Hen Salmon Leaping Weir to Spawn

When and What Is the Sawtooth Salmon Festival?

There are so many reasons to explore the breathtaking mountains in Central Idaho. You’ll find endless hiking, biking, rafting, and fishing adventures around every corner, and there are even some events that are worth a visit throughout the year. The Sawtooth Salmon Festival is a fun and engaging celebration of the popular resident of the Salmon River and its habitat. Your entire family will love taking part in the educational opportunities, listening to live music, and savoring great local eats with the beautiful mountains as your backdrop.

For more fun events and adventures, request our free Adventure Guide. It’s full of the best local experiences in the Stanley/Sawtooth Mountains area!

Your Guide to the Sawtooth Salmon Festival

The Sawtooth Salmon Festival celebrates the beautiful Salmon River and its primary inhabitants at the end of the summer. This fun and exciting annual event features plenty of fantastic food and drinks, entertainment, beautiful Sawtooth Mountain scenery, and educational opportunities highlighting the river ecosystem. The festival takes place on August 30-31 this year, and the end of summer weather is typically excellent at this time of year!

A lecture series takes place on Friday, with the main festivities occurring from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. There will be salmon spawning tours at the nearby Sawtooth Fish Hatchery followed by food and drinks on the grounds of the Stanley Museum. You won’t want to miss this incredible event in our beautiful mountain town!

Other Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Time in Central Idaho

There are so many fantastic ways to experience our area during your visit to the Sawtooth Salmon Festival. Here are some of our favorite things to do in our gorgeous mountain oasis!

Boating

Boating on Redfish Lake is a great summertime activity. You can rent a pontoon boat, paddleboat, kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard from Redfish Lake Marina for a fun and relaxing day on the water. We offer an array of special activities on the lake, including our sunset appetizer cruise, which boasts tasty food and one-of-a-kind views of the sun setting behind the Sawtooth Mountains.

Fishing

There are tons of fishing spots around Redfish Lake where you can catch a variety of trout. You can also head up to the high mountain lakes or the Salmon River for some fantastic fishing opportunities.

Hiking

Hiking is a Sawtooth Mountain staple, and there are endless trails weaving through the beautiful terrain in our area. Check out some of our favorites on our blog!

Whitewater Rafting

The Salmon River provides some of the best whitewater rafting in Idaho! Stanley has a handful of companies that offer an array of experiences and tours for visitors wanting to experience the Gem State’s stunning wilderness. 

Hot Springs Relaxation

You’ll find a bounty of hot springs located throughout the Sawtooth Mountains during your visit to Stanley. Boat Box Hot Springs is just up the road, and other places like Kirkham and Sunbeam Hot Springs provide relaxing experiences.

Book Your Getaway to the Sawtooth Mountains

Triangle C Cabins is the ideal home base for your Sawtooth Mountain adventure. Our cabins provide you with an authentic stay featuring modern comforts. Browse our list of Adventure Bundles to make the most of incredible mountain getaway. 

a cabin bedroom at Triangle C Cabins

Why is our town the perfect place to spend your next vacation? Don’t just take our word for it, book your room and start planning your trip today!