When you are looking at towns that truly capture the essence of the old west and the gold mine era then you will want to visit the little town of Idaho City in the central area of the state.  Gold was discovered on Grimes Creek in 1862 and that began the stampede of gold miners to the Boise Basin.  The basin was one of the major discoveries of the gold rush so it brought people from all over to come and seek their fortunes.  Although most of the old mine towns have died off after the gold ran out, Idaho City continues to exist and offer a chance to stroll through the town and see the history that remains.  Many of the communities that sprung up during the gold mine time just fell to ruin and are forgotten, not Idaho City!

Prior to being known as Idaho City the community was known as Bannock City or West Bannock.  The community had grown to a large 6,000 people in 1863 and was actually considered for the territorial capital, but a different choice was made and Idaho City had to exist without the honor of being the territorial capital.  But, it did have the Boise News which came into production a year earlier than Boise itself had a newspaper.

In its heyday Idaho City was home to more than 250 businesses ranging from an opera and theater house to bowling alleys and everything in-between.  Of course the saloons were a key part of the area, miners liked to visit them and brag about (or whine about) their search for gold.  Men were constantly armed and ready to defend themselves if necessary.  Pioneer Cemetery had losers from those fights as permanent guests with crude headstones telling the story of how they died.

With the gold running out the prospectors left the area.  Then the fires began, the first in 1865 wiped out eighty percent of the buildings in town.  Then there were the fires of 1867, 1868 and 1871 which also caused the community to suffer.  Although it sounds as though that is a lot of fires you must remember how people heated their homes, cooked their food and so forth, fire was a critical part of their lives and dangerous.  Dried wooden buildings were perfect tinder for fire and went up quickly.  Because of the gold strike the community was rebuilt quickly following each fire.  Today you can still see some of the best examples of early brick work and the design of the wooden architecture that remains in Idaho City.  These historically significant buildings represent some of Idaho’s most important historical buildings.  Visit Idaho City and get a true feeling of what life was like in the 1860′s.

When you are visiting you will want to listen as you walk along the boardwalks and think about those that passed over them many years ago and the stories they could tell.  Let your imagination flow, look at the old “Merc” building where supplies were purchased for a pinch of gold, and see the old jail where inmates carved their names on the thick wooden walls.  Visit the Boise Basin Museum and see the collection of gold rush memorabilia.  Step into the old schoolhouse and look around, still in use the building has a real story to tell.  When you are out for your stroll visit Pioneer Cemetery and read the ancient headboards which tell part of the story of the past.

Idaho City has accommodations, restaurants and recreational areas for you to enjoy when you are through with the historical portion of your visit.  The area is surrounded by the Boise National Forest which is well worth visiting.  Take a hike into the timbered mountains; sit by the crystal-clear creeks and rivers.  When you are looking for unspoiled beauty of nature this area is certainly someplace to visit.

If you are a hunger you will enjoy hunting quarry such as elk, deer, and blue grouse in the fall.  In the winter you can enjoy the 15 cross-country trails that criss cross the Basin.  Take your snowmobiles along and you can roam more than 150 miles of Forest Service roads.

From the past to the present Idaho City is worth a visit.

Historic Idaho City, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Our planet is more than 70 percent water, so there are lots of opportunities for adventure travel both in and on the water. From serene scenic floats to action packed trips for the adrenaline junkie, the Payette River in Garden Valley, ID offers something for everyone.
 
The Canyon-a full-Day Float on the South Fork of the Payette River takes you from Deadwood Confluence to Danskin. A difficulty rating of 4 paddles-this is the biggest/baddest river section available! Not intended for “scared-ee cats”, this segment of the South Fork will immerse you in the wild action of Gateway, Blackadar, Lone Pine, Little Falls, and Surprise Rapids. View the power of Big Falls (a 35 foot drop and mandatory portage) and soak up the warmth of Pine Flats hot spring while the guides prepare a delicious riverside lunch. This float combines outstanding scenery with the very best in challenging whitewater!
An adrenaline filled trip that has a series of rapids that keep the excitement throughout the day. There isn’t a dry seat on the boat and each position is as important as the rest, a thrill a minute when you are on the rapids. River rafting is a lot of fun, whitewater rafting offers thrills, chills, and even an occasional spill.

Planning a whitewater rafting trip? Whether you are a beginner whitewater rafter or are a seasoned, high-adventure rafting veteran, Idaho is the place to go.  It offers you the thrill of a lifetime regardless of your level of expertise. 

To find out more about whitewater rafting in Idaho call Idaho Excursions 208-462-3333.

Location: Garden Valley, Idaho

Phone: Toll Free: 877-462-8003
Local: 208-462-3333

Email: info@idexcursions.com

Idaho White Water Unlimited-Garden Valley, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

The Salmon River, also called the River of No Return by Lewis and Clark, is located in Idaho and flows for 425 miles before it connects with the Snake River. It is a very popular place to go for those who love canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

Two sections of the river, the Middle Fork section as well as a section of the main river, are now National Wild and Scenic Rivers and protected from development.

The river and the surrounding land are as wild as they are beautiful. Forest covers much of the area. You will find that you can spot a number of different animals from your canoe as you make your way down the long and sometimes desolate stretches of river. Some animals that you might be lucky enough to see are wolves, otter, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bears, cougars, and even moose.

Most people that visit the Salmon River to canoe also plan on camping. A nice trip down the river can last anywhere from 5 – 7 days and sometimes even longer. You can hire a guide to help you navigate down the river, or you and your friends and family can explore on your own.

You can find many different places along the Salmon River to launch your canoe, but you should make sure that you have all the proper permits along with you if you are going camping or fishing. Nothing can put a damper on a trip faster than having a ranger cite you.

A great place to begin a trip is at the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. It is the second largest wilderness area in the United States. During the trip you will go through the second largest canyon in the United States – the only larger canyon is, of course, the Grand Canyon.

You can float down the river for several hours and then find a nice place to stop and have lunch. Hop back in the canoes and float for another three or four hours before stopping to make camp in the late afternoon. You can take some time to explore the land around the campsite and then have some dinner. Later, you can tell stories around the campfire and sleep beneath the stars.

Make sure you have the right equipment and gear for the trip you are taking. Bring along water, waterproof maps, and some basic survival gear and plenty of food. Although traveling down the River of No Return is quite safe, it is always better to be prepared for any contingencies.

Salmon River Scenic Byway
Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce
Mailing Address
Box 8
Stanley, ID 83278

Canoeing on the Salmon River – Stanley, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Located in Central Idaho, the Sawtooth Wilderness area offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.  Clear, flowing streams, awesome waterfalls, jagged mountain peaks and lush green meadows cover 217,000 acres of vast wilderness.  

Guided Horse Pack Trips can vary from two to ten days.  There are a number of destinations from which you can choose from your base at a lake shore camp.  For $225 per person per day (plus tax), you will have a professional, friendly guide and a horse experienced in mountain terrain.  This wilderness vacation offers you the opportunity to spend your time fishing, relaxing or exploring.  Good food, a comfortable camp and an itinerary depending upon the activities you wish to experience are provided.  

A Packing School course is offered to those horsemen that already have basic riding skills.  You will learn to improve your existing back country skills and learn new ones.  Some of the other instructions provided include basics of horse packing, tack adjustment and care, how to balance your loads and various hitches for different saddles.  Other topics covered are low impact camping, care of livestock in the back country, emergency horse first aid and other necessary information.
3 day school fee – $550 per person (plus tax).
5 day school fee – $950 per person (plus tax).

Complete vacation packages are offered where Sawtooth Adventures provide all aspects of your vacation beginning with picking you up at the Boise, Idaho Airport and transporting you to your first nights accommodations.  After breakfast the next morning, you will begin your trip which includes camps, meals,  cook and guide. 

Sawtooth Wilderness area – Garden Valley, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

One of the most unique landscapes you can see in the United States is located in Idaho at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Fissure eruptions along cracks in the crust of the earth resulted in black lava flow which transformed the area into the bizarre landscape visible here today.

In order to understand and appreciate the strange appearance of Craters of the Moon, it is a good idea to spend some time at the Craters of the Moon Visitor Center at the start of your visit. You’ll learn how the cinder cones and lava flows at Craters of the Moon were formed, and what features and natural sites to look for as you tour the Monument and Preserve.

There are several ways to enjoy your trip to Craters of the Moon. A seven-mile loop road provides access to many scenic views of the landscape features as well as trails. There are both above ground trails and cave trails to explore beneath the surface at Craters of the Moon. Campsites are available at the Lava Flow campground, and wilderness camping by pass is also available.

Trailside panels as well as brochures and maps available at the Visitor’s Center will provide you with valuable and important information about visiting Craters of the Moon. In general, be prepared for high temperatures and steady wind if you plan to visit during the hottest part of the day, especially during the summer season.

In contrast to the bright sunlight and dry, black surface typical of a hike aboveground at Craters of the Moon, the caves beneath the ground are cool, damp and dark. Unlike the windy surface, the lava tubes are quiet and still. Many areas of the caves at Craters of the Moon are completely dark, so visitors should bring a reliable source of light as well as a map on tours of the cave trails.

Bring plenty of drinking water and wear hiking books if you plan to explore Craters of the Moon’s hiking trails and caves, as the lava surface is very uneven. Falls can result in cuts or abrasions.

Although you can explore the numerous hiking trails and cave trails at Craters of the Moon on your own and learn a great deal about this fascinating destination, a ranger-led hike is ideal if you wish to make the most of your opportunity to appreciate Craters of the Moon. You can find out about scheduled walks and morning and evening programs held at the Lava Flow campground during the summer months by checking with the Visitor Center or at the campground.

Special nature walks are also held Saturdays during summer months and focus on themes such as wildlife and vegetation in addition to geology. Winter-themed programs are available on Saturdays during the winter months, as well.

Craters of the Moon Nationa Monument and Preserve – Arco, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Skiing is a top interest in Idaho where we have one of the two US Ski and Snowboard Association cross country courses.  Idaho is the top choice for cross country skiers – offering a wide variety of courses, slopes, and of course the resorts and accomodations to make your trip excellent!

Idaho’s museums, including the Museum of Idaho offer wonderful educational and historic tours as well.  Ice Age Mammels is exhibiting in the Museum of Idaho, featuring Pleistocene-era mammals, the Columbian Mammoth, Mastodon, Saber Tooth Cat, Giant Ground Sloth, North American Camel, Giant Beaver, Ancient Bison, and Giant Short-Faced Bear.

Idaho Vacation is a post from: Idaho Tourism