Idaho Vacation Ideas
Known as the "Gem State" for its fantastic mountains, Idaho is a prime place for backpackers and hikers, campers, RVers and anyone who enjoys spending time in the outdoors.
Idaho borders six states and one Canadian province giving any traveler the opportunity to see more than they bargained for.
Over 19,000 miles of empty trails will wear the soles of your boots off before you get to see everything that Idaho has to offer.
Much of Idaho is truly unspoiled wilderness. Over 2,000 mountain lakes and 9.3 million acres of road-free national forests is a National treasure to be coveted.
Whitewater
Idaho's is famous for its rafting and kayaking. Rip-roaring rapids jostle tourists down there 3,100 plus miles of rivers that feature unbelievable, scream your lungs out and beg for more runs. In fact, the State of Idaho has mile for mile more whitewater stretches than any other of the lower 48 states.
Bird Watching
Idaho has become a gathering spot for birdwatchers because of over 400 known species that "flock" to its Refuge's.
Year-round you can find locations such as American Falls Reservoir and Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge teaming with birds. But that does not mean that the rest of Idaho is not just as active with birds. Any region of Idaho will be sure to please all your bird watching needs.
Exploration
There are so many historic spots to view and camp in Idaho. Here are three distinct places to experience nature the Idaho way.
Thousand Springs State Park
It is called the Magic Valley for a reason. The park is divided into 9 units to explore and you really do take a step back in time when you visit here. There are day use opportunities abound within the units of Thousand Springs State Park.
You can view wagon ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail, tour historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview.
Malad Gorge is glorious and inspiring. Visitors can explore the Gorge and watch as the Malad River crashes down Stairstep falls and into the Devil's Washbowl on its way to the Snake River, 2.5 miles downstream.
The scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve is something to behold.
Access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek and check out the Blues festival and local farmers markets each spring. Truly be inspired at Vardis Fisher.
Niagara Springs will relax you for your fish experience at Crystal Lake.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Come see the unique opportunities that this State Park offers. Bruneau is a mixture of desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat. In the park you have the occasion to observe nocturnal species.
Activities within the park include fishing, bird watching, camping, hiking, swimming and Idaho's only public observatory is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky.
One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and meteor showers. For just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder, it's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Local birds of prey, insects, fossils, wildlife and the history of the sand can be found at there visitors center.
The park is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, which rises to 470 feet high above small lakes in the high desert south of Mountain Home.
Three Island Crossing State Park
Home to the Oregon Trail History and Education Center this state park is located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. Visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native Americans.
Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail.
The park offers a full-service campground, cabins, and picnic areas that are waiting for you.
Enjoy your vacation!