Celebrating Idaho’s Great Outdoors

July 3rd, 2012 | No Comments

Idaho celebrated America’s Great Outdoors Month in June and Idaho’s Governor Otter along with Governor’s across America issued proclamations declaring June as Great Outdoors Month in their states. Each state highlighted the benefits of active fun outdoors and the magnificent resources of forests, parks, refuges, public lands and waters.

But did you know that Idaho’s Great Outdoors is a summer playground offering exceptional outdoor recreational possibilities? 

 O say can you see.   
Hiking Borah Peak (also known as Mount Borah or Beauty Peak) is the highest mountain in Idaho and one of the most prominent peaks in the contiguous states.
Best time to climb Borah Peak is July – September. 

By the dawn’s early light.
Wildlife viewing in the largest adjoining wilderness area in the lower 48 – The Frank Church River of No Return, offers the widest variety in the United States.  Over 2.3 million acres in size and includes parts of three mountain ranges: the Salmon River Mountains, Clearwater Mountains, and Big Horn Crag; as well as the Middle Fork of the Salmon and Main Salmon rivers.  Best time of day for wildlife viewing is in the early morning or dusk.

What so proudly we hailed.  
Idaho hails more whitewater river miles than any other state in the lower 48, more than 3,000 miles to be exact. Some of the best known rivers include the Lochsa, Payette, Snake, Main Salmon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Enjoy a gentle drift down a lazy river or take a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride down incredible rapids. Guided trips can be arranged and vary from a few hours to several days in untracked wilderness.  Best time to whitewater is June – September.
Rafting the Payette River

 At the twilight’s last gleaming
Kids and parents download, print and explore the “101 Things to do Outside”.  You can’t get it all done in just one day.
Be Outside, Idaho! is a coalition of diverse agencies and organizations united in the common cause of empowering families to lead healthy lives by developing a sense of place in their outdoors. 

Whose broad stripes and bright stars.
For the best stargazing, seek Idaho’s darkest sites.  Idaho’s amateur astronomers have their favorite spots. Among them are Craters of the Moon National Monument (where the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society hosts two public star parties each year ), in Owyhee County (home of the Bruneau Dunes public observatory), and City of Rocks National Reserve in south-central Cassia County.

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Idaho is two-thirds public land, the pulse of the rivers and streams are healthy and Idaho’s outdoor residents receive continued support through habitat preservation and conservation projects.  This outdoor mix offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities – fishing, backpacking, rafting, horseback riding, biking,  and camping, that are showcased in 82,677 square miles.

 Where will you celebrate Idaho’s great outdoors?  

 

Posted in Biking, Family, Hiking, Idaho Outfitters, Idaho Travel, Idaho Whitewater, Roadtrips, Scenic Byways
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Hard Working Dog @VisitIdaho # TYDTWDay

June 29th, 2012 | No Comments

Last Friday (June 22) was “Take your Dog to Work Day”.  I celebrated the occasion from the comforts of my home office with my best friend Gracie, an 11- year old Blue Heeler, Black Lab and Chow mix.

Gracie - Take Your Dog to Work Day

Gracie recommends dog-friendly places in Idaho on “Take Your Dog to Work Day”

 Idaho is a dog-friendly place so I seized this opportunity to share some of Gracie’s favorite places via Twitter @visitidaho.

Below are highlights of Gracie’s Twitter feed along with her YouTube debut video.

Do you and your dog have favorite places to go in Idaho?   Please let me know and Gracie and I will check them out.

 

@takeyourdog My name is Gracie and I’m hanging out with Visit Idaho today. #TYDTWDay http://twitter.com/visitidaho/status/216193713532186624/photo/1

@dogbarkpark Gracie here. I’m assisting @visitidaho today. Any doggie tips? @takeyourdog #TYDTWDay http://twitter.com/visitidaho/status/216200583269453824/photo/1

http://bit.ly/HH10y6 New sweeps prize offering. Silverwood Theme Park . Enter to win. Good Luck! #idaho #sweeps

@ChristineRnold @ncpedia@AdCouncil Gracie here. I’ll be posting “pet friendly” places to stay in Idaho. @takeyourdog #TYDTWDay

Dog friendly pick: Dog Bark Park Inn B & B. http://bit.ly/11xrTX@takeyourdog Gracie #idaho #TYDTWDay

@for91days Love what you are doing :) Where in Idaho do you intend to visit?

Dog friendly pick #2: Best Western in McCall http://bit.ly/LGEuZq Favorite activity swimming in Payette Lake #TYDTWDay

@shyknee1 Boise -Coeur d’Alene -McCall- Sun Valley – Lewiston?

@cesarmillan My favorite leash-free parks in Boise http://bit.ly/MPikBN whr I learned my social skills @takeyourdog #TYDTWDay

 

Dog friendly pick #3: Camping along the Salmon River @swiftwaterrvhttp://bit.ly/LNFvlq #TYDTWDay @takeyourdog

@CutiesNFuzzies Yes, tweeting dog friendly places in Idaho. #Idaho #TYDTWDay

@CutiesNFuzzies Payette Lake in McCall. Playing fetch. http://bit.ly/MeTmi5#TYDTWDay

@CutiesNFuzzies doggie paradise

Dog loving community -Coeur d’Alene @dogchannelhttp://bit.ly/KSBNHR@takeyourdog #TYDTWDay

@beltonmichael Enjoy the weekend!

@takeyourdog Gracie signing off. ’til next year… #TYDTWDay http://yfrog.com/kfx8yjxj

 Posted by: Diane Norton, Idaho Division of Tourism

Posted in Dog-friendly, Family, Hotels, Roadtrips
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Life–the Great Adventure

June 27th, 2012 | No Comments

One of the comments we hear frequently at the Division of Tourism is “I had no idea Idaho had all this!”  For them, just coming to Idaho was an adventure (defined by Wikipedia as “an exciting or unusual experience.”)  Idaho is an adventure whether you’ve lived here all your life, or if you’re new to the state.  Our mini-bloggers this week describe their Idaho adventures, one intentional, the second an unplanned occurance, and the third–well you read it.  But all three writers speak of broadening their lives and minds and prove that adventures can be found everywhere, if you will open yourself to the possibility of discovering the unexpected. 

 

I’m afraid of pain and water.  So when my friends decided after two good rolls in the YMCA pool I could kayak the Salmon River – I was both overjoyed and terrified.

 I got the message early on I was over my head–I entered the first rapid upside down. When I did roll, I popped up backwards. It was a sign.

 I spent my days being swept into the jaws of liquid death. I spent sleepless nights worrying what lay ahead.  More often than not, it was the devil.

 I have seen the Salmon River unlike few others–upside down.  At the takeout, I fell onto the beach and took a long draw from a warm Pabst Blue Ribbon.

 A splendid adventure!

  Jeff Stratten

 

The sun warmed our backs as we trekked up the mountain, through a maze of towering pine trees, tripping across streams and picking bitter-tasting huckleberries.  It was early August in McCall, Idaho, and our destination was the majestic Crystal Lake.  After hiking a few miles, there was no longer one clear path, but many trails winding through the wilderness.   We came to the frightening realization of being lost.  After walking in circles and losing all hope, we reached a mountaintop and gazed below.  There, by some miraculous turn of fate, lay the pristine Crystal Lake. 

That day is a reminder of the wonder of Idaho, a place where an everyday hike can become a great adventure.   

Heidi Cook

 

The uniqueness of Idaho is found in the ordinary pleasure of an after work walk through Kathryn Albertsons Park. I begin each step with giddiness and digital camera in tow.  What will I encounter? Another blue heron eating a snake? The tiny head of a gosling peeking out from his mother’s wing? Perhaps another chance meeting with the young mink that frolicked at my feet while I photographed a water lily? The flowers, the smells, and the sounds calm me.  And then, my favorite, the ordinary mallard duck paddling across the water and in its wake, intricate patterns of color that change with the season.  I experience the uniqueness of Idaho in the simplicity of a city park. 

  Dana Grigg

Posted in Uncategorized

Stars, Close Enough to Touch

June 21st, 2012 | 1 Comment

Did you know that during the month of August, stars are closer to the earth than during any other time of the year? Star parties are popular in the summer months.  Members of the Boise Astronomical Society host star parties in August.   The Idaho Falls Astronomical Society also holds star parties throughout the summer.  There is one in Lava Hot Springs in August and another at Craters of the Moon in September.

But you can have your own Idaho star party any time. When night falls and you’re in a magical place away from the bright lights of the city, you can be at one with the universe–just you and the stars.  Two of the shared moments submitted to Boise State Public Radio as part of the buildup for Ira Glass’ visit to Idaho tell of the many locations  where you can just “be and see.”

***

At the intersection of three scenic byways is the small mountain town of Stanley, Idaho.  While mountains encompass the town in all directions it is the prominent peaks of the Sawtooth Range that safeguard the town and its one hundred residents.  At night, every star burns sharp as no rising buildings compete with the sky or scrape away at the light of the moon. During the day the power of the mountains lunge into your sight, their presence felt even when their peaks hide behind thick clouds.  It is easy to become unaware of the rest of the world here and for a moment let the mountains carry all your worries.
—Celina Moreno

***

Bruneau Sand Dunes
The first time I camped at Bruneau Dunes State Park I was a 15 year old boy scout, spending a wild, stormy night in a small pup-tent. I remember the stark contrast to other camping adventures I had had.  There aren’t a lot of trees there, it’s hot and it’s dry.

But a wonderful thing about the park is the remote location, out in the desert, south of the Snake River. And when the heat of the day gives way to the cool desert night, when the stars blaze across the sky, with a quite so loud you can’t help but notice it and you can hear the coyotes yipping and howling out in the dark, it makes you realize it’s truly a special place.
—Bill Ferree

Posted in Events in Idaho, Family, Idaho Camping, Roadtrips, Uncategorized
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Heros Come in All Sizes

June 13th, 2012 | No Comments

From the organizers to the volunteers to the competitors to the spectators, everyone involved in the Boise Ironman is calling it a success. One of the stories submitted to Boise State Public Radio as part of the buildup for Ira Glass’ visit to Boise centers around the Ironman so it seems the perfect time to share it. 

And if you can’t get enough Ironman, you will have a second opportunity to see these amazing athletes in the 2.4 mile swim112 mile bike/26.2 mile run Coeur d’Alene Ironman on Sunday, June 24, 2012. The triathalon starts off with a two-loop swim in beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, then the bike course which takes athletes through rural northern Idaho. The run course, known for its spectator support, is the highlight of the race. Enjoy your own Idaho Adventure like Jeff Walker and his family did when they visited North Idaho.

***

In June 2010, I injured my spine which partially paralyzed my left arm.  I was healthy enough to compete in the Boise half Ironman, barely completing a zigzagging swim but finishing the race safely.  Shortly afterwards, I had surgery to restore the use of my arm. My daughter was inspired by the event and encouraged me to train for a full Ironman to physically rehabilitate myself.  We talked a lot about how much time goes into training for the event and if she would be ok with me training 20 hours a week.  She kept insisting, so I signed up for the full Ironman in Coeur d’Alene (CDA).

To celebrate the support of my family that got me to the starting line of the Ironman, I organized a family vacation around the race.   We rented a house close to downtown CDA.  From that base camp, we went on to ride the Hiawatha through Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana, played at Silverwood Theme Park (roller coasters and a wave pool, sweet!) and golfed at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

 In the middle of all that, I did fit in a 140.6-mile race. It was an amazing day, where it felt like the entire town was cheering for me.  To train alone for hours and then have a town come out to encourage you to swim, bike, and run over fourteen hours all the way to the finish line, was an amazing experience.  I’m forever grateful to the people of CDA, the beauty of north Idaho and the memories my family created there last June.   Finally, a huge thank you to my nine year old coach, trainer, and enabler of the impossible.  

Jeff Walker

Posted in Uncategorized

“One Minute Idaho” Submissions

June 5th, 2012 | 1 Comment

When Ira Glass, host and producer of the radio and television show This American Life, visited Boise in 2011, Boise State Public Radio, along with the Idaho Department of Tourism and The Story Initiative at Boise State University, presented “One Minute Idaho.” This was a writing contest open to anyone with an Idaho story to tell. Stories were to be no longer than 120 words and had to mention at least one Idaho location.

As it turns out, the submissions were testimonials of what people love about Idaho, and as such, we want to share these wonderful stories. We will periodically publish two or three in this blog throughout the summer. We hope you enjoy these firsthand “Idaho Adventures in Living.”

With Father’s Day just around the corner, these father-focused entries seemed particularly poignant.


Dad steers our ’76 Gran Torino station wagon into a clearing near the Secesh Summit. The car’s faux wood paneling is unconvincing against this forest backdrop. Dad pulls his toolbox and a couple of 2x4s from the car. He nails the lumber between two trees as a makeshift counter, to which he attaches our Coleman stove and our cooler (propped up on its end like a mini-fridge). As a finishing touch, he pounds ten nails into the tree near the stove for kitchen gadgets. Grabbing a beer from the mini-fridge, he parks his butt in a camp chair and admires his legacy to future campers—satisfied at leaving a slice of Idaho in “better shape than he found it,” as he would say. 

  Julie Wheaton, San Diego, CA


Together, my father and I “learned” Idaho. We both moved here in 1957—he, age 28, me, less than one. By age six, I shadowed his every step, walking the countryside near Moscow. After harvest, the rolling hills provided me the childish opportunity to collect spilled lentils in an animal cracker box. Wheat stubble made me learn quickly that I should never wear pedal pushers—the harsh stems left my tender calves scratched and sore. The undulating beauty of the Palouse hills is a patchwork quilt of green, gold, browns and stripes, edged with evergreens. Each of us chewed the end of a piece of grass, father and daughter, thoughtful and mindful of our surroundings, growing to love Idaho together.
Susan Matsuura, formerly of North Idaho

Posted in Family, Hiking, Idaho Camping, Idaho Travel, Roadtrips, Uncategorized

We Built this City on Trees & We’ll Grow it on Rock & Roll (Or, Treefort Music Fest: A Forward-Looking Retrospective)

April 27th, 2012 | No Comments

Reposted from April 5,  with permission from Dead Horse March and Catie.

A week or so ago, I lost the battle with my jelly legs and ringing ears. Inside the most packed, sweaty Neurolux I’ve seen in my limited 21+ lifespan, even the sweet sound of the Cave Singers couldn’t keep me from fleeing to topple into bed by eleven o’clock on the closing night of Boise‘s inaugural Treefort Music Fest. Sitting on a sparsely populated, sunny Sunday Neurolux patio now, I reflect. Wristbands have been shed, the unmarked van to car ratio has evened out, and the wait for oatmeal at Big City Coffee this Saturday was fifteen minutes instead of fifty. As much as I enjoy my own private Idaho most of the time, I’m not exactly glad to see Treefort go. The bustle that populated my usual stomping grounds seemed to belong in a way I wasn’t expecting. There is a reason we Boiseans choose to live here, and for a few days, several hundred extra people had the opportunity to figure it out.

There is often talk, late at night, in the darkness of (until recently) smoke-filled basement bars, of Boise and its potential, of its emerging as a center for creative folk. This isn’t a new idea, but recently it feels like one that’s becoming much more concrete. When I first got wind of Treefort in October of last year, I thought, “Please, oh please, oh please, be awesome.” There was plenty of fear that it would turn out similarly to previous attempts, portraying Boise, yet again, as a self-limiting toddler city. Contrarily, and I have done my best not to approach this as a Boise-loving, hometown-pride-touting maniac, Treefort easily surpassed my hopes and not only helped cement Boise into the minds of newcomers, but did so with prowess unexpected. Treefort, from the perspective of musicians and attendees alike, was a classy festival. Artists were treated like your grandma’s house guests with free bike rentals and hotel rooms. It felt as though all of Boise, including the weather, went out of its way to ensure a resounding nod of approval. So, we want you to like us. Maybe we try too hard. We’re like that here – nice, genuine, hospitable – and we’re not apologizing for it.

Oh, and the music. Yeah, that was okay too. The conflicted daze of choosing whether to see Built to Spill or Lemolo, Delicate Steve or Pickwick, and AU, Red Hands Black Feet or Solomon’s Hollow? Now, that’s the mark of a good festival. Highlights? This is a music blog after all . . .

  • Finn Riggins kicking it off to a 6 p.m. on Thursday, full-up Neurolux
  • Dance party at the Linen Building with Pickwick and Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside
  • Blitzen Trapper’s super earnest three-person in-store at the Record Exchange with an appearance by some of those sweet Parson Redheads
  • Lemolo’s same-time-as-Built-to-Spill set that eventually brought The Red Room to capacity and a glossy-eyed girl crush coma
  • Motopony have so much energy I thought their singer’s eyeballs might explode

Best new/newly realized finds: Learning Team, Solomon’s Hollow, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake

The “emerging artist” bent of Treefort fits Boise’s present tense well. And while many of the artists mentioned here are hardly “emerging,” I am eager to watch them, this festival, and Boise itself find energy and growth in each other.

– Catie

Posted in Events in Idaho, Hotels, Idaho Travel, Music Festivals, Uncategorized
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Experience at Sun Valley Film Festival One to Remember

April 23rd, 2012 | No Comments

By Daniel Frandson, Idaho student, actor and guest blogger

The first annual Sun Valley Film Festival successfully got up and running on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Truly a great triumph, this festival brought film and the arts to a new level.

Daniel Frandson was one of the child actors in "Magic Valley."

Some of the new independent films featured were, “Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best”, “LUV”, “War Elephants”, “Soda Springs” and “Magic Valley”. Some of the shorts included, “Cabby”, “Star Waiters”, “Grandma Must Get Dry” and “Crawlspace”.

In celebration of a weekend of accomplishment, an award party was held in the Town Square. The “Vision Award” was presented to Heather Rae for “Magic Valley”. Jaffe Zinn was awarded the “Gem State Award” and the “One in a Million Award” for ‘Magic Valley”. “War Elephants” also received a “One in a Million Award’ and “Soda Springs” was granted the “Audience Award”.

The first Sun Valley Film Festival was very successful and achieved great praise from many people.

Actor’s Opinion:
By Daniel Frandson

The Sun Valley Film Festival was a great success and I think it will gain popularity in the years to come.

Jaffe Zinn receives the Gem State Award for "Magic Valley"

Being able to meet the directors and the producers of the films was very interesting and also a great experience. From an actor’s standpoint, it was beneficial to get feedback during the Question and Answer sessions.

All the volunteers and those who worked the festival were very considerate, kind and helpful. The filmmakers and the audience were very gracious.

The independent movies were very inspiring films because the plotlines were rarely repetitive, they worked with very low budgets and the directors always seemed genuinely concerned about the topics they were addressing.

Lodging at the Tamarack Lodge was great and even had pool. The scenery, as well as the snow, was beautiful. The only downside was there was very little food available before 4:30 p.m. or after 10:00 p.m. Luckily, The Pioneer Saloon went out of their way to accommodate us by keeping the kitchen open after closing.

The Sun Valley Film Festival was a wonderful experience – an experience of a lifetime – and I hope to attend many more. I thank Jaffe Zinn, Heather Rae and Laura Mehlhaff for giving me the opportunity to take part in this event.

Posted in Events in Idaho, Film Festivals, Hotels, Idaho Travel, Uncategorized
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Ride Idaho Cycling Tour

April 6th, 2012 | No Comments

Ride Idaho 2011 is in the history books, and as with past rides, was one that has created lasting memories for those that participated as riders, volunteers, and community members.  Our route included rest stops or overnight camping in Lowman, Stanley, Clayton, Challis, Mackay, Arco, Hailey and Galena Lodge.

Some of the highlights of the event, as expressed by our riders include,  “…the spectacular view of the Sawtooth Mountains from Stanley,” “…the high valley rock formation south of Challis,” “…It was so cool to jump into a natural hot spring along the Salmon River,” “…I was amazed at the historical relics at the museum in Clayton,” “…Wow!, as they pedaled through the Craters of the Moon.”  There were many from out of state that summed up the week with, “We never knew that there could be so much beauty in one state.”

Ride Idaho is a non-profit organization.  It is our mission to bring economic impact to the smaller communities throughout our state.  We accomplish this goal by hiring local businesses and organizations to provide food, camping and often entertainment to the riders.  From last year’s ride, Ride Idaho invested over $50,000 in community development projects such as city benches, bike racks and park improvements, first-responder safety and rescue equipment, school athletic equipment and bikes, helmets and locks for the Boys and Girls Club.

The 2012 route is presented on our website at www.rideidaho.org  and registration is now open, limited to 350 riders. This year’s route through North Central Idaho, is unique in that it takes us on many seldom-used, old highways, and through towns that are off the beaten track. Starting in New Meadows and ending in Moscow, riders will travel along some of Idaho untamed rivers, have an opportunity to jet boat in the Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, follow routes made famous by the Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, and pioneers settlers. The vast beauty of rolling farm lands, weathered barns and well-preserved historical churches will provide ample photo opportunities, and the camaraderie of the ride will bring the riders back year after year.

For those that prefer not to ride, but would like to experience the event as a volunteer, we welcome your interest. Many of our volunteers return year after year and would tell you, the only thing that would keep them from coming back would be an emergency.

Come see what makes Ride Idaho “The Most Memorable Bike Ride.”
And, as we also say, “Come meet your next best friend,” on Ride Idaho.

Written by Guest Blogger, Earl Grief, Director of Ride Idaho.

Posted in Biking, Idaho Travel, Scenic Byways
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My ID Sweepstakes Giveaway and Videos

April 2nd, 2012 | No Comments


Our weekly sweepstakes giveaway is back! We’re excited to announce that we have tons of great prizes to give away each week beginning now through summer: whitewater rafting, hotel stays, golf packages, spa retreats, and tons more. It’s a great way to explore Idaho, revisit your favorite places, or try something totally new. A new winner is drawn every Friday, so be sure to enter each week for a chance to win. You can enter on Facebook too.

You can also send an Idaho e-postcard or video. Upload pictures of you and your friends and family to make personalized cards and videos to share on Facebook or through email.

Get your head (and the rest of you) to Idaho! Take a look at www.visitidaho.org/my-id/.

Good luck! We hope to see you in the great Gem State!

Posted in Idaho Travel, Idaho Whitewater
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