Grandjean, a historical hideaway located in Boise County, Idaho, was named after Emile Grandjean, a Danish settler and one of the early adventures to discover the area.
In the early 1900s, Emile applied for a position with the newly established Forest Service where he was immediately hired as a forest guard ranger in the Sawtooth Forest Reserve. Although he lived many places and traveled extensively, this area was his favorite. During this time, Grandjean worked to create a large game preserve on the south fork of the Payette River (where the Sawtooth Lodge and Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters is now located). Like so many that came after him, Emile Grandjean had a great love for the Idaho wilderness and was drawn to the area's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
In the middle of the 20th Century, Cougar “Babe” Hanson ran a pack string and was an outfitter and guide in the Boise National Forest and the Sawtooth Mountains. She began operating out of Grandjean as early as 1922 and established it as a Hunting Lodge in 1927. Babe ran her solo lodge and outfitting operation out of Grandjean for 16 years.
She earned her nickname "Cougar Babe" because she was a sharp shooter and outdoor adventurer and reportedly killed many cougars in the area. Hanson passed away in 1993, but her legacy lives on in the stories and memories of those who knew her and visited her lodge.
Others following in Babe’s footsteps, running outfitting and guide operations out of Grandjean. These include three generations of Locketts as well as two generations of Allreds. Darl Allred and his son Cody ran SWO for nearly 30 years before passing the baton to a new generation of outfitters and guides.
Although the guides have changed, one thing has stayed the same, Grandjean’s rugged mountains and untamed beauty that continues to invite outdoor enthusiast from around the world.
After a rewarding day of tracking through the rugged wilderness, there's nothing quite like unwinding at Sacajawea Hot Springs, nestled within the serene beauty of the Payette River. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the surrounding peaks, slipping into the soothing embrace of the natural hot springs feels like a rejuvenating embrace from nature herself.
You can't beat the tranquil sounds of the river and the company of your hunting buddies—it's the perfect finale to a day filled with exhilarating pursuits and the simple joys of the great outdoors.
SWO is located right next to Sawtooth Lodge. he Lodge offers a range of activities for their guests, including a nature trail walk, fishing, horseback riding, and more, making it a perfect basecamp for exploring the stunning beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains.
It serves as the jumping off point for all activities on the south side of the Sawtooth Mountains. From checking in to your cabin, grabbing breakfast, unwinding with a hot springs soak, or enjoying a hot meal the Sawtooth Lodge is the spot.
The love for the backcountry runs deep, a passion ignited by the thrill of exploration and the sense of freedom found only off the beaten path. Here, in the embrace of wilderness, every step is a dance with adventure, every breath a communion with nature's grandeur.
For those who cherish the rugged charm and serenity of remote wilderness, the backcountry is not merely a destination but a sanctuary, where love for the wild runs as deep as the roots of the ancient trees.
