Explore the Lochsa Country in North-Central Idaho; it’s plum full of cool things to do
August 25th, 2011 | No Comments
Written by guest blogger Steve Stuebner
A quick drive to Missoula, Mont., last weekend reminded me how much I miss the Lochsa River Country in north-central Idaho. To be totally honest, I feel a huge tug in my heart when I go there — a feeling that comes from many wonderful trips in which I felt absolutely awe-struck by the beauty, power and majesty of the Lochsa region.
As a University of Montana student many moons ago, I frequently went backpacking in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, often via Elk Summit or other trailheads along the Lochsa River. I used to visit Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in all seasons — at all hours of the day or night — and even went winter camping and backcountry skiing in the vast mountains around Lolo Pass.
Later, I went whitewater rafting on the Lochsa and the Selway rivers, traced the Lewis & Clark Trail by mountain bike, went canoeing on the lower Selway, and survived an epic mountain bike loop featuring more than 5,000 feet of climbing in the high mountains above Lowell for my book Mountain Biking Idaho.
So for this week’s tip, I’m going to share a few suggestions for recreation outings in the Lochsa Country. It’s all in the spirit of the Idaho stay-cation, where you can enjoy an inexpensive trip relatively close to home over a long weekend and explore some hidden parts of Idaho that perhaps you’ve never seen before …
How to get there: Take Idaho 55 north to U.S. 95 in New Meadows. Follow U.S. 95 to Kooskia on the Clearwater River. Turn right and take U.S. 12 east to Lowell, where all of the fun begins! It’s about 4-5 hours of drive time to the Lochsa.
Here are some cool trips to try:
- Canoe the lower Selway River. The whitewater season is over on the Lochsa River, and all but the die-hards are done on the Selway. But low water means a smooth non-threatening trip on the lower Selway River. The cobalt blue water coming out of the wilderness is crystal clear and pure, so you see fish swimming below, and of course, if you’re into fishing, you can fish along the way! Go upriver on the Selway River Road from Lowell. Launch the canoe at 23-mile Bar campground and float 12 miles to Lowell and take out at the bridge. The Class 1 to Class 2 rapids on this section make it ideal for inflatable kayaks and small rafts as well.
Mountain Bike the Lewis & Clark Trail. Go east on U.S. 12 to Powell Junction, and take Forest Road 569 to Pappoose Saddle (elev. 5,680). Park there, and ride FR 500, the “Lolo Motorway,” to the west and trace the route that the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery took over the mountains to reach the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. There are interpretive signs along the way that explain various tidbits of history regarding Lewis & Clark and also the Nez Perce Tribe. You should map out what part of the trail you want to experience before you go. I did a three-day, 75-mile trip on the Lolo Motorway with vehicle support, and it was a blast! Lots of up-and-down riding on a single-lane rocky dirt road. If you don’t have multiple days, drive to a point where you can ride to landmarks like “Sherman Peak,” “the Smoking Place” and “Indian Post Office.” You’ll need a hardy 4WD rig to drive the 500 Road. Guided hiking and biking adventures are available through Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures. This ride was listed by Outside mag as one of the Top 25 trips of a lifetime.- Hike Warm Springs Trail to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. Watch for a big cable-and-wood pack bridge on U.S. 12 that leads to the Warm Springs Creek Trail. Cross the bridge and hike up trail to the hot springs. It’s a little over 1 mile to the springs. Easy hike. Huge western red cedar trees greet you alongside the trail. I used to walk into the springs barefoot at night during a full moon. Too cool! Clothing is optional at the springs. The Forest Service closes the springs at 10 p.m. at night. Not sure how they enforce that. Warm Springs Trail is also great for a longer hike and backpacking. The trail enters the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and goes for many miles into the interior.
Try conquering the Coolwater Ridge Epic Jungle Ride. Ride mileage is 25 miles, but it’s a demanding full-day ride. Starting from Lowell, climb the Coolwater Ridge Road #317 more than 5,400 vertical feet to Coolwater Lookout, follow a high ridge overlooking the Selway River country, and then descend more than 5,000 feet through jungle brush on the East Boyd Trail (singletrack with rock water bars) to the Selway River Road. Then grind back on the road to Lowell. (I arranged a partial shuttle). It’s a 6- to 8-hour ride. The ride is detailed in my book Mountain Biking Idaho.- Stay at Wilderness Gateway Campground. Wilderness Gateway is a high-quality developed campground right next to the Lochsa River. Across the river is the Lochsa Historic Ranger Station. There’s a hiking trail that goes to the west from the ranger station and travels above the river corridor. Thimbleberry plants will tower over your head. Side activities include fly fishing on the Lochsa or other streams that feed into the Lochsa near the campground.
More lodging ideas. If you’d like to get a room, the Western Motor Inn in Kooskia, River Dance Lodge, run by River Odysseys West, one of the best oufitters in Idaho, and the Lochsa Lodge in Powell are your best options. Because lodging is so scarce in the area, be sure to call ahead for reservations. ROW has guided trips available in the vicinity.
Have fun!
- SS
Redfish Lake Lodge
August 1st, 2011 | 1 Comment
Written by guest blogger Emily Engelhardt.
A place in Idaho, a place in the Sawtooth Mountains, a place in my heart, Redfish Lake Lodge. As I sit here and write this I am reminded of what summer at Redfish Lake is. Its sandy beaches, crystal clear water, families, boating, ice cream, live music on the lawn, laughing, Bloody Mary on a Sunday afternoon, campfires, star gazing, sightseeing….and the list goes on and on.
If you are familiar with the area you probably have your very own favorite activities but if you not, here are some suggested Redfish Lake ‘Bucket Lists:’
If you had one day to spend at Redfish Lake here are some ideas:
- Take a Lady of Lake Tour to learn all about the lake
- Jump off ‘Jump Rock’ with 10,000’’ peaks looming above you
- Enjoy a lunch at the Outdoor Gazebo with ‘Livin’ the Dream’ Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Chase and possibly catch minnows in the warmer, shallow water
- Soak up the fresh mountain air and sun
- Do a back flip off the docks
- Take a stroll on the board walk at the Redfish Visitor’s Center
- Listen to live music on the lawn, lakeside
- Relax on the beach with a good book
- Test your balance on a paddle board
If you had two or more days to spend:
- Take a boat shuttle across the lake for a hike to Lilly Ponds, Alpine Lake, Bench Lake, Saddleback lakes, or the Baron Divide. Relax on the beach
- Listen to live music on the lawn, lakeside
- Rent a paddle board, fishing boat, kayak, canoe, or a paddle boat and feed your adventuress soul.
- Fish the clear waters of the inlet
- Lay under the stars during a meteor shower
- Experience Happy Hour at the Rustic Lounge
- Go whitewater rafting on the Salmon River
- Dive off ‘Jump Rock’ into the clear water at the far end of the lake
- Relax on the beach with a Bloody Mary or a Margarita
- Enjoy a horseback ride to a mountain lake
These Redfish ‘bucket lists’ don’t even come close for experiencing one of the greatest playgrounds! Redfish Lake is very special to many people. It’s a place where families and friends build lasting memories; it’s a place where traditions are created, and most of all it feels like home.
This summer there are many amazing and memorable events happening at the lake. We hope you can make one or all of them.
Here’s to a wonderful summer season!
Hiking, Biking and Idaho Yurts
July 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment
Written by guest blogger Steve Stuebner
Everyone knows about renting the Idaho City Park n’ Ski Area yurts in the winter, but not so much in the summer. To give folks an incentive, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has dropped the price of yurt rentals by $30 for weekends and week days, meaning that rents are $60/night for weekends and $45 for week nights. The yurts sleep six.
In my view, the IDPR yurts provide a great venue for a family friendly weekend in the woods. You have six to choose from. All of them are close to hiking and biking trails, and in the summer, you can actually drive to within 100-300 yards from the yurts, making it easy to pack in your camping gear and super easy for parents to take young children.
No muss, no fuss: The yurts are set up with a double-burner stove, cooking utensils, pots, plates and silverware, so you don’t have to bring that stuff from home. Just bring sleeping bags, food, water and beverages. Everything you pack in should be packed out. If the bugs are bad outside, you can hang out in the yurt. If it’s raining, you can chill in the yurt. Bring lawn chairs, and find shady spots near the yurt or on the yurt deck to enjoy the views.
Summer prices are good from July 1 – Nov. 15. Here’s the web link for reservations.
Next, I’ll detail some hikes and bike rides that you can explore close to the yurts below:
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Banner Ridge, Elkhorn and Skyline Yurts are all on the east side of Idaho 21. They provide immediate access to a complete system of singletrack and two-track trails adjacent to the yurts.
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If you’re staying at Banner or Elkhorn, try the easy singletracks called the Cougar Loop or Lehn’s Loop. These were trails that IDPR built with volunteer help. Lehn’s Loop is 2.4 miles, and Cougar is 3.3 miles. Both trails follow rolling terrain through shady timbered areas without any long major climbs. Good place to take the kids. See this guide for complete details. The loop also is detailed in my Falcon guide Mountain Biking Idaho.
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A longer and more challenging ride is the Elkhorn-Alpine Loop. This loop is 7.5 miles long, featuring 4WD dirt roads and grassy two-tracks. The Alpine portion of this loop is the most scenic and intimate. I’ve seen elk and black bear riding my book on this loop. See this guide for complete details. The loop also is detailed in my Falcon guide Mountain Biking Idaho.
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If you’re staying at the Skyline Yurt, there are two possibilities immediately adjacent to the yurt. Hike or ride the Skyline Loop, 5.5 miles from Idaho Highway 21. It’s a grassy two-track the whole way. Less than 1,000 feet of vertical climbing, but it is a climb to the yurt from the highway, and it’s a fun and fast downhill back to the highway.
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Another possibility from Skyline, especially for bikers, is to ride Ralph’s Trail and Twister to the north and connect over to trails by the Elkhorn Yurt, such as Lehn’s Loop and Cougar Loop. See this guide for complete details.
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If you’d like to stay at Stargaze Yurt, the newest addition to the Idaho City Park n’ Ski yurt system, we scouted a new trail in that area last week. It’s a 7-mile mountain bike loop (could be hiked) that starts and finishes at Beaver Creek Summit on Idaho Highway 21. The ride starts at the Stargaze Trailhead on Forest Road 394. Bear right on Road #394B and climb a steep two-track dirt road to the yurt junction on a saddle (mile 1.1). Even if you have to walk the steep sections of the climb, it’s not very far, and the rest is easy. Take a side trip to Stargaze Yurt and check out the view. Next follow the two-track road from the saddle out to the west to mile 2.3 and go right on a faint two-track. That little trail cuts over to a more major dirt road, which is a snowmobile trail in the winter. Turn right on the dirt road at mile 3.2. Bear right at a signed junction (mile 6.1) to return to Idaho 21 (mile 6.6), turn right and ride the paved road to the trailhead (mile 7). See map above.
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If you’re staying at Whispering Pines Yurt in the Gold Fork area, you could ride or hike the road up to Whispering Pines and then take the Moose Trail back to the parking area. There also are a few short trails nearby. See this guide for more details. Whispering Pines, by the way, has excellent shade afforded by large ponderosa pine trees.
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Rocky Ridge Yurt, accessed from the Whoop ‘em Up trailhead area, has a couple of trails nearby that lead over to Edna Creek Road and Beaver Creek Cabin areas. The Crooked River Trail can be accessed from Beaver Creek Cabin or Edna Creek Road. It’s a sweet hiking or biking singletrack that goes downhill along Crooked River for several miles. Turn around and come back. See this guide for more details.
Be sure to print out the maps from the IDPR web site and bring them with you. A map from the Boise National Forest would be helpful as well. And don’t forget your bug juice … because of the big snows we had last winter and spring rain, it’s very wet and moist out there in the forest, and the bugs can be fierce!
Other useful resources would be a birding book and wildflower guide.
Have fun!
-SS
Early Season Whitewater Rafting in Idaho
June 20th, 2011 | 4 Comments
Written by guest blogger Josh Mcdannel.
On May 21st, I set off for my big river trip of 2011. The agenda: 9 days of early season boating on some of Idaho’s best whitewater. I ran Marsh Creek, the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and the Main Salmon. That’s about 220 miles in 7 days. Mileage per day ranged form 13 to 47 miles. We technically launched on Cape Horn creek, where it goes under highway 21. It was about 8 inches deep, 20 feet wide, and 150 yards from the highway across a 12″ deep snow field. We had to push our loaded rafts across the snow, post-holing into the frigid water beneath the snow. That was exhausting. Then we had to portage our boats around dagger falls due to logs in the run-out of the main drop. There were logs blocking passage in the run-out of the rapid. You could make the main drop, but one missed stroke and your trapped under a log. No good. We made it 18 miles down marsh creek and 14 miles down the middle fork that day and stayed at sheepeater hot springs. THAT was a long day. The portage was 1/4 mile.
The next day, I got to practice my muay thai and ju jitsu skills in pistol creek rapid as my oars were ripped from my hands in a raging toilet bowl slamming into a cliff. My oars whipped around like ninja’s with 9 foot long arms and I had to bust out the 5 D’s of eddy-line rafting - dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge. I got in a couple jab/cross combos too. But, it was all good fun.
The next morning, I awoke to a river that had risen several inches and crept about 6 feet up the shore. Unfortunately, I had set my life jacket about
4 feet from shore and it was long gone by morning. I was devastated. I was 40 miles into the trip and without a PFD. I sat around and worried in the hot springs for a bit and came up with a brilliant plan. I strapped a small drybag full of air to my chest and zipped it up under my dry suit. We launched onto the river and scanned the shores for my PFD. We had no major rapids to run that day, so I wasn’t too worried. I WAS worried about the days to come when the river would get thrashy and violent. Luckily, about 2.5 miles from camp, one of our trip members found it hung up on some willows sticking up in the middle of the swollen river. It was black-side up and 3″ under water. It could have easily been missed. Whew. Always, always, always secure your gear, especially your PFD. Once my flotation was strapped on and the ridiculous dry-bag float was unstrapped from my chest, I rejoiced.
After that, the trip was pretty mellow. Just a few huge crashing 15′ waves in a steep narrow canyon with no way in or out except through the white froth below each horizon line. The Main Salmon was swift with a fast current, swirling eddies and huge rolling waves every few miles. The highlight was running the center line at Elkhorn. At most “high” flows, this would be a BAD 
idea. But we had just under 60kcfs at Whitebird and at that flow, the center holes opens up into a green wave – sometimes. It crashes every few seconds and closes off. If that happens when you’re on it, you’re going to flip. We had a some close calls, but it turned out to be a huge, fun ride. Those were the biggest waves I’ve run in over 20 years of rafting. Chittam was big, but manageable. We only spent two nights on the Main Salmon and it went by in a blur. We started on a creek in the snow with about 60cfs and we ended up in a river running 60,000cfs (ok technically, that gauge is several miles downstream from our take-out). It was amazing to see the river swell, creek by creek, that much during the week we were on it.
When we reached Spring Bar, our chosen take-out, wives picked us up and we drove straight to the lochsa for some memorial day madness. I decided to attempt a dry year and stay in boat and out of the highlight reel. Success. I’ve made the reel for the last three years. But it was fun watching my friends get wet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjtZTT7IGYk.
I <3 ID.
–Josh
Getting Less is Getting More in Idaho
May 17th, 2011 | 2 Comments
Written by guest blogger Jamie Cooper.
In these economic times, family adventure vacationers may ask, “How can I get more for my money?” But for some of us – maybe a better question is “How can I get less!” Certainly less cost is one parameter, but what about less of the stuff we have to deal with every day? Less traffic. Less people. Less headaches. Less stress. Less hassles. And less is more. More time with your family. More time to think, slow down and just breathe in what we have more of. More mountain air. More natural beauty. More time to soak up what vacations are all about, relaxing.
Five families, a giant pile of kids and a pack of dogs and we set out to explore, via rafts, the lower Salmon River. We ran a self guided trip but there are several 
great outfitters that can take your family down this river. I have spoken to or know several of them and there isn’t a bad choice in the bunch.
The lower Salmon is a slice of heaven. The water is a bit warmer than the average Idaho River, which makes jumping in and cooling off fun for the kids. For the most part the water is easy to manage, which makes this a great trip for the family. The outfitters mentioned in this blog can advise you on age ranges and other details regarding children on this stretch of river. Our youngest, age 4 at the time, walked around China, one of the bigger rapids, which is always an option. The kids couldn’t wait for Snow Hole, which became something of a legend along the way. The beaches are beautiful white sand, the fish bit and the food and company were legendary. Each night we had a different game for the kids to play and then we all passed out for an evening under the stars. As a bonus, we happened to make our trip down the river during an amazing meteor shower.
On our trip we were also able to tie in a jet boat finish, up the Snake River to Pittsburg landing, which was a huge hit with all the kids. Overall, this trip was a fantastic get away on the river with some fun time before and after in Riggins and McCall too.
For my money, getting away from it all for a few days without my cell phone, a TV, a computer or even an old fashioned paper newspaper is the most relaxing thing I can do. And when I am relaxed, I bet I am probably a better Dad and husband. Less means no distractions as you navigate the natural beauty of a river that carves its way through ancient canyons. Nothing to get in the way of catching a few fish or spotting a mountain goat scurrying along a cliff. Nothing on your calendar to keep you from enjoying great friends and a few good laughs around the campfire. And an open ticket to approachable family adventure that all ages can enjoy. The only “screen” you will see will be the one where the stars light up the night sky.
Idaho is all that and less. It is not more. It is less. And in this busy, busy world, less may be what it takes to build those memories that will last a life time.
For more information on the Salmon and Lower Gorge, check it out here.
Camping in the Lost Valley Reservoir
May 11th, 2011 | No Comments
Written by guest blogger Carol Green.
When I was a child, camping meant packing up the gear and driving towards the mountains until we found a secluded spot beside a creek or stream, pulling off the road, setting up camp, and spending the weekend fishing, wading, or lazing around the campfire. There was no need to make a reservation or recite the license plate number of your SUV before pitching your tent. We yearned to be lulled to sleep by the babbling of a brook and wakened by chirping birds as the sun slowly warms the mountain air.
A semi-primitive camping experience can still be had if you know where to look. Lost Valley Reservoir in Adams County is one such spot. It is accessible by auto. Small cars can easily negotiate the dirt road leading to the reservoir. Throw in a tent, some outdoor cooking gear, and trash bags to pack out what you’ve packed in. You can even tow a boat or haul along a four-wheeler to explore the forest service roads in the area.
“Semi-primitive” means there are some outhouses available and limited cell phone signals. If you venture farther from the “improvements,” grassy open areas along the bank offer a quieter camping experience. The reservoir is small and shallow with a gradual sloping bank allowing for safe wading and polliwog or frog catching! Boats can be conveniently anchored near your campsite.
Forest service roads offer safe hiking trails. Wildflowers abound as you ascend the mountain slopes to the south. I once found a wild orchid growing along the edge of one of those dusty roads.
Visit in late July or early August and the trained eye may spot an abundance of huckleberries close by. There are few things quite as satisfying as making fresh huckleberry pancakes and syrup over a campfire, or for the more civilized campers, over a camp stove.
If you can’t find any berries, or if “roughing it” becomes too great a challenge, make the short drive to McCall and visit the Pancake and Christmas House for breakfast! Civilization can also be found in nearby New Meadows. Lost Valley Reservoir is located near Tamarack (The community – not the ski resort!) about four miles off Highway 95. Take a left on Lost Valley Reservoir Road at Pine Ridge about 1 mile south of Tamarack (map).
Enjoy!
Hells Canyon: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping and Sight-seeing
April 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment
Written by guest blogger Steve Stuebner.
It’s been a long winter. A lot of people have cabin fever. We’re all eager to get outside and enjoy some spring activities. The only problem is, the weather doesn’t want to dry out. We’re lucky to get even two days of nice weather in a row in SW Idaho and then it rains again.
People in Seattle would probably say “get over it!” Put on your rain gear and go.
Well, another possibility is to go hiking, backpacking and camping in Hells Canyon. A friend of mine, Denise Lauerman, and two of her friends backpacked 6 miles from Lower Pittsburg Landing to the Kirkwood Historic Ranch recently, and came home with lots of great photos. Many thanks to Denise and her friends, Teri Stiburek and Peggy Jordan, for sharing their pix.
“It was a great trip — I can’t wait to go back,” Denise said.
Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America at over 7,000 feet, stradles the Idaho-Oregon border for more than100 miles. The mighty Snake River flows through the heart of Hells Canyon and continues on to Lewiston. Hells Canyon is usually the warmest spot in Idaho, and it’s also drier than many areas, so it’s a good bet for a spring trip. Ditto in the fall. In the middle of the summer, it gets sizzling hot; hence, the name.
I’ve written about floating through Hells Canyon, certainly the cushiest way to visit the area, but not everyone has all of the
whitewater gear. So hiking, backpacking and camping are universal activities that anyone can enjoy there.
The trip starts with a 4.5-hour drive from Boise to Pittsburg Landing, the trailhead, via ID 55 to New Meadows, U.S. 95 to Whitebird, and then a well-maintained gravel road from Whitebird over Pittsburg Saddle to the trailhead at Lower Pittsburg Landing. Signs will guide you the whole way from Whitebird. Four-wheel-drive is not required to get there.
It’s 6 miles from the trailhead to Kirkwood Ranch. Denise and her friends drove in on a Friday, backpacked to Kirkwood in the afternoon (allow 2.5-3 hours travel time) and base-camped on the grass next to the Kirkwood Museum, where former Idaho Governor Len B. Jordan and his wife, Grace, ran a sheep ranch in the 1930s.
The museum is definitely worth visiting. Behind the ranch, there is a two-track gravel road that climbs Kirkwood Creek for more than 3,000 feet to a high saddle. This is a great side-hiking opportunity that Denise and her friends climbed on Day 2, seeing all kinds of cool wildlife and landscapes along the way.
On Day 3, they side-hiked to Suicide Point along the Snake River, came back to Kirkwood, strapped on their backpacks, and hiked out. Suicide Point provides great views of the river canyon.
The cool thing about Hells Canyon is that it has many sloping ridge lines that climb up to the mountains above. I have
side-hiked many of them over the years, sometimes chasing chukars. The big benefit is that you get to see how the landscape changes in Hells Canyon — from the dry environment with cactus, poison ivy, rattlesnakes and hackberry trees down by the river to much wetter environments higher up, eventually giving way to a forest environment, rocky peaks and high mountain lakes.
I don’t mean to scare people but you should watch out for snakes, depending on how hot it is when you go. I’ve almost stepped on rattlers bird hunting along the river in the late fall, so they do hang out in the rocky talus slopes and basalt rocks.
One of the highlights of Denise’s trip was that they had a bobcat in camp. “On the second night, it was outside our tent. Some other people heard it and saw it.” The caretaker at Kirkwood Ranch saw the critter, and another party camping there had a dog, so it knew something was up. Guess Denise and her friends were tired enough from their hiking activity that they slept well.
To see Denise’s full reel of photos on Facebook, here’s the link.
For more information, go to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area web site. You can purchase maps at the Hells Canyon NRA office in Riggins.
Enjoy!
- SS
Steve shares his weekly outdoor tips with Ken and Tim on 94.9 FM The River each Friday morning at approximately 7:10 a.m. If you miss the program, you can hear the segments on River Interactive.com.
Visit Idaho’s Weekend Roundup
August 5th, 2010 | 2 Comments
The weekend’s almost here! Here’s just a hint of what’s happening throughout the state so you can start planning and get your mind right for a fantastic first weekend of August!
1. Boise Beer Fest: It’s going to be a scorcher of a weekend, so you might as well roll or stroll on down to Boise’s Ann Morrison Park this Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday and cool off while tasting more than 50 craft microbrews at the Boise Beer Fest! Visit www.boisebeerfest.com for all the info you want and need. Proceeds from this festival go to charitable causes too, which is always a swell reason to enjoy delicious beer.
2. Yellowpine Harmonica Festival: “You mean there’s a huge harmonica festival that draws thousands of people to a town that usually has a population of some 40 people?!?!?” asks the newcomer.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean,” says the native Idahoan with a grin. “And it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced. And it promises to be a GOOD TIME.”
If you’re looking for a mini road trip + fabulous live music + good times for all + camping + more scenery than you could imagine, then head to Yellowpine for the 21st Annual Harmonica Festival. Yellowpine is located at the entrance of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the second largest federally protected wilderness area in the lower 48. Which means there are abundant outdoor adventures to enjoy as well.
Visit www.yellowpineharmonicacontest.com for more information.
3. Bam Jam 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Find some sports entertainment in Boise this weekend and check out the 3-on-3 basketball street tournament that will be going on smack in the middle of downtown on Friday and Saturday. www.bamjamboise.com
4. Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival in Lava Hot Springs
Beginning Friday, the Portneuf River Bluegrass Festival will deliver live performances, lots of jam sessions, workshops, a beer garden, and camping within walking distance of the festival. Not to mention a weekend to explore Lava Hot Springs. The festival is $15 per day to attend. Visit www.portneufriverbluegrass.homestead.com/Home.html for additional information.
5. Ride Idaho: Okay, so registration is no longer available for “Idaho’s Most Memorable Bicycle Ride,” but we wanted to give this event a shout-out because it’s so awesome, and you should sign up next year! For seven days, 300 cyclists will travel the state on bikes, enjoying Idaho’s endless scenery up close and personal. If you’re out on the roads and see the group – of course use caution. If you see the herd of cyclists roll into your town, give them a shout of support and warm welcome. Riding the state of Idaho is quite a trek.
Yellowpine Harmonica Festival
August 3rd, 2010 | No Comments
Make plans to head to Yellowpine August 6-8 for the legendary Yellowpine Harmonica Festival!
With a population of approximately 35, this little “town” is tucked on the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest federally protected wilderness area in the lower 48 states.
The concert festivities begin Friday afternoon with an open mike that lets harmonica extraordinaires please the crowd in a freestyle environment. The festival continues with judged harmonica concerts, live bands, harmonica lessons and more.
Festival goers can camp in and around Yellowpine in official campsites or less official, but still established campsites. The laissez faire but environmentally responsible environment is part of the fun of attending this festival and hanging out in Yellowpine. There is free and fee camping, although the free spots fill up quickly. Visit the festival’s website at www.harmonicacontest.com for additional information on traveling to the festival and camping in and near Yellowpine.
While you’re up there, make sure to visit the Corner Bar (21 and over) for a unique local experience. Bring a set of golf clubs too, because Yellowpine has its own golf course. Sure, the greens are located amidst stands of pine, and the fairways are layered with pine needles and cones, but the abundant flora and fauna on the course are what make golfing in Yellowpine a unique experience.
Idaho’s Top 10 Family-Friendly Summertime Adventures
June 15th, 2010 | 1 Comment
Family vacations shouldn’t include long lines, large crowds, or overpriced food and entertainment. In Idaho, a “family vacation” means a no-stress, low-cost adventure that parents and kids of all ages will never forget. Before planning your family’s trip to the Gem State, consider incorporating a few of our top-10 family-friendly adventures into your itinerary. Fun times will follow.
- Bike the Hiawatha Trail – In northern Idaho, the Trail of the Hiawatha is a 14 mile bike trail along an old 1900’s railroad route. This trail takes riders through 10 tunnels and across 7 high trestles, across the Bitterroot Mountains and Idaho/Montana state line. Families can rent bikes for adults and kids, and even travel trailers, from the Lookout Pass Recreation Area who operates the trail. Day tickets are only $9 for adults and $6 for kids. Taking snacks or even a picnic is a good idea for keeping the energy levels up. (Check out this video for some quick glimpses of what the Route of the Hiawatha has to offer! Idaho fly-fishing for the entire family
- Learn to Cast Your Own Line – The Snake River runs throughout Idaho and there is some of the best fly-fishing in the world in Ketchum and Sun Valley. Local outfitters like the Silver Creek Outfitters offer highly customized, guided trips, usually for two people – the perfect father and son outing.
- Learn to Ice Skate in the Summer – Central Idaho is home to Sun Valley, the tucked-away Idaho resort town that’s famous for being the first destination ski resort-in the nation. But Sun Valley is a blast in the summer too. Against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, kids can learn to ice skate on the Sun Valley Resort’s outdoor ice skating rink.
- Explore Craters of the Moon – East of Sun Valley, the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is a sprawling 750,000 acres of lava flows. Kids can pick up a copy of the Lunar Ranger booklet at the visitor center, complete its activities throughout the day, and earn a Lunar Ranger badge. Craters of the Moon National Monument is an endless playground that will feed kids’ imagination and give them plenty of rare geography to explore. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqHT73lfsYo
- Ride a horse in the Wild West – Saddle up. Many Idaho outfitters and guest ranches offer horseback riding lessons and tours. Lewis & Clark Adventures of Gibbonsville, in central Idaho, take families on horseback and rafting tours along the same route that Lewis and Clark traveled with Sacajawea. This trip pairs adventure and education as kids and parents learn about the land and history of the pioneers who explored it.
- Actually, DO Feed the Bears – Visit Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho for some up-close and personal interaction with the wild. With the assistance of professional keepers, visitors can bottle feed bear cubs. Curator tours take visitors through the park in an open-top but secure vehicle. Rocky Mountain elk, bison, moose, wolves, and bears are just a few of the wild animals that roam the park. Video: www.greatidahogetaway.org
- Ride Whitewater Like a Pro – Idaho has more miles of whitewater than any other state in the contiguous U.S. The Idaho Whitewater Guide is an online resource for family-friendly trips and outfitters that can get you in the raft and on the river.
- Float the Boise River – A pleasant surprise smack in the middle of Idaho’s capital city, the Boise River runs right through downtown. A favorite summertime activity for locals and out-of-towners is to float this pristine, crystal clear river. Epley’s, a local outfitter, rents rafts and tubes, and also offers shuttle services that take rafters from one end of the float to another. Alcohol is prohibited on the river, allowing for a family-friendly environment.
- Bruneau Dunes – Climb up it; slide down it; run across it – the Bruneau Dune is the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America. It offers countless physical, fun challenges. At the base of the dune there is a small lake that is fun for frolicking.
- Take a Dip in Nature’s Hot Tub – Idaho has more natural hot springs than any other state. Often, getting to the hot springs is half the adventure. Near McCall, the Burgdorf Hot Springs, for example, are near the old town of Burgdorf, which was settled in 1870 and is now considered a ghost town. Families can rent cabins and stay for the night; soak in the hot springs during the day and explore the wide-open natural surroundings. More renowned and frequented, the town of Lava Hot Springs earned its name from the local hot springs that Indian tribes used to gather at for centuries. Now, visitors can enjoy the odor-free mineral pools and an indoor mineral spring swimming pool with family recreational facilities like a poolside climbing wall. Pool time is even more fun when you know the water is naturally heated!
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