Sawtooth Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sawtooth Valley |
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Sawtooth Valley from Galena Summit
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 Sawtooth Valley
Location in Idaho
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| Floor elevation | 6,300 feet (1,920 m) |
| Length | 30 miles (50 km) N-S |
| Width | 10 miles (16 km) |
| Geography | |
| Population centers | Stanley |
| Traversed by | State Highway 75 |
The Sawtooth Valley is a beautiful valley located in the western part of the United States. You can find it in central Idaho, stretching across Blaine and Custer counties. This valley is about 30 miles (48 km) long. It is a special part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), which is inside the Sawtooth National Forest.
The valley is surrounded by amazing mountains. To the west, you'll see the Sawtooth Mountains. To the east are the White Cloud Mountains. The Salmon River Mountains are to the north, and the Boulder and Smoky Mountains are to the south. The Sawtooth Valley is also where the Salmon River begins its journey. The small city of Stanley and the community of Sawtooth City are also found here.
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Welcome to Sawtooth Valley!
The Sawtooth Valley is a long, narrow area of land between tall mountains. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures. Many people visit to enjoy the stunning views and fresh air.
Exploring the Valley by Road
Idaho State Highway 75 is a road that goes right through the entire Sawtooth Valley. It's also known as the Sawtooth Scenic Byway because of all the beautiful sights you can see along the way! This highway enters the valley from the south, near a place called Galena Summit. It then leaves the valley to the north, close to the city of Stanley. Highway 75 used to be part of a bigger road called U.S. 93.
Lakes and Mountains of Sawtooth Valley
The Sawtooth Valley is home to several large and lovely lakes. These lakes are all part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Some of the most well-known lakes include Redfish, Alturas, Pettit, and Stanley.
The lowest parts of the valley floor are around 6,300 feet (1,920 m) high, near Stanley. The highest points in the valley are over 7,500 feet (2,286 m) high, below Galena Summit. The mountains around the valley are even taller! For example, Castle Peak in the White Cloud Mountains reaches 11,815 feet (3,601 m). Thompson Peak in the Sawtooth Mountains is 10,715 feet (3,266 m) tall.
A Place for Stargazing
In 2017, the Sawtooth Valley was named a special part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. This means it's a fantastic place to see the stars at night! The area works to keep its skies dark, so you can enjoy amazing views of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
