Rafting on the Payette - Idaho.gov
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Recreation Rafting on the Payette Photo courtesy of Jeff Harvey
Source: Idaho State Parks and Recreation
Website: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
410 IDAHO BLUE BOOK
Bear Lake Castle Rocks, nestled in Big Cove, at the
Bear Lake State Park is located in a high base of the 10,339-foot Cache Peak, offers
mountain valley in the extreme southeast diverse recreational opportunities in a
corner of Idaho. At 5,900 feet elevation, the magnificent setting. It is a place where
park offers a wide variety of both summer solitude, natural beauty, and ranching
and winter recreation opportunities. Bear heritage combine to enrich the visitor’s
Lake itself is 20 miles long and 8 miles experience. The park is located two miles
wide with half of the lake in Idaho and half northwest of the village of Almo in southern
in Utah. The lake is a water sports Mecca Cassia County, Idaho. Until 1999, the
attracting boaters, water skiers, and beach 1,240-acre ranch was privately owned.
lovers from all over the country. All that The Conservation Fund, and the Access
inviting water is hard to resist. Swimmers Fund, purchased the property to be placed
will enjoy a two-mile-long beach on the in public ownership. Congress passed
north end of the lake, plus a 1-1/2 mile the Castle Rock Ranch Acquisition Act
beach on the east side. The gradual slope on November 1, 2000. An additional 200
of the lake bottom provides an enormous acres, connecting the Ranch Unit to the
swimming area. Ramps are available for base of Cache Peak, was purchased in
boaters and water skiers who want to enjoy 2007. Today, the Idaho Department of
the water, too. Anglers can try for a native Parks and Recreation (IDPR), Bureau of
cutthroat or lake trout in the summer. In the Land Management, and the USDA Forest
winter, they can come back with buckets Service, manage the Castle Rocks area in
and nets when the Bonneville cisco run. The partnership. Visitors may see remnants of
fish is found nowhere else on Earth. the ranch that was first homesteaded in
Address: 3rd North 10th East 1888. The irrigation ditches and pasture
St.Charles, ID 83272 are still in use today. Efforts are underway
Phone: (208) 945-2325 to convert the 1912 brick house into a Bed
& Breakfast. Castle Rocks is a special place
Recreation
Bruneau Dunes
The tallest sand dune rises 470 feet above where time stands still and the user is a
small lakes in the high desert south of respectful guest.
Mountain Home. The state park includes Address: 748 East 2800 South
desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh Almo, ID 83312
habitat with opportunities to observe Phone: (208) 824-5901
nocturnal species. Activities include fishing, City of Rocks National Reserve
birdwatching, camping, hiking, swimming On his way to California in 1849, emigrant
and viewing the stars at one of only two James F. Wilkens described the dramatic
public observatories in Idaho. Feel free to geological area he encountered as “City
climb but no vehicles are allowed on the of Rocks.” The name remains, as well as
dunes. A visitor center offers information hundreds of pioneer inscriptions, wagon
on birds of prey, insects, fossils, wildlife ruts, and journal accounts, testifying to the
and the sand dunes. A variety of gift items nearly quarter-million people who traveled
are available for purchase. Two cabins are through here between 1843 and 1869.
available for rent. Also 82 serviced with Visitors today will see nearly the same scene
W/E and 31 standard sites. The Equestrian - granite spires and monoliths reaching
Area provides facilities for visitors to camp 60 stories tall. Geologists estimate the
with their horses and there is a 9-mile riding oldest granite to exceed 2.5 billion years.
trail around the park. Established in 1988 as a national reserve,
Address: 27608 Sand Dunes Rd. City of Rocks encompasses 14,407 acres of
Mountain Home, ID 83647 land (about one quarter is privately owned)
Phone: (208) 366-7919 and is reneowned for its scenic, geologic,
Castle Rocks and historic significance. The City of Rocks
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 411
area was an important landmark on the The visitor center includes a gift shop and
California Trail. City of Rocks is one of the an interpretive movie about the history of
finest granite-face climbing sites anywhere. the Mission and the Coeur d’Alene Indians.
Climbers find the younger granite of the Location: Cataldo, ID, Northern Idaho,
Almo Pluton to be some of the best rock one mile east of Cataldo, I-90 off Exit 39
they’ve ever ascended. About 700 routes Address: Exit 39 I-90; 3172 S. Mission Rd.
have been developed to date. City of Rocks Cateldo, ID 83810
also has ample access to hiking, mountain Phone: (208) 682-3814
biking, and horseback riding. The winter Dworshak
months provide excellent opportunities for Dworshak State Park is located among
snowshoeing and skiing. trees and meadows on the western shore of
Address: 3035 S. Elba-Almo Rd. Dworshak Reservoir. The park is comprised
Almo, ID 83312 of three units - Freeman Creek, Three
Phone: (208) 824-5901 Meadows Group Camp, and Big Eddy Lodge
Coeur d’Alene Parkway and Marina. Camping, boating, fishing,
Walkers, hikers and bikers love this linear swimming, hiking and water-skiing are just
park that follows the north shore of some of the many activities that await park
beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Coeur visitors. A boat ramp and handling dock
d’ Alene Parkway lies along the north shore provide easy launching most of the year. A
of Lake Coeur d’Alene, following Centennial fish-cleaning station is nearby to help with
Trail east from Coeur d’Alene to Higgens the day’s catch.
Point. At Higgens Point there is a boat- Address: 9934 Freeman Creek
launch facility, a picnic area overlooking the Lenore, ID 83541
lake, and docks. Over 1,000 feet of public Phone: (208) 476-5994
shoreline parallels the path. Also available Eagle Island
are an exercise court, roadside picnic tables, Eagle Island is a 545-acre day-use park west
toilet facilities and benches for those who of Boise that features a popular swimming
wish to stop and enjoy the lake view. beach, a grassy picnic area, a waterslide
Address: E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Dr. and more than five miles of equestrian trails
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 for those looking for a place to ride horses.
Phone: (208) 699-2224 Waterslide is open weekends from 12pm - 8
Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission pm during the summer. Horseshoe pits and
The oldest standing building in all of Idaho a volleyball area complete the park.
is found here, in the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Address: 165 S. Eagle Island Pkwy
Mission State Park. The Mission of the Eagle, ID 83616
Sacred Heart or Sacred Heart Mission was Phone: (208) 939-0696
constructed between 1850 and 1853 by Farragut
Catholic missionaries and members of the Farragut State Park is located 30 miles
Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Listed on the National north of Coeur d’Alene on the shores of
Register of Historic Places, the Sacred Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake.
Heart Mission and the Coeur d’Alene’s Old Once the world’s second largest naval
Mission State Park provide an educational training station, today the 4,000-acre
experience not found anywhere else, giving park provides a multitude of recreation
visitors an opportunity to examine the opportunities. To the traditional activities
dynamics and complexities between Jesuit of picnicking, swimming, boating, hiking
missionaries and the tribal people among and camping, visitors can add playing disc
whom they settled. The park features the golf, visiting the Farragut Naval Training
Sacred Heart Mission building, a restored Center Museum, taking advantage of the
Parish House and an historic cemetery. orienteering course, model airplane flyer’s
412 IDAHO BLUE BOOK
field, taking the kids to the playground, and During winter, information on Henrys
using the horseshoe pits and sand volleyball Lake can be obtained by calling Harriman
courts. State Park.
Address: 13550 E. Hwy. 54 Address: 3917 E. 5100 N.
Athol, ID 83801 Island Park, ID 83429
Phone: (208) 683-2425 Phone: (208) 558-7532
Harriman Heyburn
Harriman State Park lies within an Heyburn State Park is the oldest park in
16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the greater the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908,
Yellowstone Ecosystem. Moose, Elk, and it is comprised of approximately 5,500
Sandhill Cranes are common, as is North acres of land and 2,300 acres of water.
America’s largest waterfowl, the Trumpeter The park includes three lakes; Chatcolet,
Swan. Known as one of the best f ly- Benewah, and Hidden Lakes, with the
fishing streams in the nation, the Henrys shadowy St. Joe River meandering along
Fork meanders for eight miles through the eastern boundary of the park. Natural
Harriman. Over 20 miles of trails are and cultural history is plentiful at Heyburn.
available for hiking, biking, horseback Before it was a park, the general area was
riding, and cross county skiing. Guided a gathering place for the Coeur d’ Alene
horseback tours are offered by a park Indian tribe. In the 1930’s, the park was
vendor, Dry Ridge Outfitters, 208-558-RIDE a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and
(7433). those hardworking crews built many of the
Address: 3489 Green Canyon Road park’s buildings. Heyburn is a natural park
Island Park, ID 83429 with a variety of different habitats. Large,
Phone: (208) 558-7368 tall Ponderosa pines tower over grassy
hillsides covered in wildflowers. On shadier
Hells Gate slopes, cedar trees mix with hemlocks and
Hells Gate State Park is the gateway to
huge white pines. On the edges of the lakes,
both Idaho’s Lewis and Clark country and
the wetland/marsh areas are home to many
to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in
Recreation
types of wildflowers and plants.
North America. Shady campsites along the
Address: 57 Chatcolet Rd.
Snake River make comfortable base-camps
Plummer, ID 83851
for exploration of the surrounding area. Jet
Phone: (208) 686-1308
boat excursions into Hells Canyon leave on
a regular basis from the park’s docks. The Lake Cascade
Nez Perce National Historic Park is only 30 Lake Cascade State Park provides diverse
minutes away. A wide choice of restaurants and exciting recreational opportunities
and shopping are just minutes away, in throughout all four seasons. Popular for
nearby Lewiston Idaho. all types of boating, prevailing winds on
Address: 5100 Hells Gate Rd. the water make it especially well suited for
Lewiston, ID 83501 sailing and windsurfing. Rainbow trout,
Phone: (208) 799-5015 Coho salmon, small mouth bass and perch
Henry’s Lake can be caught from the shore or by boat
Located just 15 miles west of Yellowstone in the summer or through the ice in the
National Park, this high mountain lake is winter. Hiking, bird watching, photography,
the kind of place fishermen dream about. mountain biking, all types of boating,
The state park, named after explorer ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country
Major Andrew Henry, opens the Thursday skiing, and just plain relaxing are all easily
before Memorial Day and closes mid- accessible from Lake Cascade State Park.
October, weather permitting. Anglers fish Lake Cascade offers two group camping
for cutthroat, brook and rainbow-cutthroat opportunities, including Snowbank group
hybrid trout. The park has a modern camp and Osprey Point group yurts, 279
fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. individual campsites in 10 developed
Camping is at one of 44 sites and there campgrounds (with power, sewer, and
are camping-cabins also available for rent. water at Poison Creek and Ridgeview), two
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 413
dispersed camping areas with primitive from hiking and biking trails to motorised
camping, several day use areas, and 6 boat ATV and Motorbike trails. Camping in the
launch ramps. The various campgrounds National Forest and BLM lands is varied
and facilities of the park are dispersed as well with both primitive and developed
around Lake Cascade’s forty-one square campsites available
miles of surface water and 86 miles of Address: 24424 Hwy 75
shoreline. The office for the park is located Challis, ID 83226 (PO Box 1086)
in Cascade near the intersection of Dam Phone: (208) 879-5244
Road and Lakeshore Drive. Lucky Peak
Address: 100 Kellys Parkway Three distinct day-use units can be found
Cascade ID, 83611 (PO Box 709) at this state park, near Lucky Peak Lake.
Phone: (208) 382-6544 Discovery Park is a popular roadside park
Lake Walcott for picnics, walking your pet or fishing in
Lake Walcott State Park is located at the Boise River. Sandy Point, at the base
the northwest end of the Bureau of of Lucky Peak Dam is most popular for its
Reclamation’s Lake Walcott Project, a sandy beach and clear, cool water. Spring
welcome refuge on the edge of Idaho’s Shores offers lakeside access for water
high desert. Water skiing, power boating, enthusiasts by providing two boat ramps,
windsurfing, sailing and bird watching parking, a full-service marina, on-site
are only a few of the activities that will watercraft rentals and a convenience store.
make your stay at Lake Walcott enjoyable. Address: 8725 E. Hwy 21
Camping areas with RV hookups are Boise, ID 83716
available. Picnickers and tenters enjoy the Phone: (208) 334-2432
acres of grass beneath groves of stately Massacre Rocks
eastern hardwoods. Nearby sites of interest Oregon Trail emigrants referred to the
include Minidoka Falls near the park, Massacre Rocks area as “Gate of Death” and
Rupert City Park, and the historic railroad “Devil’s Gate”, but modern day travelers
community of Minidoka. use terms like beautiful, serene, and restful
Address: 959 E. Minidoka Dam to describe the park. The park is rich in
Rupert, ID 83350 Oregon Trail, geological, and natural
Phone: (208) 436-1258 histories. Rich in history, pioneers used this
Land of the Yankee Fork area, specifically what is now referred to
The Land of the Yankee Fork State Park as ‘ Register Rock,’ as a rest stop for years.
brings to life Idaho’s frontier mining history. Today we invite horse owners to water and
This State Park is part of the larger Land rest their animals in the corral at Register
of the Yankee Fork Historic Area located Rock. Many emigrant names are inscribed
in scenic central Idaho. Managed by the on the large rock, which is now protected
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, by a weather shelter. A scenic picnic area
the Salmon-Challis National Forest and surrounds the rock, creating a desert
the Challis District of the Bureau of Land oasis for the modern traveler. The site
Management this historic area provides also includes a horse rest area for highway
unique historical interpretation and many travelers. Oregon Trail remnants are most
recreational opportunities. At the Yankee easily seen from highway rest areas in either
Fork Visitor Center near Challis there end of the park. For additional information
are museum exhibits, a gold panning on the Oregon Trail visit the Three Island
station, audiovisual programs, and friendly Crossing State Park page and the Oregon/
personnel to provide information on local California Trail Center website.
mining history and area attractions. Also Address: 3592 N. Park Ln.
of interest are the ghost towns of Bonanza, American Falls, ID 83211
Custer and Bayhorse, the Yankee Fork Phone: (208) 548-2672
Gold Dredge, the Custer Motorway and the
Challis Bison Jump. Land of the Yankee Fork
provides outstanding trail opportunities
414 IDAHO BLUE BOOK
McCroskey high Selkirk peaks, the main body of Priest
This 5300-acre ridgeline park is dedicated Lake extends north south for 19 miles. A
to pioneer women. McCroskey State two-mile thoroughfare connects the main
Park’s highlight is an 18-mile skyline drive lake to the remote Upper Priest Lake that
through the park on unimproved roads is accessible only by foot, mountain bike,
providing spectacular views of the rolling or boat.
Palouse country and access to 32 miles of Address: 314 Indian Creek Park Rd.
multi-purpose trails. Facilities include a Coolin, ID 83821
group day use shelter, primitive camping Phone: (208) 443-2200
areas and picnic areas along the road. The Round Lake
road is not recommended for large RVs and Round Lake State Park is situated in 142
may be too rough for your family car. acres of forest surrounding a 58-acre lake
Address: 1291 Chatcolet Rd. at an elevation of 2,122 feet. The lake is
Plummer, ID 83851 the product of glacial activity dating back
Phone: (208) 686-1308 to the Pleistocene Epoch. Flocks of Canada
Ponderosa geese pass over towering pine, hemlock
Ponderosa State Park covers most of and larch as osprey plunge to the lake for
a 1,000-acre peninsula that juts into trout or perch. Robins and raven inspect the
beautiful Payette Lake near McCall. The campgrounds while a lake breeze carries
scenic overlook at Osprey Point offers a campfire smoke up through the canopy of
spectacular view of the lake. The park ponderosa, western red cedar and paper
offers hiking and biking trails, guided birch. Close to shore, turtles and frogs,
walks with park naturalists and evening beaver and muskrat dart about for food
campfire programs. The North Beach Unit amid the reeds and grasses, red alder,
has a beach and picnic area. The topography skunk cabbage and water lilies. Along one
ranges from arid sagebrush flats to dense of three trails, hikers find beaver lodges,
Recreation
forests. Wildlife that can be viewed at the dams and ponds and, often, glimpse a
park include Canada geese, osprey, bald resident moose. With an afternoon breeze
eagles, wood ducks, mallards, songbirds, stirring the lake’s waters, trout jump after
deer, moose, beaver, muskrats and even insects as grebe dive under ripples and
bear. Winter activities include Nordic skiing water ouzel dance on logs. Echoing across
and snowshoeing on groomed trails. the lake is a strange chorus of bullfrog and
Address: 1920 N. Davis Ave. duck calls, red-winged blackbird screeches,
McCall, ID 83638 (PO Box 89) odd splashes and plops, and the sound of
Phone: (208) 634-2164 children playing on the beach.
Priest Lake Address: 1915 Dufort Road
Priest Lake State Park lies just 30 miles Sagle, ID 83860
from the Canadian Border, nestled deep Phone: (208) 263-3489
below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Thousand Springs State Park
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Thousand Springs State Park, with its
Northern Idaho and mile-high mountains, five beautiful units and multiple areas, is
Priest Lake State Park sits along the eastern a testament to why the area is called the
shores of Priest Lake, a 19-mile long, over Magic Valley. Visitors can view wagon
300 foot deep lake. Visitors to the park ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail,
will enjoy the dense forests of cedar, fir explore the magnificent Malad Gorge,
and tamarack and will be able to observe access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek,
the park’s year round inhabitants such as get writing inspiration at Vardis Fisher, step
the whitetail deer, black bear, moose and back in time and tour historic structures
bald eagles. Noted for its extremely clear at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, take in
water, fed by streams cascading from the the scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 415
Springs Nature Preserve, view Niagara Address: 1083 S. Three Island Park Drive
Springs, and fish at Crystal Lake. Day use Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 (PO Box 609)
opportunities abound within the units of Phone: (208) 366-2394
Thousand Springs State Park. Winchester Lake State Park
Address: 1074 E. 2350 S. Winchester Lake State Park surrounds a
Hagerman, ID 83332 (PO Box 149) 104-acre lake, nestled in a forested area
Phone: (208) 837-4505 at the foot of the Craig Mountains, just off
Three Island Crossing US 95 adjoining the town of Winchester.
Three Island Crossing State Park is located Winters at the park are long and cold with
on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry. It ample snowfall. Four Yurts are available
is home to The Oregon Trail History for rental all year. Summers are short with
and Education Center where visitors warm days and cool, refreshing evenings.
can learn about pioneer emigrants and Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir are the
Native American history. Oregon Trail predominant vegetation. Fishing for perch,
pioneers knew this spot well. It was one tiger muskie, bass and blue gill are popular.
of the most famous river crossings on the Wildlife often seen in the park includes
historic trail. Pioneer travelers used the white-tailed deer, Canada geese, muskrats,
three-island crossing until 1869, when Gus Steller’s jay, racoons, osprey, bald eagles,
Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles and Columbian ground squirrels. The Wolf
upstream. The Glenns Ferry community Education and Research Center is located
sponsors “Three Island Days”a crossing one mile from the entrance to the park.
commemoration the second Saturday of Address: 1786 Forest Rd,
each August. Events often include living Winchester ID 83555
history presentations and historic skills fair. Phone: (208) 924-7563
Shoshone Falls Photo Courtesy of Jeff Harvey
416 IDAHO BLUE BOOK
Alpine Ski Areas
Bald Mountain Ski Resort Brundage Mountain Ski Resort
Managed by the Clearwater Ski Club, a Located eight miles north of McCall,
local volunteer group, this small resort in ID, and just two hours north of Boise,
North Central Idaho has been open since Brundage Mountain Resort features 1500
1959 for skiing and snowboarding in the acres of wide, elegantly-groomed runs,
Orofino area. abundant powder glades, and is well
Location: 2738 Bald Mountain Road known for having the Best Snow in Idaho™.
Pierce, ID 83546 Nestled in the scenic mountains of central
Contact info: Clearwater Ski Club Idaho, Brundage Mountain Resort offers
PO Box 49 the perfect combination of unparalleled
Pierce, ID 83546 conditions and the lack of crowds. Be sure
(208) 464-2311 at the Hill; to take advantage of our comfortable day
(208) 435-4782 in Town; lodge which houses a restaurant, retail,
www.skibaldmountain.com and rental shop. Enjoy outstanding views
Bogus Basin Ski Resort from our new food and beverage outlet at
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area the top of the Bear Chair, called the Bear’s
has been the Treasure Valley’s winter Den. A spacious Kid’s Center hosts day-care
playground for 66 years. Located 16 miles for children as young as eight weeks old.
north of Boise, Mother Nature blankets the Our popular ski programs for children go
slopes of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation through age 10 with plenty of options for
Area with 150”-200” of natural snow. The adults and older kids. We offer 325 inches of
result is 2,600 acres of ski-able, snowboard- the Best Snow in IdahoTM, long wide runs,
able terrain plus more night skiing terrain and easy access from McCall. The fact that
(165 groomed acres)than any other ski there is rarely a crowded day at Brundage
area in the northwestern U.S. This family- will help make your winter mountain
friendly recreation area boasts 8 chairlifts experience even more enjoyable. Guided
Recreation
covering 3 mountains, 54 groomed runs as backcountry skiing by snowcat is offered
well as ungroomed glades, 3 terrain parks, on over 19,000 acres.
day lodges with food & beverage service, Contact info: 3890 Goose Lake Road
equipment rental shop, a retail store, ski & McCall, ID 83638
board school and child care. Nordic skiers Phone: (800)844-3246; 208-624-4151
enjoy 37km of groomed trails with 5km www.brundage.com
lighted at night as well as a beautiful lodge Cottonwood Butte Ski Resort
featuring limited food service, lessons, a The Cottonwood Butte Ski Area is located
rental shop, waxing bench and fireplace. in the heart of the Camas Prairie near the
Snowshoe trail passes and rentals are also town of Cottonwood, Idaho where the
available from the Nordic Center. The Pepsi pleasurable atmosphere on the slopes,
GoldRush tubing hill is open weekends and courteous management and friendly
holidays. 2-hour ticket includes tube rental. hospitality is not the exception but the
The 800-foot plunge offers thrills, and rule. We offer four major groomed runs and
the ride back uphill is relaxing. Advanced several powder filled trails among the trees
tickets strongly recommended - the 2-hour that are served by a 3,000 foot long t-bar.
sessions sell out quickly. Our 845 foot vertical drop challenges the
Contact Info: 2600 N. Bogus Basin Road intermediate, advanced and expert skiers
Boise, ID 83702 and snowboarders. Our bunny slope offers
Phone: (800) 367-4397; (208) 332-5100 a gentle 30 foot vertical drop served by a
www.bogusbasin.org rope tow for the beginner or less confident
soul. We offer ski and snowboard rentals, a
repair shop, a lunch counter and ski lessons.
Night skiing on Fridays is offered during the
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 417
month of January. So take a little drive and telemark nights. It is run by volunteers
escape to the Cottonwood Butte! whose goal is the development of skiing and
Contact info: 490 Radar Rd snowboarding as lifetime sports for all ages.
Cottonwood, ID 83522 This community-supported ski area offers
Phone: (208) 962-3624; something for everyone, with Nordic Skiing
www.cottonwoodbutte.org at Bear Basin and 405 vertical feet of alpine
Grand Targhee Ski Resort terrain at the Little Ski Hill!
Grand Targhee Resort is nestled on the Location: Southwestern Idaho, 3 miles NW
west side of Wyoming’s majestic Teton of McCall
Mountains and receives 500 inches of snow Address: 3635 ID 55
annually. Famous for spectacular snow and Contact Info: Box 442
magnificent scenery, Grand Targhee offers McCall, ID 83638
skiers two mountains totaling 2400 acres! Phone: (208) 634-5691;
Four chairlifts on Fred’s Mountain gives www.littleskihill.org
access to 1500 acres and 2200 vertical feet. Lookout Pass Ski Area
A high-speed quad on Peaked Mountain Lookout Pass, Idaho’s original ski area,
accesses open bowls, groomed runs and tree opened in 1935. The ski area has tripled
skiing with an additional 602 acres reserved in size since 2003 with the addition of
for snowcat skiing. Tubing, snowshoeing, 2 new chair lifts. A new lodge addition,
sleigh ride dinners, and spa services make food court, and the new “Loft” Pub & Grub
for a complete winter vacation. Lodging is where added in the past couple of years.
available slopeside, as well as off-site in Alta The region’s Favorite Family Ski Area has
and in Driggs. easy access and great snow - averaging
Location: Alta Wyoming via Driggs Idaho 400 inches per year means there’s always
Contact Info: 3300 Ski Hill Road great powder skiing with some of the
Alta, WY 83414 best tree skiing glades in the west. A new
Phone: (307) 353-2300 front side terrain park, “Exit 0”, with rails,
www.grandtarghee.com banks, mounds and launches has also been
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort added. A world-class terrain park featuring
This eastern Idaho resort founded in 1957 nine notorious 20-foot hits along with a
features intermediate terrain, a ski school, 1,100-foot long, non-conforming halfpipe,
equipment rentals and four lifts serving and acres of expert tree skiing await your
640 skiable acres. It provides the only night enjoyment. Lookout’s famous FREE SKI
skiing in eastern Idaho. Terrain is described SCHOOL for kids starts early January and
as 35% beginner, 45% intermediate and runs through mid-March. Visit the website
20% advanced. Events are held on the for the Events Calendar including our
mountain throughout the year. annual Winter Carnival and The Pacific
Location: Eastern Idaho, 25 mi. NE of Northwest Wife Carrying Contest. Location:
Idaho Falls Northern Idaho, 12 miles E. of Wallace on
Contact Info: 5488 E. Kelly Canyon Road I-90
Ririe, ID 83443 Address: 1-90 Exit 0
Phone: (208) 538-6251; www.skikelly.com Contact info: Box 108
Wallace, ID 83873
Little Ski Hill Phone: (208) 744-1301
McCall’s Little Ski Hill is one of the oldest www.skilookout.com
ski areas developed in Idaho, preceded only
by Sun Valley and Lookout Pass. The Payette
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Located north of Salmon on Hwy. 93 at the
Lakes Ski Club has maintained a non-profit
organization status for the Little Ski Hill Montana border, Lost Trail Ski Area has
since 1937, when it was used for jumping. excellent runs for all levels. This ski area is
Night skiing is available on the weekends well known for its consistent good base and
with Friday family nights and Saturday light snow. Cafeteria, rentals and ski lessons
418 IDAHO BLUE BOOKare available at the day lodge and overnight (Declo/Albion exit #216) then via Idaho
lodging is available in Salmon, Idaho. 77, Pomerelle is a relaxed, fun-filled,
Location: Idaho-Montana border, north personalized day resort nestled in the
of Salmon Sawtooth National Forest. With an annual
Address: 9485 US-93 snowfall of 500”, it is usually one of the first
Sula, MT 59871 Idaho ski resorts to open and you will enjoy
Contact Info: PO Box 311 virtually no lift lines during the season.
Conner, MT 59827 Pomerelle offers 24 daily groomed ski runs
Phone: (406) 821-3211; plus gladed tree skiing and caters to family-
www.losttrail.com oriented ski/boarding enjoyment. The Ski
Magic Mountain Ski and School specializes in teaching toddlers
and family members of all abilities and is
Summer Resort a PSIA member school. Kids 6 and under
This small ski area near the Twin Falls area ski free with a paying parent. Day Lodge
features great snow, a four-lane tubing hill offers Cafeteria, Rental Shop for both
with a lift, a 700 ft. vertical drop, a day alpine/snowboard equipment, Accessory
lodge with a cafeteria, equipment rental Shop and Ski Patrol. Terrain park features
and a lounge. Lodging is available in Twin and competitive events are scheduled
Falls. The lodge is available for wedding throughout the winter season. USFS cross
receptions, reunions and other events. country nongroomed/nonpatrolled trails/
Location: South Central Idaho, 28 miles loops are located adjacent to the resort;
south of Hansen on Rock Creek Road complimentary usage.
Address: 319 Orchard Drive Location: South Central Idaho, near
Contact Info: PO Box 1241 Burley, 25 miles off I-84, exit 216, Hwy 77
Twin Falls, ID 83301 Address: 961 E. Howell Canyon Rd
Phone: (208)736-7669 Malta, ID 83342
www.magicmountainresort.com Contact info: PO Box 158
Recreation
Pebble Creek Ski Resort Albion, ID 83311
Pebble Creek is a vertical playground that Phone: (208) 673-5599;
attracts skiers of all abilities. Located 20 www.pomerelle.com
minutes south of Pocatello in the Caribou
Targhee National Forest, Pebble Creek
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
With a dazzling view of Lake Pend Oreille,
boasts 2200 vertical feet, 1100 skiable
Schweitzer Mountain Resort lies high in
acres, 54 runs, virtually non-existent
the Selkirk Range of the Northwest Rocky
lift lines and terrain for all levels from
Mountains, where abundant snowfall
beginners to those demanding an honest
buries the slopes in more than 300 inches
challenge. Terrain is considered 12%
annually. With 2,900 skiable acres,
beginner, 35% intermediate and 53%
Schweitzer is larger than Sun Valley, Alta,
advanced.
Crested Butte and Snowbird. Facilities
Location: Southeastern Idaho, SE of
include a day lodge, outdoor apparel and
Pocatello
gift shops, a general store, restaurants,
Contact Info: 3340 E Green Canyon Rd,
pubs, cafes, several full bars and a chapel.
Inkom, ID 83245
A ski school, day care, special children’s
Phone: (208) 775-4452
programs and rental services are available.
www.pebblecreekskiarea.com
Snowboarding, cross-country ski trails, cat
Email: info@ pebblecreekskiarea.com
skiing, snowmobiling and tubing are also
Pomerelle Ski Resort available. On-mountain lodging includes
Pomerelle Resort welcomes guests with the European-style Selkirk Lodge, the
great snow, affordable rates, smiles and luxurious White Pine Lodge and numerous
service. Located just 25 miles off I-84 condo units - affordable studios to superior
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 419quality six-bedroom jacuzzi units sun deck, a ski shop and a ski school. New
Location: Northern Idaho, 11 miles north at Snowhaven: Snow tubing, with two runs
of Sandpoint 780 ft. long with a vertical drop of 150 ft.
Contact info: 10,000 Schweitzer Location: North Central Idaho, SE of
Mountain Road Lewiston
Sandpoint, ID 83864 Contact info: 225 W North
Phone: (208) 263-9555 Grangeville, ID 83530
www.schweitzer.com Phone: (208) 983-3866;
Silver Mountain Ski, Golf and grangeville.us/snowhaven-ski-and-tubing-hill
Waterpark Resort Soldier Mountain Ski Resort
Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho When you ski Soldier Mountain, you go back
receives over 300” of famously light snow to simpler, less-crowded times. Backcountry
and offers a big-mountain experience on skiing or catskiing is incredible. The
2,200 vertical feet of exciting terrain. The mountain offers great low prices and
ski area spans two mountains - Kellogg Peak awesome snow with 36+ runs and an
and Wardner Peak - three bowls, 73 named enhanced snowboard terrain park. Soldier
runs plus extensive off-piste, terrain park, Mountain is one of Idaho’s hidden gems, an
and is home to some of the best tree skiing easy-going resort located in the picturesque
in the country. Our high speed gondola Sawtooth National Forest, halfway between
whisks visitors from Gondola Village Boise and Sun Valley.
which is located just ¼ mile off I-90. The Location: Central Idaho, 10 miles north of
Village consists the Morning Star Lodge, Fairfield
Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, shops, Contact info: 1043 N Soldier Rd
restaurants and a day spa. Silver Rapids is Fairfield, ID 83327
Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark and offers Phone: (208) 764-2526;
a FlowRider(tm) continuous surf wave, www.soldiermountain.com
warm pools, hot tubs, a lazy river, slides, Sun Valley Ski Resort
kid’s play area and much more. The Galena It’s easy to imagine the reaction of the skiers
Ridge Golf Course offers an exceptional who first gazed out onto the awe-inspiring
golf experience. Whether you’re a weekend Sawtooth Range. Sun Valley is a downhill
enthusiast, a seasoned pro, or a first timer, paradise with more than 3400 vertical feet
the stunning beauty will elevate your game. and over 2000 acres of varied terrain. In
Bike Country USA! Silver Mountain has fact, Sun Valley offers something special
epic downhill mountain biking offering an to skiers and boarders of all ages and skill
extensive network of trails. Gondola Village levels on not just one mountain, but two-
serves as a trailhead to the Trail of the Coeur Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. Bald
d’Alenes and just up the road from Silver Mountain features the consistency of pitch,
is the “must ride” Route of the Hiawatha. no lift lines and a variety of terrain and a
Location: North Idaho, 30 miles east of super pipe that have earned it a reputation
Coeur d’Alene on I-90 as one of the world’s finest ski mountains.
Contact info: 610 Bunker Avenue Dollar Mountain is the perfect place to get
Kellogg, ID 83737 acclimated to downhill sports featuring
Phone: (208) 783-1111; (866) 344-2675; high speed quads, a tubing hill and a new
www.silvermt.com full-featured terrain park. We also boast
Snowhaven Ski Resort a world-class SnowSports school. Since
Snowhaven is a small ski resort near 1936, the Sun Valley Lodge has welcomed
Grangeville with 7 runs served by a T-bar visitors with elegant amenities and old-
and rope tow. Ski and snowboard terrain world charm. Great on-site restaurants,
includes 40 acres with a vertical drop of 440 hot pools, apres ski entertainment and
ft. It offers a day lodge with a snack bar and boutique shopping abound here. But what
420 IDAHO BLUE BOOKkeeps guests coming back are the congenial Contact info: PO Box 10
smiles that greet you no matter where you Sun Valley, ID 83353
stay. From our hotels and cozy cottages to Phone: (208) 622-4111; (888) 490-5950;
comfy condos, you’ll find lodging that meets www.sunvalley.com
your liking in Sun Valley.
Source: Idaho Department of Commerce;
Location: Central Idaho, at Ketchum www.visitidaho.org
Address: 1 Sun Valley Road
Nordic Skiing
Idaho’s unique terrain of mountain valleys, throughout the state. There are also
broad sweeps of gently rolling hills and several tour operators who offer Nordic ski
a rugged backcountry that includes the packages, including backcountry touring,
largest wilderness in the continental U.S., hut to hut skiing, or groomed trails for
offers the Nordic ski enthusiast a very easy touring. Numerous Forest Service
special experience. Nordic ski instruction and privately groomed trails from 5 to 60
and rentals are available at most ski resorts kilometers are found throughout the state.
Park N’ Ski Program
The Idaho Department of Parks shops, state parks offices, U.S. Forest Service
and Recreation operates a unique program ranger stations and chambers of commerce.
called Park N’ Ski through four separate In addition to the Park N’Ski areas, Farragut
trail systems and four state park ski areas. State Park, Priest Lake State Park, Round
Many trails are groomed on a regular basis Lake State Park and Winchester State Park
and provide amenities such as restrooms, have cross-country ski trails available for
warming shelters and backcountry huts/ use. For more information, contact the
yurts. The program offers a season pass Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation,
and a three-day temporary permit. Permits PO Box 83720, Boise ID 83720-0065, (208)
may be purchased at a variety of places 334-4199.
throughout the state, including sports
Snowboarding, Grand Targhee Ski Resort Photo Courtesy of Idaho Tourism
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 421Snowmobiling
Idaho has over 7,200 miles of snowmobile details that may help you plan an enjoyable
trails in 29 grooming programs located ride. Many county snowmobile programs
throughout the state. Millions of acres of also provide trail maps of the areas that
open riding exist on Forest Service, Bureau are groomed. For more on where to ride in
of Land Management, State and private Idaho, contact the Department of Parks and
land. The Forest Service and BLM can Recreation at (208) 334-4199.
provide information that identifies open
and closed areas, closure dates and other Source: Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation;
parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/
Silver City Masonic Temple Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society
422 IDAHO BLUE BOOKBureau of Land Management
The BLM manages 11.9 million acres of tal, historical, recreational, and economic
public land in Idaho, most of which is values. These lands, with historical features
concentrated in the southern part of the that include some of the best remaining
State. Every Idaho county contains some original ruts of the Oregon Trail, will attract
BLM-managed land, which accounts for millions of recreational visits. Many of these
36 percent of the total Federal acreage visits will be made by the outdoor sports-
within Idaho’s borders. Idaho’s public lands men of Idaho, where about one of every
feature alpine forests, rolling rangeland, three persons owns a fishing or hunting
and spectacular canyonlands with premier license. BLM-managed lands also support
desert white-water streams—the Owyhee, the traditional commodity activities of
Bruneau, Jarbidge, and Lower Salmon. grazing, mining, and timber production,
which are vital to Idaho’s rural economies.
Idaho’s public lands are rich in environmen-
BLM Districts and Field Offices
BOISE DISTRICT
3948 Development Avenue CHALLIS FIELD OFFICE
Boise, Idaho 83705 721 E Main Ave Ste 8
Information: (208) 384-3300 Challis, Idaho 83226
Information: (208) 879-6200
BRUNEAU FIELD OFFICE
3948 Development Avenue POCATELLO FIELD OFFICE
Boise, Idaho 83705 4350 Cliffs Drive
Information: (208) 384-3300 Pocatello, Idaho 83204
Information: (208) 478-6340
FOUR RIVERS FIELD OFFICE
Snake Rivers Birds of Prey National SALMON FIELD OFFICE
Recreation
Conservation Area 1206 South Challis Street
3948 Development Avenue Salmon, ID 83467
Boise, Idaho 83705 Information: (208) 756-5400
Information: (208) 384-3300
UPPER SNAKE FIELD OFFICE
OWYHEE FIELD OFFICE 1405 Hollipark Drive
20 First Avenue West Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401
Marsing, Idaho 83639 Information: (208) 524-7500
Information: (208) 896-5912
TWIN FALLS DISTRICT
COEUR D’ALENE DISTRICT 2878 Addison Ave. East
3815 Schreiber Way Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815 Information: (208) 735-2060
Information: (208) 769-5000
BURLEY FIELD OFFICE
COEUR D’ALENE FIELD OFFICE 15 East 200 South
3815 Schreiber Way Burley, Idaho 83318
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815 Information: (208) 677-6600
Information: (208) 769-5000
JARBIDGE FIELD OFFICE
COTTONWOOD FIELD OFFICE 2878 Addison Ave. East
2 Butte Drive Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Cottonwood, Idaho 83522 Information: (208) 735-2060
Information: (208) 962-3245
SHOSHONE FIELD OFFICE
IDAHO FALLS DISTRICT Craters of the Moon National Monument
1405 Hollipark Drive 400 W F Street
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 Shoshone, Idaho 83352
Information: (208) 524-7500 Information: (208) 732-7200
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 423National Forests and Grasslands in Idaho
The National Forest system is responsible juggle several competing uses including
for administration of over 21 million acres mining, recreation, logging, camping,
of Idaho’s forested land. This land serves a wilderness, watershed protection, and
multiplicity of uses. The Forest Service must scientific research, to name a few.
BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST* PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST
1801 N. 1st Street 500 W. Mission St.
Hamilton, MT 59840 Building 2
(406) 363-7100 McCall, Idaho 83638
(208) 634-0700
BOISE NATIONAL FOREST
1249 Vinnell Way, Suite 200 SALMON - CHALLIS NATIONAL FORESTS
Boise, ID 83709 1206 S. Challis Street
(208) 373-4100 Salmon, Idaho 83467
(208) 756-5100
CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST*
1405 Hollipark Drive SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST*
Idaho Falls, ID 83401 2647 Kimberly Road East
(208) 557-5900 Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
(208) 737-3200
CURLEW NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
1405 Hollipark Drive WALLOWA-WHITMAN NATIONAL
Idaho Falls, ID 83401 FOREST*
(208) 557-5900 PO Box 907, 1550 Dewey Avenue Ste A
Baker City, Oregon 97814
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL (541) 523-6391
FORESTS - COEUR D’ALENE, KANIKSU,
and ST. JOE NATIONAL FORESTS* UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL
3815 Schreiber Way FOREST*
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 3285 East 3300 South
(208) 765-7223 Salt Lake City, UT 84109
(801) 466-6411
NEZ PERCE-CLEARWATER
NATIONAL FOREST
903 3rd Street
Kamiah, Idaho 83536 * Unit is in two or more states
(208) 935-2513 Source: US Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us
Major Land Areas, Sites and Rivers
Designated by the U.S. Government
National Parks and Monuments are designated by Congress to conserve,
The first National Park (Yellowstone) was protect, enhance, and manage public
designated in 1872. The National Park land areas for the benefit and enjoyment
Service was created in 1916 to advance a of present and future generations. NCAs
new concept of land use to conserve the feature exceptional natural, recreational,
scenery, natural, historic, and wildlife in cultural, wildlife, aquatic, archeological,
perpetuity for the benefit and enjoyment of paleontological, historical, educational or
the people. The U.S. Congress establishes scientific resources.
these Parks and Sites. National Recreation Areas
National Conservation Areas Congress in 1962 passed the National
National Conservation Areas (NCAs) Recreation Area Act to help preserve and
424 IDAHO BLUE BOOKexpand outdoor recreation opportunities Wild and Scenic Rivers
throughout the nation. In 1968, Congress authorized the Wild
Wilderness Areas and Scenic Rivers System Act which
In 1964, Congress passed the Wilderness Act permits State Legislatures and the U.S.
to set aside certain lands from development Congress to designate certain rivers as
and to preserve their natural character. The wild and scenic to preserve outstandingly
Wilderness Act defines wilderness as an remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic,
area of undeveloped Federal land, usually fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other
5,000 acres or more, in a substantially similar values in a natural and free-flowing
natural condition. It is without permanent condition for the benefit and enjoyment of
improvements or human habitation, and present and future generations.
has outstanding opportunities for solitude National Natural Areas &
or a primitive and unconfined type of Landmarks
recreation. Such an area may contain In 1972 Congress directed the Secretary of
ecological, geological, or other features or Interior to investigate and inventory areas
scientific, educational, scenic, or historical which could be designated National Natural
values. Landmarks and for possible inclusion into
the National Parks System.
National Parks, Monuments and Reserves
City of Rocks National Reserve and Preserve contains three major lava
Established: 1988. “We encamped at the city fields covering almost half a million acres.
of the rocks, a noted place from the granite These remarkably well preserved volcanic
rocks rising abruptly out of the ground,” features resulted from geologic events that
wrote James Wilkins in 1849. “They are appear to have happened yesterday and
in a romantic valley clustered together, will likely continue tomorrow. 18 miles W
which gives them the appearance of a city.” of Arco on Hwy 20.
Recreation
Wilkins was among the first wagon travelers Address: 1266 Craters Loop Road
to fix the name City of Rocks to what looked
Contact Info: PO Box 29
like “a dismantled, rock-built city of the
Stone Age.” California Trail pioneers were Arco, ID 83213
leaving civilization as they knew it in the Phone: (208) 527-1335
East for new lives in the West. Some wrote Hagerman Fossil Bed
their names in axle grease on rock faces, National Monument
and their signatures can be seen today. No Established: 1988. Hagerman Fossil Beds
doubt thirsty on this northern edge of the contains the largest concentration of
Great Basin Desert, one emigrant saw the Hagerman Horse fossils in North America.
distant rocks in August like “water thrown The Monument is internationally significant
up into the air from numerous artificial
hydrants.” Beginning in 1843, City of because it protects the world’s richest
Rocks was a landmark for emigrants on the known fossil deposits from a time period
California Trail and Salt Lake Alternate Trail called the late Pliocene epoch, 3.5 million
and later on freight routes and the Kelton, years ago. These plants and animals
Utah to Boise Idaho stage route. represent the last glimpse of time that
Contact Info: 3035 S Elba-Almo Rd existed before the Ice Age, and the earliest
Almo, ID 83312 appearances of modern flora and fauna.
Phone: (208) 824-5901 Contact Info: PO Box 570
Craters of the Moon National Hagerman, ID 83332
Monument and Preserve Phone: (208) 933-4105
Established: 1924. A sea of lava flows Nez Perce National Historical
with scattered islands of cinder cones and Park - Spalding Visitor Center
sagebrush describes this “weird and scenic Established: 1965. For thousands of years
landscape” known as Craters of the Moon. the valleys, prairies, mountains, and
Craters of the Moon National Monument plateaus of the inland northwest have
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 425Idaho Falls City Building Photo Courtesy of Idaho State Historical Society
been home to the Nimi’ipuu or Nez Perce that of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 and left a
people. Explore these places. Learn their caldera 30 miles wide by 45 miles long. That
stories. Treat them with care. The 38 sites climactic event occurred about 640,000
of Nez Perce National Historical Park are years ago, and was one of many processes
scattered across the states of Idaho, Oregon,
Washington and Montana and have been that shaped Yellowstone National Park—a
designated to commemorate the stories region once rumored to be “the place where
and history of the Nimiipuu and their hell bubbles up.” Geothermal wonders,
interaction with explorers, fur traders, such as Old Faithful, are evidence of one
missionaries, soldiers, settlers, gold miners, of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
and farmers who moved through or into These spectacular features bemused and
the area.
Contact Info: 39063 US Hwy 95 befuddled the park’s earliest visitors, and
Lapwai, ID 83540 helped lead to the creation of the world’s
Phone: (208) 843-7009 first national park.
Contact Info: PO Box 168, Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
National Park, WY 82190
Established: 1872. Idaho contains a portion
Phone: (307) 344-7381
of the nation’s oldest and most famous
national park. A thin strip totaling 31,488 Hells Canyon National
acres (of the park’s 2 million plus acres) Recreation Area
make up part of Idaho’s eastern border. Established:1975. Hells Canyon, North
Long before any recorded human history America’s deepest river gorge, encompasses
in Yellowstone, a massive volcanic eruption a vast and remote region with dramatic
spewed an immense volume of ash that changes in elevation, terrain, climate and
covered all of the western U.S., much of the vegetation. Carved by the great Snake
Midwest, northern Mexico and some areas River, Hells Canyon plunges more than a
of the eastern Pacific. The eruption dwarfed mile below Oregon’s west rim, and 8,000
426 IDAHO BLUE BOOKfeet below snowcapped He Devil Peak of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots in
Idaho’s Seven Devils Mountains. There are Western America. Three classic mountain
no roads across Hells Canyon’s 10-mile wide ranges with 40 peaks of 10,000 feet or
expanse, and only three roads that lead to higher provide scenic landscapes in every
the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam direction. More than 300 high mountain
and the Oregon-Washington boundary. lakes are within the SNRA and hundreds
of sparkling streams with the clarity of
Contact Info: 1550 Dewey Ave Ste A
crystal. Headwater creeks of the Salmon
(PO Box 907) River converge in the Sawtooth Valley to
Baker City, OR 97814 form this legendary “River of No Return.”
Phone: (541) 523-6391 Although the heartland of the SNRA is a
Sawtooth National 217,000-acre wilderness, it is only part of
Recreation Area the total 756,000-acre SNRA.
Established: 1972. The SNRA, a part of Contact Info: 2647 Kimberly Road East,
the Sawtooth National Forest, is one of Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: (208) 737-3200
Wild and Scenic Rivers
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers currant, sedges and grasses. Battle Creek is
System was created in 1968 by Congress. not floatable, but provides a beautiful hike
Designation as a wild and scenic river for those floating the Owyhee River.
is not designation as a national park.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act does not
Big Jacks Creek
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. Big
generally lock up a river like a wilderness
Jacks Creek from the downstream border of
designation, the goal is to preserve the
the Big Jacks Creek Wilderness in Section
character of a river. Uses compatible with
8, Township 8 South, Range 4 East, to the
the management goals of a particular
point at which it enters the Northwest 1/4
Recreation
river are allowed; change is expected to
of Section 26, Township 10 South, Range 2
happen. Development not damaging to
East, Boise Meridian.
the outstanding resources of a designated
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 35.0
river, or curtailing its free flow, are usually
miles; Total — 35.0 miles.
allowed. The term “living landscape” has
Big Jacks Creek flows through Big Jacks
been frequently applied to wild and scenic
Creek Wilderness. Enveloped by sheer and
rivers. Of course, each river designation
terraced canyon walls, this perennial stream
is different, and each management plan
is surrounded by riparian vegetation.
is unique.
Redband trout are found in the creek, and
Battle Creek bighorn sheep inhabit the canyon. There are
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. Battle few trails that access this area.
Creek from its confluence with the Owyhee Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management
River to the upstream boundary of the 3948 Development Avenue
Owyhee River Wilderness. Boise Idaho 83705
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 23.4
miles; Total — 23.4 miles.
Bruneau River
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009.
Battle Creek f lows through a narrow,
The Bruneau River from the downstream
extremely meandering 200 foot deep
boundar y of t he Br uneau-Jarbidge
canyon. The canyon consists of nearly
Wilderness to its upstream confluence with
continuous vertical walls of rhyolite which
the West Fork of the Bruneau River.
are about 1/8 mile apart. Over the next 20
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 38.7
miles the canyon widens to no more than
miles; Recreational — 0.6 miles; Total —
3/8 miles across and deepens to as much
39.3 miles.
as 500 feet. Tucked between the cliffs and
Nearly 40 miles of the Bruneau River’s
stream channel is a lush riparian area of
50-mile total length is designated as wild,
willow, chokecherry, dogwood, alder, rose,
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 427with a six-tenth-mile stretch at the Indian Classification/Mileage: Wild — 54.0
Hot Springs access point designated miles; Recreational — 131.0 miles; Total
recreational. The Bruneau/Jarbidge River — 185.0 miles.
System flows north from the mountains The Middle Fork Clearwater includes
of northern Nevada through the beautiful the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, premier
basalt and rhyolite canyons of the Owyhee
whitewater rivers. Part of the exploration
Uplands to the Snake River in southern
Idaho. The combination of sparkling water, route of Lewis and Clark follows the Lochsa
steep multi-colored cliffs, and an interesting River. Most of the Selway lies in Idaho’s
association of plants and animals make Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. These rivers
this desert canyon one of superior natural offer clear, clean water, beautiful scenery
beauty and recreational appeal. The with great plant diversity, and abundant
Bruneau River also provides challenging wildlife.
whitewater as it flows through this deep, Contact Info: Nez Perce - Clearwater
wild and remote desert canyon. National Forest
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management 903 3rd Street
3948 Development Avenue
Kamiah, ID 83536
Boise Idaho 83705
West Fork of the Bruneau River Bitterroot National Forest
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. 1801 North 1st Street
The West Fork of the Bruneau River Hamilton, Montana 59840
from its confluence with the Jarbidge
River to the downstream boundary of the
Cottonwood Creek
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009.
Bruneau Canyon Grazing Allotment in the
Cottonwood Creek from its confluence
Southeast/Northeast quadrants of Section
with Big Jacks Creek to the upstream
5, Township 13 South, Range 7 East, Boise
boundary of the Big Jacks Creek
Meridian.
Wilderness.
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 0.4 miles;
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 2.6
Total — 0.4 miles.
miles; Total — 2.6 miles.
The West Fork Bruneau River joins with the
Cottonwood Creek has dense riparian
Jarbidge River to form the Bruneau River
vegetation and tight meanders. Redband
about 24 miles north of the Nevada border,
trout are found in the creek, and mule
just upstream of Indian Hot Springs. The
deer are common in the area. Access to
canyon opens up at this portion of the river
the area is difficult.
through the designated 0.3 miles and then
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management
becomes narrower as the Bruneau River
3948 Development Avenue
flows north.
Boise, Idaho 83705
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management
3948 Development Avenue Deep Creek
Boise, Idaho 83705 Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. Deep
Creek from its confluence with the Owyhee
Middle Fork of the River to the upstream boundary of the
Clearwater River Owyhee River Wilderness in Section 30,
Designated Reach: October 2, 1968. The
Township 12 South, Range 2 West, Boise
Middle Fork from the town of Kooskia
Meridian.
upstream to the town of Lowell. The Lochsa
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 13.1
River from its confluence with the Selway miles; Total — 13.1 miles.
River at Lowell (forming the Middle Fork) Deep Creek car ves an extremely
upstream to the Powell Ranger Station. meandering, vertical walled canyon to its
The Selway River from Lowell upstream confluence with the Owyhee River. Deep
to its origin. Creek can be kayaked or canoed in the early
428 IDAHO BLUE BOOKspring when flows reach into the hundreds the upstream boundary of the Bruneau-
of cubic feet per second from snowmelt. Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness.
Later in the spring, and again in the fall, Classification/Mileage: Wild — 28.8
Deep Creek provides outstanding hiking miles; Total — 28.8 miles.
and backpacking opportunities. The Jarbidge River joins with the West
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management Fork Bruneau River to form the Bruneau
3948 Development Avenue River about 24 miles north of the Nevada
Boise, Idaho 83705 border, just upstream of Indian Hot Springs.
Dickshooter Creek The Jarbidge River provides challenging
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. whitewater during the spring, with
Dickshooter Creek from its confluence stretches reaching Class V and VI difficulty.
with Deep Creek to a point on the stream This river lies within a canyon with steep
1/4 mile due west of the east boundary of walls and statuesque rock formations.
Section 16, Township 12 South, Range 2 Golden eagles are commonly seen, and
West, Boise Meridian. chukars are abundant.
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 9.3 miles; Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management
Total — 9.3 miles. 3948 Development Avenue
Dickshooter Creek flows south, and the Boise, Idaho 83705
stream cuts a narrow, deep gorge through Little Jacks Creek
the rolling plateau landscape until it joins Designated Reach: March 30, 2009.
with Deep Creek. The waters of Dickshooter Little Jacks Creek from the downstream
cease to flow by late-spring to early summer, boundar y of the Little Jack s Creek
leaving behind only isolated pools in the Wilderness upstream to the mouth of OX
gravel streambed. This canyon provides Prong Creek.
outstanding hiking and backpacking Classification/Mileage: Wild — 12.4
opportunities. miles; Total — 12.4 miles.
Recreation
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management Surrounded by the Little Jacks Creek
3948 Development Avenue Wilderness, Little Jacks Creek is an attractive
Boise, Idaho 83705 stream with excellent opportunities for
Duncan Creek viewing wildlife. Bighorn sheep are one
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. of the main attractions. Little Jacks Creek
Duncan Creek from its confluence with Big lies within a multi-tiered, 1,000 foot deep
Jacks Creek upstream to the east boundary canyon system. The stream has dense
of Section 18, Township 10 South, Range 4 riparian vegetation and provides habitat
East, Boise Meridian. for Redband trout. Spring is an opportune
Classification/Mileage: Wild — 0.9 miles; time to hike in this area.
Total — 0.9 miles. Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management
Duncan Creek has dense riparian vegetation 3948 Development Avenue
and tight meanders. Redband trout are Boise, Idaho 83705
found in the creek, and mule deer are Owyhee River
common in the area. Access to the area is Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. The
difficult. Owyhee River from the Idaho-Oregon State
Contact Info: Bureau of Land Management border to the upstream boundary of the
3948 Development Avenue Owyhee River Wilderness.
Boise, Idaho 83705 Classification/Mileage: Wild — 67.3
miles; Total — 67.3 miles.
Jarbidge River The Owyhee River Canyon consists of
Designated Reach: March 30, 2009. The steep, rhyolite walls ranging in height
Jarbidge River from its confluence with from 250 feet to over 1,000 feet near the
the West Fork of the Bruneau River to Oregon border. The west end of the river
CHAPTER 12: Recreation 429You can also read
