Stanley Lake
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho · 6,513 ft
McGown Peak stands off the west end of the lake and reflects the whole way across on a calm morning. Aspen and cottonwood along the inlet and the Stanley Lake Creek bottom lay a yellow band at the base of the peak.
Typical peak
Sep 13 – Sep 21
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces WNW (285°)
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
Getting there
Turn west off ID-21 onto Stanley Lake Road (Forest Road 455) about five miles northwest of Stanley and drive 3.5 miles to the campground and boat ramp.
What turns here
- quaking aspen
- black cottonwood
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 17Typical color progression for Stanley Lake. No change from Aug 10 to Aug 27. First color from Aug 27 to Sep 5. Approaching peak from Sep 5 to Sep 13. Peak from Sep 13 to Sep 21. Past peak from Sep 21 to Oct 1. Bare from Oct 1 to Oct 15.
Color starts around Aug 27.
Light at peak
Stanley Lake on September 17, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:52 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 86° | 7:21 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:59 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:34 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 7:09 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 274° | 7:47 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:16 PM |
Times in America/Boise · day length 12h 26m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Based on the classic composition here facing WNW (285°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.