What is the Sawtooth Salmon Festival and Why Should You Check It Out?

There are so many fantastic ways to celebrate the raw beauty of Central Idaho. From the towering peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains to the fast flowing waters of the Salmon River, you’ll find endless amounts of untouched nature. The Sawtooth Salmon Festival commemorates the spawning of the river’s most important inhabitants every summer! Live entertainment, food, and educational tours and opportunities highlight this fun weekend festival at the end of August where the whole town comes together to celebrate this important local fish! For more activities, attractions, and events in the area request our free Stanley Vacation Guide!

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What to Expect From the Sawtooth Salmon Festival

Celebrate the wild and wonderful Salmon River and its primary inhabitants at the incredible Sawtooth Salmon Festival! This annual event features an array of live entertainment, educational tours provide by Idaho Rivers United, and the Sawtooth Historical and Interpretive Association , great food and drinks, and plenty of beautiful Central Idaho scenery. The festival takes place on the last weekend in August, so the weather is typically fantastic.

Saturday usually consists of salmon spawning tours at the nearby Sawtooth Fish Hatchery followed by food and drinks on the grounds of the Stanley Museum. Past vendors include popular Idaho favorites like Sockeye Brewing from Boise. The beautiful Sawtooth Mountains serve as your backdrop during an evening filled with live music. All you have to do is kick back and relax with an ice cold beverage as you enjoy the show!

In 2020 Idaho Vacation, a local Stanley band, will be playing at the event from 1-4. Burgers and brats will be available for food, provided by Lost River Meats. We will have vendors from the Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Fish and Game, and so much more. Games and family activities will also be provided for fun for everyone!

Other Activities to Enjoy During Your Trip the Sawtooth Salmon Festival

You’ll want to explore all of the fantastic outdoor activities in the during your visit for the Sawtooth Salmon Festival! Here are some of our favorite ways to experience the Central Idaho wilderness!

Whitewater Rafting

Take a wild ride down the beautiful Salmon River with one of the local tour guide companies in Stanley! There’s nothing quite like whitewater rafting the beautiful waters snaking through the towering Sawtooth Mountains. You’ll see plenty of alpine trees, blue skies, and maybe even some wildlife along the banks of the river if you’re lucky.

Hiking

One of the best ways to explore Central Idaho’s beauty is on a long hike. You’ll find more than a fair share of trails in the area. Some of our favorites include Goat Lake, Washington Lake, and a trail network that is accessible by taking the Redfish Lake shuttle from our marina.

Boating

Speaking of Redfish Lake Marina, there are pontoon boat, kayak, paddleboat, and stand up paddleboarding rentals available for various lengths of time throughout the day. It’s a perfect way to relax on the beautiful waters of our alpine lake. Take our sunset appetizer cruise for a fun and unique experience!

Book Your Stay at Redfish Lake Lodge

Redfish Lake Lodge has everything you need for the ultimate mountain vacation! In addition to our wide array of accommodations, our property provides guests a variety of activities, on-site dining, entertainment, and countless ways to experience the best adventures that the Sawtooths have to offer! Whether you want to relax with a spa treatment at one of our sister properties down the road or take an ATV tour through the beautiful Central Idaho wilderness, you can customize your vacation to fit your needs!

Book your stay at Redfish Lake Lodge or check the availability at one of our sister properties in town! Start planning your vacation of a lifetime! We look forward to welcoming you to the Redfish family!