THE SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, IDAHO
by Robert J. Rosenquist

The stepping-off point for an adventure into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the small town of Stanley, 60 miles north of Sun Valley on Idaho State Route 75. Stanley is located right on the Salmon River and is surrounded by five different mountain ranges. The Sawtooth Mountains themselves equal any mountain range in the USA for majesty, grandeur, and surprisingly, accessibility. Rising abruptly from the valley floor, the rock escarpments leave valley and mountains in a dramatic relief similar to the Grand Tetons and eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Traveling north from Sun Valley, the first view of the Sawtooth Valley and Range is just after cresting Galena Summit. A convenient turnout allows you to take in the entire valley from the headwaters of the Salmon River, impressively named the “River of No Return” by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. If you are a photographer and there is no immediate artistic creative response, consider taking your camera to the nearest pawnshop. Continue down the road for 20 miles of breathtaking views...

The complete article can be found in the current issue of RV Journal, available at quality campgrounds, RV dealers, parts, and service suppliers. Subscriptions are also available for this quarterly publication.

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