Stanley, Idaho — population 63 — is the largest settlement in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. If Bend is an escape for Portlanders, then Stanley is an escape for Bendites. Stanley has all the natural amenities of Bend, minus, you know, the 80,000 people. The tiny town is a mountain outpost that can be enjoyed without the annoyance of Cycle Pubs and brewery-hopping tourists. In fact, 130 miles northeast of Boise, it feels a bit like the middle of nowhere. The 10-mile round-trip hike from Iron Creek to Sawtooth Lake is not to be missed.

Getting there: About 420 miles (eight-hour drive) east of Bend.

Features: The Sawtooth National Recreation Area boasts more than 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and 300-plus high mountain lakes, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

— Mark Morical, The Bulletin