Sawtooth/Stanley Lake Inlet

The lake is beautiful. Everything was great until the sheriff started handing out tickets like candy to everyone (hundreds of dollars each). I have never seen anything like it in my life! Total abuse of his authority. He knew that everyone was from out of state and unfamiliar with Idaho laws. He knew that no one would see the small fine-print sign as the trail from the parking lot goes behind the sign to the lake (see my attached photo, the upper right side is the fine print). It was very unprofessional. They need to educate and warn people. They need bigger signs. Nobody was happy on the beach that day. Families were shocked to find out they were being fined hundreds of dollars for not having a whistle on them, not having a life jacket, not having their "vessel" inspected before putting it in the water, or not having an Idaho state invasive species sticker on their inflatable paddleboard/kayak, etc. When people asked why they were being fined, he would read the list of violations, and then say, "You're welcome to fight it in court, but I got it all on camera." He would then point to the camera mounted to his chest and then walk away. It was a miserable experience for everyone. We overheard a mother telling her kids, "We're just going to sit in the sand today because we obviously can't use the lake." Hopefully, I am saving you hundreds of dollars by warning you. Please read the Idaho paddleboarding and kayaking laws before using the lake (or any lake in Idaho).

I did a one night camping trip on July 13-14 and stayed in the non-reserved section closest to the lake. (I shared my site with a lovely family) It is the last left turn before reaching the reserved campground. It does have access to the lake via a short trail and some folks camp on the beach although they aren’t designated spots. (It was very crowded, I’ve never seen that many folks there before but still better than Redfish) I immediately went and rode my bike to the Elk Meadows loop, then paddle boarded in the early evening. The next day I paddled in the morning, took a short bike trip to bridal veil falls (although I didn’t go all the way), and then kayaked before leaving.

The facilities were clean at the beach parking lot, the park ranger I spoke to had lots of great anecdotes on where to bike, and the water was glorious. Very calm in the morning and evening, but a bit choppy mid day. FYI- a large section of the beach on the west end was lost due to the earthquake in 2020, so the Lakeside trail no longer connects with the Stanley Lake Trail. The views of McGowan Peak from the lake and the trails are just magnificent. Be sure to check out this gem. If hiking or biking be safe and aware of surroundings as there have been bear sightings in the area. Definitely my favorite camping spot in Idaho. 👌