Irene Ogeto worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
One of the best ways to explore a new state is on foot and I got to do just that. I spent a week hiking in one of the most beautiful places in North America – Idaho. Southwest Idaho provides some of the most stunning landscapes, with waterfalls, lakes, and mountains. The hiking trails are endless, and I got to explore these seven trails in Boise and McCall.
Hikes in Boise
The Red Cliffs Nature Center Trail is a great hiking trail in Boise. The trail is a steady climb then halfway through it turns into downhill. It is a three-mile dirt loop that can be done in under two hours, so be prepared to get your shoes dusty. At the top you get a beautiful view of Boise and the surrounding foothills, which are stunning.
The Boise River Greenbelt is a paved and well-maintained trail that runs alongside the river. This is an easy hike that is great for everyone to enjoy. The 25-mile trail has multiple access and interest points. Shade trees line the entire trail, making it a great place to beat the summer heat.
Hikes in McCall
Located in McCall, Ponderosa State Park offers plenty of options when it comes to spending time in nature. The state park charges an entry fee so plan accordingly and you can check the state park website for more information. In addition to hiking trails, you will find biking trails all throughout the park. These three trails are located on the Peninsula Unit of Ponderosa State Park. Each trail has something to offer so you won’t be disappointed.
Lily Marsh Trail
The Lily Marsh Trail is an easy 2.3 mile out-and-back packed dirt trail that takes you through scenic views. The trail starts at the Fox Run Trailhead and makes its way south through the park. This is a great trail for the whole family and dogs are allowed on a leash. Lily Marsh has been left undisturbed and that is evident by the brush and grass that grows around the marsh.
Ridgeline Trail
Most of the trails at Ponderosa State Park are all interconnected, making it easy to navigate through the park. The Ridgeline Trail can be accessed through the Lily Marsh Trail. This is a moderate to difficult hike due to the elevation gain and dirt trail conditions. The Ridgeline Trail takes you up to the Narrows Overlook and Osprey Cliff Overlook. At the overlook, you can take in stunning views of the Payette Lake.
Peninsula Trail
The Peninsula Trail runs along Payette Lake and can be accessed at different points throughout the park. It is also connected to the Ridgeline Trail and Huckleberry Trail. The Peninsula Trail is a terrific way to take in the views and nice cool breeze from Payette Lake.
Hikes in the Payette National Forest
The Payette National Forest has extensive hiking opportunities. Here are two fantastic trails to check out near McCall.
Goose Creek Falls
Goose Creek Falls Trail #354 is located near McCall and is a short 3 mile out-and-back dirt trail that is considered moderately challenging. This trail is all downhill to the falls and is shaded throughout. Once you reach the falls, you might have to do a little bit of rock scrambling and hiking over rocks to get an unobstructed view. It’s all uphill trek back to the trail head with an elevation gain of about 600 feet so be prepared.
Boulder Lake and Louie Lake Trail
This stunning loop provides amazing views of two lakes. Located in the Payette National Forest both hikes can be accessed from either the Boulder Lake Trailhead or Louie Lake Trailhead. Here you have the option to hike both trails in the form of a loop or each trail individually, I hiked the loop. I parked at the Louie Lake trailhead but started my hike at the Boulder Lake trailhead and hiked in a clockwise direction. The hike begins at the Boulder Meadows Reservoir and ascends to Boulder Lake.
After Boulder Lake, you hike along the Twin Peaks ridgeline which provides stunning views of wildflowers. The trail descends to the stunning Louie Lake and back to the Louie Lake trailhead. Both trails are dirt trails but some areas have a lot of rock. This is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. You will most likely meet people fishing at both lakes.
Whether you choose to hike in Boise, Ponderosa State Park or the Payette National Forest, you will be in awe of the opportunities that southwest Idaho has to offer to enjoy nature.
Feature image credited to Irene Ogeto.
I’m Irene Ogeto, the Black Hiking Queen, a Texas native, traveling the world, hiking and loving every moment. I’m a high school math educator but when I’m not in the classroom, I’m outdoors on an adventure. Now more than ever, I am passionate about the outdoors. I love to hike. I love to go camping. I love to be surrounded by nature. There is something about nature that cannot be explained because it must be experienced. It is my hope that through my work as the Black Hiking Queen that I’m able to educate and inspire others to experience nature and the profound effects it brings.
Published on May 16, 2023
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