Page 79 - WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE DISCOVERING ENGLAND

destinations and some of them, like Sawtooth
Lake and Alice Lake, are among the most beau-
tiful to be found anywhere.
Another compelling feature of the area is an
abundance of hot springs. Soaking is a way of
life in the Stanley Basin for both locals and visi-
tors. While some hot springs are quite remote
and require substantial effort to find and enjoy,
others empty directly into the Salmon River
and are easily accessible.

There’s something particularly magical about
soaking in a combination of warm spring water
and cold, rushing river water. There are spots
along the river where generations of soakers
have built up small pools by piling up stones.
Moving the stones around a bit allows you to
adjust the water temperature for your ultimate
comfort. All that with a backdrop of majestic
mountains!
While there are a number of hotels, lodges and
cabins to rent in the area, the ultimate Stanley
Basin retreat is the 1,000-acre Idaho Rocky
Mountain Ranch. This spectacularly beauti-
ful property, just nine miles south of Stanley,
accommodates guests from mid-June till
mid-September. The main lodge building was
built in 1930 by New York Frigidaire executive
Winston Paul. Cabins were soon added and the
property remained private under several suc-
cessive owners until 1977, when it was opened
to outside guests.

This is truly one of the great destinations in the
American West. The setting is unequalled, with
the enormous porch of the main lodge build-
ing directly facing the Sawtooth range. Wild-
life abounds: Elk, deer, antelope, wolves, bald
eagles and trout are in abundance. Along with
the obvious array of outdoor activities, Ranch
guests are treated to readings by local authors,
wine tastings, fly fishing clinics, photography
workshops, live Western music and a world-
class fine dining program with breakfast lunch
and dinner. The Ranch also has its own hot
spring-fed pool. A nighttime soak there with
the Milky Way above is not to be missed.
If you’re really looking to get away and ex-
perience the best of the Old West with all of
today’s comforts thrown in, there’s no finer
destination than the Sawtooth Mountains.
While folks are sitting in a line of automo-
biles at better-known mountain destina-
tions, you’ll be assured of enjoying the great Opposite page: Horse drawn wagon with the Sawtooth range in the background.
outdoors with plenty of room to breathe the Opposite lower: Author John Alongé talks wine with ranch guests.
fresh alpine air. It just doesn’t get any bet-
ter than that, cowboy. Top: Cowgirl riding the Sawtooth range.
Bottom: The main house at the 1,000-acre Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch.

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