful business men! Thanks for sharing this wonderful video!

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

You guys are FUN! New subscriber!

[@WaypointofView]

Yayyy thanks so much, we are so happy to hear that!! ☺️😍🤗

[@NorthIdahoNomads]

I love seeing others discover my beautiful state but I’m also kinda bummed we aren’t the best kept secret anymore. Idaho sucks tell your friends ;).

[@WaypointofView]

I can definitely understand why you guys would want to keep it a secret!

[@garbinator09]

Funny to hear it!

[@Halicet]

If you make it back to the Sawtooths, definitely do the overnight backpacking trip up to Alice Lake. It's absolutely stunning, and when the lake is still it's like a mirror, reflecting all of the mountains and big sky around it. Also you should have taken a dip in Goat lake. It's invigorating after that hike up..

[@WaypointofView]

We actually did do that hike and absolutely loved it! We hiked the Pettit and toxaway lakes loop hike and stayed one night on Alice lake and the other on Lake Toxaway! It was amazing!!

[@ruchika5502]

Very professionally done

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much!

[@officialnofriendo]

Sandpoint,ID is my hometown. You guys should go there. A must place to visit!

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks for the reccomendation on Sandpoint, we definitely hope to make it back one day! ☺️

[@amazinggraces3850]

Absolutely Beautiful ❤️

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much!! 😍

[@AshleyandChristian]

Just found your channel by looking for other Idaho vlogs 😂 We did this exact thing about a month ago! Idaho really blew us away. Also, I think our Sawtooth Lake vlog is going to turn out exactly like this lol. Are you guys going to back to full-time travel internationally when things have gotten better?

[@WaypointofView]

Ohh awesome!!! Idaho really is amazing!!! We certainly are hoping to start traveling internationally again... we are thinking maybe come January. 🤞🤞🤞 what are y’all thinking??

[@AshleyandChristian]

@@WaypointofView The exact same actually! We've been booking a 2 week Mexico trip, and then we're planning on buying a ticket to Heathrow to book onward from there just depending on circumstances!

[@jameswalsh6678]

Great video. We are planning a trip to that part of Idaho. Please tell me where you stayed. You say it was very convenient to lots of attractions. Thank you.

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for watching! We stayed at the Lower Stanley Country Store and Cabins. Cabins were pretty basic but it was right on the river which was awesome! Honestly any of the places in Stanley would be conveniently located because it is so close to the Sawtooth Mountains! You can't go wrong! Enjoy your trip!!

[@EdwinQu72]

Just stumble on your channel. Love your content. What camera do you use for filming your videos?

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much, so glad you found us! We use the Fuji XT3.. amzn.to/3ow4n62 ☺️☺️

[@davemorgan1294]

Hopefully you got to eat at the Cafe bakery in town. As a native. Glad you enjoyed but now 54,000 more people know about Stanley. I'm sure the 63 residents appreciate that. FYI Most of the trails up there are always longer than they are posted.

[@ShadowFhoenix]

Wow

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks for watching!

[@billrtnc9147]

so beautiful and I think this is very underrated channel, I wish u beautiful couple the best success and health

[@WaypointofView]

Thank you so much, that means so much to us!! 😍

[@stormyaviation5734]

Stanley and redfish lake is sooooo pretty.

[@WaypointofView]

It really is so beautiful there!!

[@stormyaviation5734]

I want to go back sooooooo bad!

[@WaypointofView]

@@stormyaviation5734 LOL me too! Where do you live?

[@stormyaviation5734]

Waypoint of View, not gonna say for security sakes, I doubt that you are a bad person but It’s just for security sakes sorry. Great video.

[@WaypointofView]

​@@stormyaviation5734 Haha no worries, didn't really think of it that way when I asked but makes sense..

[@LNRFALLS]

I recommend to go to sheep lake it is by rigins Idaho and has tons of mountain goats

[@TM-bd7nf]

Too bad you only had 3 days. I just got back from a week in Stanley and still feel like there was more I wanted to do!

[@WaypointofView]

I know, we felt the same way.. so much to do and not enough time!!

[@andreabradley5837]

You are in the Frank Church Wilderness. It is one of the largest designated wilderness areas in the US.

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for the info!

[@billruud7930]

Close, but the frank church river of no return wilderness is north of Stanley.

[@805gregg]

The best place you have never heard of is Ojai Ca. best place to visit or live, been here 35 years, still great

[@slicebo]

Just down hwy 33 snuggled along the Pacific in Ventura here! And I grew up in Stanley and Challis... my family homesteaded much of Stanley and Challis. Its gorgeous for sure! But not much compares to this part of So. Cal for year round loving and living! Oh and if you need your So Cal whitewater kayaking fix... the Kern River is in the backyard and home to Brush Creek and Dry Meadow Creek... my faves!

[@TaylorMashburn]

No rain in the forecast? Welcome to Idaho :) hahaha

[@WaypointofView]

😂😂😂

[@chrispreussler1943]

Check out Hobo Cedar Grove if you ever make it to Northern Idaho.

[@WaypointofView]

Thanks so much for the rec!

[@garystanley1605]

Actually I have heard of 'Stanley Idaho'! My Name Gary 'Stanley'! Nice video Too!

[@WaypointofView]

Gary, so glad you enjoyed our video! Does your family happen to be the namesake of Stanley, Idaho?! ☺️☺️

[@garystanley1605]

@@WaypointofView No Sorry But I am so Interested in that Area! I am a retired Professional Nature Photographer, and I found this are so interesting!

[@krisrose219]

That looks like a lot of work

[@WaypointofView]

☺️

[@jbench2756]

heaven on earth to me

[@WaypointofView]

Couldn't agree more! We really hope to go back one day!!

[@caromir3277]

Idaho is my home state!

[@WaypointofView]

Really?! Idaho is amazing.. we loved it there!

[@caromir3277]

@@WaypointofView yes it really is a hidden secret …

[@milesmoore8705]

What drone are you using?

[@WaypointofView]

At the time we were using the DJI Mavik Air: amzn.to/38r5kH7 but it has since been crashed and lays to rest on a cliff in Montenegro 😩😩. BUT we have upgraded to the Mavic Air 2 and I have to say, it's a little bigger and heavier but worth it. The overall quality is amazing!

[@Angy8935]

Silly question, do you carry any kind of protection with you on your hikes in case you come across a bear/ bobcat ?

[@WaypointofView]

Not a silly question at all.. I am terrified of bears when hiking and camping… yes we carry bear spray!! ☺️

[@TheWizomaniac]

Did you have to book the hot springs? How did you get them to yourselves?

[@WaypointofView]

No, I don't think that's possible.. we just got up really early and were there around sunrise. ☺️ There were definitely more groups showing up by 8/9AM.

[@jamesglenn520]

These Hot Springs are not privately owned. They are on BLM or National Forest/Public Lands.

[@Evan-pk1lw]

Just stumbled across this video because I'm looking to travel up to Idaho. This is the ultimate dream of myself and my wife, to quit our jobs and travel the world. If you don't mind me asking, how were you able to travel with no jobs or income? Was money saved or did you all have supplemental income coming in. Thank you

[@WaypointofView]

Hi Evan! We are primarily traveling on the money we saved up before quitting our jobs. Myles did do some contract work when we were back home in the states last year doing our road trip. Otherwise it's 99% from savings. We make a little bit from KZbin ad revenue, but we're talking about $150 a month with a channel our size... so not enough to sustain anything.. 😂

[@jessicawilkins7139]

Craters of the moon is a national park in Idaho think there are a few more they might not be a Yellowstone or a Yosemite but they are a national park

[@jamesglenn520]

It's actually Craters of the Moon National Monument.

[@louisaklimentos7583]

National Parks in USA are amazing

[@WaypointofView]

They really really are!!

[@nellysalcido657]

Redfish is pretty but the amount of people that haven’t been able to be rescued from under the water... creeps me out whenever I go

[@WaypointofView]

😳😳😳

[@jamesglenn520]

There is definitely a Nessy Creature in the Lake.

[@Tom-bl4rh]

How much were those snglasses?

[@WaypointofView]

Haha... which pair?

[@LemurJackson]

A permit to hike? I’ve never heard of that. How many times have you had to fill out a permit?

[@WaypointofView]

Yep! It was required for a lot of the hikes we did! It was easy though, just a matter of filling it out at the trailhead. ☺️

[@colinkaak9874]

Registering is for your safety so if you get lost or injured they know where to look for you.

[@NB-sy5gb]

STOP ADVERTISING IDAHO!!!!!!!

[@christianburnside7679]

I second this.

[@xr1776]

Weird

[@Mobytts69]

I live in Utah, and it's been a nightmare since Covid and these influencers are trying to be cool. I feel like the mountain states should prioritize their residents over tourists who don't pay taxes nor appreciate it.

[@Elior1030]

No life jackets when kayaking?

[@veritas-revelare-omnis5217]

Isn't love fun!

[@WaypointofView]

It sure is!! 😍😍

[@8044868]

This is why I live in Idaho.

[@WaypointofView]

It’s an amazing place for sure!!

[@pavithramit]

Content and narration is very similar to kara and nate!

[@suzannetonkinson8016]

We want to follow your bread crumbs!

[@WaypointofView]

😍😍

[@stanleysawtoothchamberofco6366]

That is one amazing video! Thank you so much for posting this. We are thrilled you both had an amazing time here in this beautiful part of the country! Come back soon, and stop by the office to introduce yourselves! We thrive to make everyone's stay enjoyable!!! Please feel free to post this video and visit our Facebook as well. Thanks again and KUDOS!!! facebook.com/StanleyIdaho/

[@eomyenom1]

I heard Grizzly bears were in Idaho on trails? Is this true?

[@WaypointofView]

Haha honestly I cannot say for sure. But I was pretty worried about bears everywhere we went hiking out west and we always carried bear spray with us :)

[@eomyenom1]

@@WaypointofView Ok dude continue to be safe

[@jamesglenn520]

It is Absolutely true 👍 Bears and Moutain Lions are the most common animal to worry about. And I wouldn't put it past a pack of Wolfs to attack humans either. And depending on the time of year people need to be careful if they encounter a Moose 👌

[@eomyenom1]

@@jamesglenn520 Wow so if one goes out it’s safe to say they better be armed and proficient with said firearm.

[@jamesglenn520]

@@eomyenom1 Absolutely have something to protect yourself with and a good idea to Never venture very far alone.

[@GaleRainwater]

WEAR A PFD!!! Great video but wear a personal floatation device or Pfd. Honestly, only inexperienced newbs paddle without one. You fall, you float, and one could save your life. Plus it sets a bad example for your watchers.

[@WaypointofView]

Glad you liked our video, and we definitely appreciate the feedback on PFDs.

[@critter4662]

Idaho is nice but the people are so mean! 😉

[@optitom9033]

No we're not I moved here three years ago and everyone I've encountered has been so friendly it reminds me of what southern California was like in the 1960s

[@morganlyon5962]

Why have i lived here for 15 years and never knew about any of this??

[@WaypointofView]

☺️ Thanks for watching!

[@jamesglenn520]

What part of Idaho do you live in? Seems like Stanley is always at least in the weather forecast during the winter. Only few people actually live there in the winter because of the extreme cold and snow. We have camped there in August and it was 28°F at night 🥶

[@mprenn1547]

shh! Don't tell anyone the town is getting ruined!

[@jamesglenn520]

Not sure where you actually got the footage for the video 🤔 I have been stuck in this state since 1966 and there is nothing but dried up Potato Fields and Sagebrush. Stanley is a Mobile Home community and nothing worth the trip to see.

[@WaypointofView]

☺️☺️😂😂

[@5350nbrookmist]

Idaho sucks. It's best to stay away.

[@jaz0485]

First hand experience? Hah, you are Idahoan

[@5350nbrookmist]

@@jaz0485 shush

[@lukeslc-xd8ds]

I agree. It is ugly, boring, and the people are not friendly at all.

[@kirstenstewart3513]

Shhhh. Don’t tell anyone else about Idaho

[@WaypointofView]

☺️🤫☺️

[@lelenbates3367]

Buy bear spray, it is not just for Antifa rallies. Idaho is beautiful because it is wilderness. I live in the Panhandle where it is rare not to see piles of bear scat on just about every trail. We have so many predators that I automatically get bear, wolf, and mountain lion tags with the purchase of my Sportsman hunting license. This trail in Stanley is well groomed, but don't be fooled because the sides of trails are where predators ambush hunt from. If you are not slightly nervous on a hike in Idaho, you have the wrong mindset and should go to a park instead. If you see the carcasses of full grown 1100 lbs bull elk killed by wolves around here you would understand. Be prepared, this is not a controlled environment and you must have the ability to defend yourself and your loved ones. Bear spray can stop, wolves, bears, lions, maybe a moose, dogs, and humans. Oh yeah a moose may be the most dangerous animal you can encounter in the wild, I have been charged twice for making the mistake of looking at them. I hope those who visit our great state enjoy the beauty, the great peoples of Idaho, respect the environment by being prepared and packing out trash, even if it's not yours.

[@nickblatz1258]

Idaho? I think there's just potatoes there. Check out California. California is where it's at.

[@WaypointofView]

😂☺️😂

[@optitom9033]

Third generation Californian here and moved to Idaho three years ago this is heaven and my beloved California is now hovering below curb level , pity

[@matodd100]

If you love Idaho, keep it a secret and delete this

[@danausa217]

Can you please in your video stop do it all selfie’s focus on showing us not mostly selfie’s thanks

[@jamesglenn520]

Your Babbling comment makes Absolutely no sense at all 😬 Maybe Spellchecker could help you out 👍

[@blackout6967]

I don’t mind if people visit idaho just pls don’t move here