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What: The Wood River Chapter is delighted to introduce plant lovers to the fascinating and beautiful Heart of Idaho. We’ll camp near Stanley, located 60 miles north of Ketchum, 133 miles east of Boise or 256 miles south of Missoula.  Though centrally located, the area’s not easy to get to but we promise the trip will be worth the effort!

Keynote speakers include an astronomer discussing the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve plus night sky telescope observing, weather permitting. Two renowned geologists will share insights into the geology which helps define the remarkable flora found here - glaciated granite spires, alpine lakes, ancient seabeds metamorphosed into limestone, nearby (the) Challis Volcanics from collapsed calderas and the broad open Sawtooth Valley.

You may struggle to decide which field trips to sign up for! An unusual fen, home to sundews, orchids and more!  A soggy hillside that’s home to over 75 species. Maybe you’d like to see 3 endemic species found in a small area right around Stanley?  How about an easy hike to see huge stumps of petrified Metasequoia? For history buffs, we’re offering a trip to a restored historic ranger station and research natural area. If alpine is your flavor, how about a boat ride across 5 mile long Redfish Lake to explore what’s beyond? Other field trips in the works include whitebark pine and aspen restoration, mushroom hunting, wildfire ecology and botanical sketching.

Where: We’ll use the ramada  at Sunny Gulch Campground (across the highway from Redfish Lake) for gathering. Although our Facilities Committee sweated blood over the effort, we were unable to secure any campsites at Glacier View, as per our original write up of the State Meeting and Campout in Sage Notes. Instead, we have a few at Sunny Gulch and three group sites that range from 12-19 miles from Sunny Gulch and provide 24 sites that will be shared (RV plus tent). All the above have pit toilets and access to water. Beyond that, there are 35 first-come-first-served camp sites at Sunny Gulch, plus several at Redfish Lake, at Stanley Lake and several campsites north of Stanley. There is also an abundance of free dispersed camping, including the overflow area at Sunny Gulch, Elk Meadow and Stanley Lake. If you need RV hookups or a hotel room please reserve them immediately. Lists of all campsites and accommodations are available to print or download at the bottom of this page.

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