Easy access to some of Idaho’s most spectacular scenery often puts exploring the Gem State near the top of the agenda for many travelers venturing through the Northwest. Yet, many families avoid extreme trips here because they have children.
At the northern trailhead for the Weiser River Trail, near New Meadows (elev. 3,868 feet), the meadows next to the trail are deep green and brimming with insect and bird life. I hear sandhill cranes sounding off in the tall grass.
There is nothing quite like taking a hike with your four-legged friends. The fresh air and exercise are good for you and good for them. Fortunately, the Sun Valley area is very dog-friendly, with hundreds of great options for hitting the trails close to town.
ATV exploration has exploded in the Northwest, simply because it’s a blast to do with the kids! Idaho boasts family-friendly opportunities to explore riding parks and ATV trails throughout the state.
The early dawn light was barely breaking through the surrounding trees as I drove up Brundage Mountain. With each passing minute, I could see more definition on the white hillsides. By the time I reached the base of the ski area, the morning light was just bright enough to reveal a few cars in the lot. Smoke was billowing from the lodge, and a completely white landscape of powder-caked trees appeared in the daylight. Over 15 inches of fresh snow had fallen in the past 24 hours, and the clearing sky overhead indicated that it would be sunny and blue.
We’re now in the golden age for beer lovers with over 4,144 breweries in the United States, according to the Brewers Association. Idahoans take their beer seriously, as they rightfully should - Idaho leads the brewing pack, ranking 9th in the U.S in breweries per capita.
From a geological perspective, Idaho is like a jambalaya, a big pot of mixed ingredients, all coming together to provide a feast of history and diversity that can be seen in the landscape. Sitting on the western edge of the continental divide, the state has had quite the tumultuous past of volcanic and tectonic activity that has created the beautiful, rugged geography we see today.
Salmon is known throughout the Northwest as a place of retreat and relaxation. Adventurers journey to Salmon to refuel and unwind from their everyday schedules where they enjoy fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and golf.
Just two hours southeast of Boise, Twin Falls offers an abundance of recreational activities for the adventurer at heart. You can Zip the Snake for thrills high above the river in the Snake River Canyon, or take a day trip to Pomerelle to catch some spring skiing… Or, if you’re like me, you may opt to take a weekend to enjoy a more leisurely kind of adventure.
It was March 2012 when I realized that the 4th of July was no longer my favorite holiday. The activities are still fresh in my mind, and I've only gotten better and juggling all the excitement: 5 days of absolute Boise bliss.
I’ve always been heavy into four-wheeling and dirt bikes, yet snowmobiling was always on the back burner when it came to motorized fun. Perhaps it’s because I grew up skiing and snowboarding - two activities that tend to take up most of my free time during the winter.
Who doesn't love inspirational travel quotes? They capture brief moments of simplicity and highlight hidden truths about adventure and life. Fascinating travel quotes remind us that we are not alone in this world when we feel an overwhelming sense of joy at the sight of a snow-drenched mountain range or that perfect sunset.
Here’s a piece of Idaho history worth tucking away for your next trivia night. Idaho is home to the longest running dog sled race in the lower 48, the American Dog Derby. The town of Ashton hosts the race that started in 1917.
Every winter an estimated 60 to 100 million people around the world take to the slopes with a snowboard or pair of skis. One of the most sought-after destinations happens to be here in Idaho in Sun Valley.
Idaho is one of the largest states in the U.S., situated in the Rockies to the west of the continental divide. Take a trek up north and you’ll find rolling green hills, hundreds of blue lakes, and staggering mountaintops, or venture through the central part of the state and weave through thick wilderness areas, sweeping farmland, and natural attractions.
For anyone who is serious about fishing, Idaho sits atop the list of fantasy fishing destinations. While many anglers think of the Gem State as a great place to fish only during the warm spring and summer months, Idaho’s fish are plentiful year-round.
There's a secret hidden in the mountains of Central Idaho, a secret that comes to life every March (March 2-6, 2016, to be exact). Five days of commemorating the arts and their creators while soaking in the lavishness that is the Sun Valley Film Festival.
We’ve all been there. That moment when the growling in your stomach becomes audible, embarrassing even, urging you to make a move to find a something to eat. The quest is not just for any regular meal however, your quest to quiet the hunger usually sends you in search of the most mouth-watering, hunger –squashing food you can get your hands on.
Our first visit to the town of McCall was during the winter season. Needless to say, we fell in love with it there and have since made a return visit in the summer. If you had to ask me to choose which season is best, I couldn’t.
Steve Stuebner worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. On a sunny morning in McCall, I drive south to Jug Mountain Ranch to meet up with some friends to go fat biking -- one of the fastest growing winter activities in America.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And let’s face it, sometimes finding that perfect gift or getaway can be a bit of a challenge. But Idaho’s got you covered! Check out the list below for Idaho inspired ideas to wow your Valentine.
Every skier and snowboarder has their list of the powder-packed mountain resorts they’d like to visit, the lines they plan on shredding, and the peaks they hope to conquer. If this sounds like you, then I have the perfect place for you to add to your must-explore list.
The name alone sounds hardcore; heli-skiing. But the adrenaline-pumping adventure has Idaho roots. In fact, helicopter skiing in the United States was born in Sun Valley in 1966. How’s that for cutting-edge adventure?
Are you freezing and looking for something new to do? You don’t have to travel outside of the Gem State this winter to find a new snow-soaked ski hill or unique winter activity to enjoy with your family.
McCall, Idaho, is a popular vacation spot for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Known for being one of Idaho’s most-visited destinations in the summer months, McCall has gained widespread recognition in recent years for being a well-rounded winter getaway as well.