Skip to content

Travel Tip Sitemap

Six people on orange water raft hold up their oars as large whitewater waves rise around them on the Payette River.

Navigating Life and the Payette River with the Long Family

The drop-offs—where you can’t see over the edge or what is coming next—are the most exhilarating parts, but they’re also the most rewarding. This applies to both whitewater rafting and everyday life for the Long family, owners and proprietors of Cascade Raft & Kayak in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.

A view of the frozen waters of Shadow Falls with snow covered rocks and icicles in the foreground.

Discovering Northern Idaho’s Waterfalls

Todd Heiman worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Idaho is blessed with its fair share of rolling mountains and blankets of forests; but for those who crave a sparkling reward at the end of their hike, there is an abundance of waterfalls sprinkled throughout northern Idaho.

A man, Willie Stewart, with a prosthetic arm, smiles as he rides his bike.

Accepting the Challenge

Three inspiring stories of adaptive athletes living life to the fullest in IdahoBrenda Kissko worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Around every foothill, every bend in a river, every trail leading through the forest is an Idaho adventure waiting to be discovered.

2 people in red jackets scaling a snow covered mountainside

Mountains out the Lift-Shack Window

Jasper Gibson worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this travel tip. Skiing the rugged backcountry of the Selkirk TraverseSome of my earliest memories are of skiing Schweitzer Mountain just outside of Sandpoint.

ski lift at silver mountain resort

Ski Three Mountains in Three Days in Northern Idaho

Marissa Pedersen worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. If you're looking for a fun winter weekend getaway, check out Northern Idaho. The area has multiple ski resorts, restaurants, and breweries to enjoy during your trip.

wide mountain shot of people skiing

Visit One Of Epic Pass’s Best Destinations: Sun Valley

Rolling Van Creative worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. We’re sure you’ve heard the news: Sun Valley is part of Epic Pass. If you’re unfamiliar, the Epic Pass provides incredible value and variety for skiers and snowboarders to ride some of the best terrain around the world.

person on snowmobile

Where to Snowmobile in Idaho

Let an experienced snowmobile guide take you on a family-friendly cruise through hushed forests and powdery meadows, or on steep-and-deep runs around the state. With spectacular views and thousands of miles of trails, Idaho is ready to deliver nonstop sledding adventures.

A menu and a flight of five ciders on a table with a bar in the background.

The Best Places to Grab Cider in Southwest Idaho

Marissa Lovell worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. The first sip of Idaho cider is like plucking a crisp, round apple straight off the tree and immediately taking a crunchy, juicy bite.

A woman goes cross country skiing at the snowy Craters of the Moon.

A First Timer’s Family Guide to Cross-Country Skiing

Imagine gliding across the snow through Ponderosa pines next to a sparkling lake, swishing beside a river filled with wintering swans or chatting with your family as you kick and glide on groomed trails breathing in the fresh winter air. These are the winter experiences you can have cross-country skiing with kids in Idaho​​​​.

a person skiing through a forest

Pristine Powder & Snowmobile Dreams

Nestled at the toe of the Selkirk Range between northern Idaho’s Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille sits Schweitzer—a hidden gem of a ski mountain and home base to Selkirk Powder’s snowmobile and cat-skiing operations. We joined them for a long weekend in late February to discover all the mountain had to offer and were met with top-notch powder conditions, fantastic tree skiing and genuine hospitality.

Three people ski and snowboard down a slope at Brundage Mountain Resort.

A 3-Day Guide to Winter Fun Within a Few Hours of Boise

A 3-Day Guide to Winter Fun Within a Few Hours of BoiseBy: Sara SheehyItching to get outside this winter? In Boise, you're never too far from memorable outdoor experiences. The city's central location makes it ideal for accessing winter recreation, with Idaho City, McCall, Sun Valley and Twin Falls all within a three-hour drive.

A cocktail from Ochos in Boise, Idaho, by an outdoor firepit.

Cozy Up at These 7 Cocktail Bars in Boise

Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Sipping a cocktail next to a crackling fire can ignite festive feelings in the Grinch-iest among us. Thankfully, there are a handful of cocktail bars in Boise where you can imbibe al fresco into the winter months, thanks to heaters and flickering fire pits.

Cross-Country Skiing, Harriman State Park. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Playing in a Winter Wonderland

Playing in a Winter WonderlandTurn Your Family's Snow Days into Snow Adventures in Idaho. Say hello to snowy Idaho, the perfect place for you and the kids to experience iconic winter activities. From skiing and snowshoeing to guided snowmobile tours and hot springs, you'll discover a winter wonderland of activities.

snowy forest with woman walking on snowy path

Not a Skier? No problem! Why Winter in Idaho is for You

The Traveling Newlyweds worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Winter is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you are READY for it. (We’ve been ready since June!) Cold weather, comfy clothes, a cozy fire, falling snow… Bring.

A person in blue coat skiing atop a mountain peak at Schweitzer and a vast forest in the distance.

Carving First Tracks

Carving First TracksBy Marissa LovellNorthern Idaho may be known for its lakes, but when winter arrives it's time to head for the hills. The majestic mountains and dense forests of northern Idaho become a playground for die-hard downhill skiers and snowboarders, thrill-seeking snowmobilers and Nordic explorers alike.

An aerial snapshot picture from above the North Shore Streams at Payette Lake, near McCall, Idaho, where kayakers from down below cross the water, clouds reflected in the lake as lush green trees rise from the distance, captured by a drone.

5 Things You Can Do Along U.S. 95 on the way to McCall

Idaho’s most popular route between Boise and McCall, ID-55, also recognized as the Payette River Scenic Byway, is getting a much-needed upgrade between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley. Avoid traffic delays and road closures by planning ahead and consider taking US-95 as an alternate route.

bucket of apples from u-pick orchard

9 Things You Need to Do in Idaho This Fall

Autumn has arrived in Idaho and with that comes crisp air, fall leaves, and pumpkin-flavored everything. But, there’s much more to do in Idaho than leaf peep and drink pumpkin spice lattes. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to haunted mansions and fall cooking classes, discover 9 activities you need to do in Idaho this fall.

Golden hour view over the South Fork of the Snake River.

The 3 Best Weekend Road Trips to Take This Fall

Fall is my favorite time to road trip in Idaho. Between stunning foliage, warm days that lead to cool nights, and uncrowded trails and roads, it’s the perfect season to explore the Gem State. This fall, hit the road on one of these three weekend trips that showcase the diversity of Idaho’s landscapes, the charming vibe of towns big and small and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.

sandhill cranes

Spot Sandhill Cranes in Idaho This Fall

Kristen Pope worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Standing four feet tall with a six-foot-wide wingspan, just one sandhill crane is an impressive sight. However, every fall and spring, Idaho offers opportunities to see hundreds or even thousands of these magnificent birds as they rest along their migratory route.

Fall Foliage

Road Map to Idaho’s Fall Foliage

As the cool fall weather settles in, rustling tree leaves and prompting us to grab a jacket, we start receiving calls asking for the best places to see fall colors in Idaho. This colorful seasonal display is legendary as Idaho’s trees, native vegetation, rushing rivers and mountains masterfully weave together one legendary backdrop.

Relaxing on a bed, playing cards in Willow Glamping Yurt

Six Steps to Self-Care, the Idaho Way

Boise in Fall. Photo credit: Traveling Spud. 1: Catch the Colors of the Season in BoiseBoise is Idaho’s state capital and is one of the most beautiful cities in the West. Its name means “wooded” in French, so it's no wonder Boise is a fantastic place to enjoy the changing fall colors.

A man walking across a trail surrounded by green aspen trees.

4 Fantastic Idaho Hikes Near Yellowstone National Park

Sara Sheehy worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Located just minutes from the western entrance to world-famous Yellowstone National Park, the town of Island Park is my favorite place to explore when I’m craving the grandeur of the Greater Yellowstone region’s sweeping landscapes and volcanic beauty.

Hiker walking on grass near the shore of Payette Lake

Pick Up and Picnic in Idaho

Payette Lake. Photo Credit: Marissa Lovell. Payette LakeMcCallPayette Lake is undoubtedly one of my favorite places in Idaho. The crisp air, sparkling water, towering Ponderosa pines and mountain views make Payette Lake one of the best spots to spend your time — whether that’s a few hours or a few days.

A person doing a yoga pose surrounded by trees and bushes at the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens.

Find Your Center with This Wellness Guide to Sun Valley

Alexandra Baackes worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. For many, Sun Valley is synonymous with skiing. And while the slopes are indeed stellar, in recent years Sun Valley has quietly begun leaning into another reputation: that of Idaho’s unofficial holistic wellness capitol.

historic sign

Experience the Oregon Trail in Idaho

During the peak of the westward migration, from about 1840 to 1869, more than 300,000 determined emigrants traveled the Oregon Trail to claim their own piece of the West. The 2,000-mile trail stretched from Missouri to the Oregon Territory, passing 500 miles through Idaho, where travelers faced harsh desert landscapes and hazardous river crossings.