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The easiest way to reach the wilds of central Idaho is to fly into Hailey, 15 miles south of Sun Valley and 75 miles south of Stanley, either on Delta via Salt Lake City or on Alaska Air via Los Angeles. The airports closest to the trout rivers of eastern Idaho are in Idaho Falls and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Even at the height of summer, temperatures in the mountains can plunge without warning; it's advisable to take along warm, waterproof clothing if you'll be spending any time in the backcountry. Summer doesn't usually last long, and when it arrives in late June it gets busy fast, so book hotels and tours as far in advance as possible.
WHERE TO STAY
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch
Built in 1930, the lodge and log cabins are on the National Register of Historic Places. There's a natural hot-spring pool, stocked trout pond, and riding corral, all located in the Sawtooth Range. DOUBLES FROM $188, INCLUDING TWO MEALS. HWY. 75, STANLEY; 208/774-3544; www.idahorocky.com
Wapiti Meadow Ranch
This family-run guest ranch is in the nearly unpopulated Johnson Creek valley and emphasizes horseback riding, fly-fishing, and hiking. DOUBLES FROM $200, INCLUDING ALL MEALS, MINIMUM THREE-NIGHT STAY. 1667 JOHNSON CREEK RD., CASCADE; 208/633-3217; www.wapitimeadowranch.com
South Fork Lodge
Mark Rockefeller's retro-futuristic lodge sits alongside one of the best stretches of trout water in the West. DOUBLES FROM $490, INCLUDING ALL MEALS. 40 CONANT VALLEY LOOP, SWAN VALLEY; 877/347-4735 OR 208/483-2112; www.southforklodge.com
Henry's Fork Lodge
Sit on the porch overlooking Henry's Fork and watch the trout 30 feet below. DOUBLES FROM $640, INCLUDING ALL MEALS, MINIMUM THREE-NIGHT STAY. 2794 S. PINEHAVEN DR., ISLAND PARK; 208/558-7953; www.henrysforklodge.com
Teton Ridge Ranch
The not-so-secret money behind this ranch is Paul Allen's. The two-story log cabin Moderne lodge on 4,000 acres has only five guest rooms, and the vaulted main lounge has a towering window with a spectacular view of the Tetons. DOUBLES FROM $600, INCLUDING ALL MEALS. 200 VALLEY VIEW RD., TETONIA; 208/456-2650; www.tetonridge.com
WHERE TO EAT
Stanley Kasino Club
Owners Shauna and John Graham prepare savvy, self-assured American dishes such as seared prime rib with Cajun spices and Gorgonzola. DINNER FOR TWO $70. 21 ACE OF DIAMONDS AVE., STANLEY; 208/774-3516
Redfish Lake Lodge
The rustic dining room has wonderful views of the Sawtooths reflected in the waters of Redfish Lake. Try the house-smoked Idaho trout. DINNER FOR TWO $60. HWY. 75, STANLEY; 208/774-3536
OUTFITTERS
Hughes River Expeditions
Jerry Hughes has been running the Middle Fork of the Salmon since he was a Boy Scout—as well as Hells Canyon, Salmon River Canyon, and Wallowa-Grande Ronde. SIX-DAY MIDDLE FORK TRIPS FROM $1,695 PER PERSON. 3016 RUSH CREEK RD., CAMBRIDGE; 800/262-1882 OR 208/257-3477; www.hughesriver.com
Far and Away Adventures
A Sun Valley-based company that is one of the pioneers of the luxury wilderness trip in Idaho. SIX-DAY MIDDLE FORK TRIPS FROM $1,825 PER PERSON. 401 LEWIS ST., SUN VALLEY; 800/232-8588 OR 208/726-8888; www.far-away.com
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