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View from outside the Basque Center.

A Beginner’s Guide to Jaialdi Festival

The Jaialdi Festival in Boise, Idaho is the biggest Basque party in the United States. This celebration of food, dancing, music and sports is an extravaganza of Basque culture. It’s a six-day celebration July 29 to August 3.

man fly fishes on Salmon River

Don’t Skip a Guided Fly-Fishing Trip in Stanley

Tucked deep in the mountains of central Idaho, the picturesque town of Stanley lies preserved in time, nestled against the formidable Sawtooth Mountain Range. This small mountain town has endless outdoor recreation opportunities, but one experience stands as a must-do adventure, fly-fishing the Salmon River.

A car and tent set up in a forest clearing surrounded by golden aspens.

Camping With Care

Camping is a wonderful way to unplug from the bustle of daily life and experience nature in its purest form. With 30 state parks and over 30 million acres of public land, Idaho is home to some of the best camping areas in the western United States, offering the perfect mix of scenery and solitude.

Hikers follow a rocky trail to a snowy summit.

Hiking Responsibly

Idaho’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes offer thousands of miles of hiking trails, making the Gem State a haven for outdoor recreation. However, as more people discover the beauty of Idaho’s wilderness, it becomes increasingly important to share educational messaging about responsible hiking practices, like planning ahead and packing out trash.

People gather around a campfire in Idaho.

Campfire Safety

Whether you’re backpacking, camping in one of Idaho’s stunning State Park campgrounds or renting a cabin, enjoying the warmth of a crackling campfire is one of the best ways to end the day’s adventures. Summer is peak time for outdoor recreation in Idaho, and it also marks the height of wildfire season.

A moose wades in water.

Respecting Wildlife

Idaho boasts millions of acres of diverse and pristine wilderness, where breathtaking landscapes are inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife. From moose to deer, wildlife is a major highlight for visitors.

person rides on ATV

Summer Activities To Do in Eastern Idaho

You’ll never be bored in eastern Idaho during the summer as there are so many activities to enjoy! Popular outdoor activities include visiting lakes, going fishing, and relaxing in a hot spring. You’ll also be able to enjoy unique activities like visiting an authentic Idaho ranch or going glamping in an airstream!

A view of Mesa Falls cascading into a body of water, surrounded by forests of trees.

Try These 7 Scenic Byways to Find Natural Wonders

Designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, scenic byways are recognized for their outstanding archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities. With 31 of these remarkable routes crisscrossing the state, Idaho’s scenic byways each promise an out-of-this-world experience.

A black bear moves through foliage in Idaho.

Safety in Bear Country

From rugged mountains to river corridors, Idaho’s picturesque wilderness is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Approximately 20,000 black bears and 100 grizzly bears can be found in Idaho, with black bears across the state, and grizzlies in Northern Idaho and Eastern Idaho, near Yellowstone National Park.

A person points at a map of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes at the Cataldo Trailhead.

Ranger Talks: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

Experience the scenic beauty of northern Idaho on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. Ride, walk or skate this unique paved trail any time of year to spot wildlife and explore the charm of quaint towns along the way.

Two people riding bikes along a path at Heyburn State Park.

Ranger Talks: Heyburn State Park

Touted as the Pacific Northwest's oldest park, Heyburn State Park showcases all the ways to explore and enjoy northern Idaho. Join Park Ranger Dalton Crane to learn how to take advantage of all this fantastic park has to offer.

woman trail runs in Sun Valley

Siente la Magia de Correr los Senderos de Idaho

Jamás has sentido la felicidad de correr por un paisaje que parece hecho solo para ti? Eso es lo que encontré en los senderos cerca a Ketchum, Idaho. Allí encontré no solamente paisajes hermosos, sino también una oportunidad de conectarme profundamente con la naturaleza.

trail running in Idaho

Experience the Magic of Trail Running in Idaho

Have you ever felt the thrill of trail running through a landscape that feels like it was painted just for you? That’s what I found on the trails near Ketchum, Idaho, where I found not just breathtaking scenery, but an opportunity to connect with nature deeply.

treefort music fest main stage

Exploring Treefort in 2025

The best five days in Boise are almost here! Treefort Music Fest is back in action, taking over Downtown Boise. With huge headliners, over 400 bands to catch throughout town, late night parties, early morning talks, food, ale, and so so much more: there’s a little something for everyone at Treefort.

Woman on bench at Coeur d'Alene Parkway State Park

Ranger Talks: Coeur d’Alene Parkway

Northern Idaho is home to many scenic experiences and the Coeur d'Alene Parkway is no exception. Join Park Ranger Tyler Westbrook to learn why this trail is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors in Idaho.

skier gets pulled by horse at skijoring event

Experience a Skijoring Event in Sun Valley

Nothing sums up Idaho in the winter quite like a skijoring event, and the Wood River Extreme Skijoring event in Sun Valley is one of the best events in the state. Whether you come to Sun Valley in search of mountain slopes and tasty food, or you come specifically for the skijoring, this travel tip should shed some light on the great places to check out.

A child playing disc golf at Lake Walcott State Park.

Ranger Talks: Lake Walcott State Park

Found on the edge of Idaho's high desert, Lake Walcott State Park features a world-class disc golf course and some of the best birding opportunities in the state. Tag along with Park Ranger Kirsten March to learn how to make the most of a visit to this southern Idaho park.

people cat skiing at Brundage.

A Cat Skiing Adventure with Brundage Mountain Resort

We kicked off our road trip in Boise, Idaho, and pointed our compass north for an exciting cat skiing getaway. From the get-go, the road trip towards McCall, ID had us stopping at every opportunity just to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

A road curves along the Snake River in Hells Gate State Park.

Ranger Talks: Hells Gate State Park

Make a stop at Hells Gate State Park where geology and history intersect. Located in Lewiston along the Snake River, this park offers an abundance of ways to adventure. Join Park Ranger Rick Ingram to learn more about the special qualities of this park.

Where to Go Fat Tire Biking In Idaho

Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to hang up your bike for the season! With wider tires built for soft, unstable terrains like snow, fat tire bikes provide an exhilarating way to keep cycling through the colder months.

Signage for Railroad Ranch at Harriman State Park.

The Harriman Legacy in Idaho

Immerse yourself in the history of the Railroad Ranch at Harriman State Park and learn how the Harriman family legacy shaped Idaho.

Pebble Creek Ski Area, near Inkom. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Night Skiing in Idaho: Adventure Under the Stars

When the sun sets, Idaho’s slopes come alive with the glow of illuminated trails. Night skiing offers an entirely different experience, blending the thrill of winter sports with the magic of a starlit sky.

eastern Idaho museum fort hall replica

Must-Visit Museums in Eastern Idaho

My family has spent a lot of time in Eastern Idaho over the years. On each trip we try to get in a mix out outdoorsy experiences and educational fun. We like to combine hikes and paddle boarding, or skiing and hot springs, with museums and cultural centers.

People put their hands up at a Magic City Hippies concert during Treefort.

Discovering the Magic of Treefort Music Fest: A First-Timer’s Guide

From Big Ben to the City of Trees In the collective imagination, the cultural symbols of the United States are New York and Los Angeles, standing sentinel at the extremities of east and west. You go to these places because you are told that’s where things happen: there, a lineage of era-defining creativity lends this young nation a history beyond its years.

An illustration of a body of large rocks and fallen logs across a body of water, and a forest of trees and mountains in the background.

Get to Know Idaho’s State Emblems

From the dazzling star garnet to the iconic potato, each of Idaho’s state emblems reflects its unique identity and heritage. Take a tour of these symbols, which provide a deeper connection with the Gem State experience.