Father's Day brings dads an extra thank-you for all that they do. In the Wood River Valley, celebrations of Father's Day on Sunday, June 19, can range from gardening to horseback riding to a trip to north to Galena Lodge.
For those who want an early start on celebrating Father's Day, The Community Library in Ketchum will offer a special "Dads and Donuts" story hour on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m.
Perhaps dad needs more adventure for his day. Treat a father to a special Father's Day trail ride at Galena Stage Stop Corrals Saturday, June 18, or Sunday, June 19. Enjoy rides on the Smoky Mountains' horseback riding trails for half the regular price all day until sunset. Rides are open to everyone, inexperienced and experienced, ages 6 and up. The costs this weekend will range from $19.50 to $24.50. For reservations, call 726-1735.
Looking for other types of adventures? Take dad canoeing on Silver Creek for a canoe float with the Silver Creek Preserve on Saturday, June 18. To register, call 788-7910.
Dads also can be the recipients of gifts from weekend sales of items just for them, including lawn equipment, gardening needs, sports equipment, clothes and food. Check with local retailers for sales and store hours for Father's Day.
Besides enjoying a great excuse to barbecue, dads may like Sunday brunch at the Sun Valley Lodge Dining Room or several Father's Day dinner and lunch specials throughout the Wood River Valley.
Galena Lodge will hold a special Father's Day brunch with a gourmet buffet. Chip Booth will perform live music. Brunch will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. Galena Lodge is 23 miles north of Ketchum off state Highway 75. For details, call 726-4010.
Dad may enjoy a golfing outing for the day at the Sun Valley Club or the Big Wood Golf Course at Thunder Spring. For special rates, course fees and tee times, call the Sun Valley Club at 622-2251. For Big Wood, call 726-4024.
If taking dad camping or hiking for the weekend, do check weather and trail reports. The Stanley Ranger Station is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. On Saturdays, the station is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For details, call 774-3000.
The Harriman Trail is open from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters to Easley. Some wet conditions still exist from Easley to Galena. Murdock Creek Trail at North Fork is open for one to two miles without snow. Many trails in the Ketchum District are now open. Most trails in the Sawtooth Wilderness and White Clouds are still covered in several feet of snow. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area visitor center is open from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, call 727-5000. Trail and road conditions also are updated weekly at www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth.
Forest Service roads that are now open include North Fork Road to Caribou Campground, Baker Creek Road, Boulder Creek Road about three miles to the registration box, and Boulder View Campground Road. Other dry roads include Silver Creek Road to the upper aspen stand, Pettit Lake Road, Alturas Lake Road and Redfish Lake Road to Redfish Lake Lodge and surrounding campgrounds.
All campgrounds in the SNRA are open and most campgrounds have full services, which include water, trash, bathrooms, and camp managers. Camping fees are charged. A few campgrounds may have water issues due to continued freezing temperatures at night. Inquire at the nearest ranger station for updated information.
For camping reservations, call 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
A father and son celebrate Father’s Day at Galena Lodge, north of Ketchum. Photo by Mountain Express
