The Day Hiker’s Guide to Stanley, Idaho
by Scott Marchant

I have always felt that you can’t have too many hiking guides for your favorite trekking and backpacking areas.  For me, The Day Hiker’s Guide to Stanley, Idaho is no exception. The Sawtooth country surrounding Stanley, often coined the “Gem of Idaho” with its indescribably beautiful and majestic views, sets the stage for the nearly unlimited and uncrowded hiking opportunities. Aside from Marchant’s excellent and detailed hiking descriptions, the author covers GPS use, Leave No Trace backcountry etiquette, and hiking safety.  A young family man with young children, the author does a fine job of detailing hikes for various age ranges and abilities. His hiking recommendations for families with children of different ages are right on the money, in my experience. Another great feature is the breakdown of hikes by useful categories such as the best aerobic hikes, best wildflower hikes, best view hikes, and best solitude hikes. Directions to trailheads and once-on-the-trail directions are straight-forward, simple and, in every case, exactly accurate, in my experience. It’s obvious that Marchant and his four children have grown to love the Sawtooth country, and I think readers will, too, especially if they accept the challenge to take some of the hikes described in this book.

Reviewed by Gary Gadwa, President, SIHA Board of Directors

If you would like to purchase this or any other resources about the Sawtooth-Salmon River Country, please contact us at 208-774-3517 (summer only) or email us.