Council Mountain Hot Springs

Lake Cascade sits at about 4700' above sea level, the starting point for this snowshoe (or light nordic skiing). To arrive, follow signs on hwy 55 in Cascade for Lake Cascade State Park. Any car will do, including the Prius, to get to Lake Cascade, but watch the weather for snow storms. Pay $5 down by the dock to park in the boat ramp parking lot; from here head north along the lake/campground....

It takes almost two hours, when you leave from Boise, Idaho to Gold Fork Hot Springs. You will feel like you’re at a resort without paying the expensive resort fees. You can stay all day, tan on tanning chairs, and relax. I have visited this destination more than a handful of times and I'm excited to go again soon this year. To get to this spot if coming from Boise, Idaho take West State to ID-...

Blue Lake is a great spot to spend a night next to the lake but is also the perfect escape if you're looking to get away for just the day. The stars at night are worth the trip alone, as it's far away from light pollution. It gets a little windy sometimes but there is plenty of cover and trees to take shelter if need be. You first park at the trailhead off of Cabarton Road. You then descend int...

Park at the visitor center for Ponderosa State Park to start. If you don't want to pay for parking you can park in the residential area outside of town or even in town, which is only a mile away from the park and has bike friendly roads to get to the state park.  If you want more challenging downhilling, ride the loop counter-clockwise. I prefer to ride it clockwise because there is a really fu...

Last Chance Campground is located in New Meadow, Idaho, and about 30 minutes away from the tourist town of McCall. It is a perfect location to get lost in nature, but still want to remain connected. Cell phone service was very excellent. Goose Creek slips it's way alongside the campground, bringing rushing cold water all the way from Goose Lake. If you're looking to camp at a spot with the soun...

The thinking spot isn't a secret spot but it will seem like it when you arrive at an empty crag with dozens of routes all to yourself. There are climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.11 so there's something for most. Though directions to get to the crag exist on Mountain project, there is practically no beta on the routes and there is no climbing book with info about it yet which means you'll have to on...