The Best Camping in Lowman

Soaking in Kirkham is like soaking in a dream. Numerous geothermal springs of varying temperature await at the bottom of a small wooden staircase. Hot water pours over the cliff into pools below and literally feels like a natural shower. If that's not enough, enjoy the rush and beauty of the Payette River beside you.From Boise, head north on Highway 21 through Idaho City and through Lowman. 5 m...

The secret is out about Idaho's plethora of hot springs... but this one truly is special. It's highlighted by a warm waterfall that pours into a pool on the banks of the Payette. These springs are only about an hour and a half drive from Boise.To get there from the City of Trees, head north on Hwy. 55 towards McCall and hang a right on Banks Lowman Highway. 28 short and beautiful miles later, P...

This is one of many great Idaho Parks & Rec backcountry yurts. It sits on a ridge above some excellent tree skiing with views that make the hike well worth it! The wood stove will keep you warm on the coldest of nights, and the kitchen has all the utensils to make a delicious meal. Depending on the size of your pulk or pack, you can expect to spend 2 to 4 hours hiking your way in.The advent...

Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines.Getting There: Make your way to the Jennie Lake trailhead by heading north on Hwy 21 (from Boise) past Idaho City but befo...

Idaho is known for its pristine rivers and countless geothermal pools. The Rocky Canyon Hot Springs epitomizes both of these and will leave you begging to stay. From Boise, hop in the car and head north, I'll see you in Crouch. Take Hwy. 55 to Banks, which doubles as a landmark town to remember to turn right off of 55 and also as a great lunch spot. Banks is dominated by kayakers and rafters an...

Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure.The hike starts at 5200' above sea level at the Grandjean campground, where there is befittingly "backpacker parking" so you don't h...

Steel Mountain, which defines the highest point of the Boise National Forest, has the impressive qualities of its neighboring Sawtooths. From its few alpine lakes to its sharp cliff-like ridges, Steel Mountain has something for everybody, as long as you’re willing to work for it.The closest establishment to Steel Mountain is the former mining town of Rocky Bar. From there, continue northwest on...

Stanley Lake is an Idaho alpine lake located at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is about 7 miles from the historic town of Stanley, Idaho and just over an hour from popular Sun Valley, Idaho.Our photography and hiking adventure captured spectacular imagery while hiking the scenic Sawtooth wilderness area. Popular lake activities ...

Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the destination, but one thing is for certain: don't forget to bring your camera!From Boise, take Hwy 55...

Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of these adventures, the hike to Alpine Lake, starts just across the lake at the Redfish Inlet trailhead.W...

Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles, you're rewarded by unobstructed vistas of the entire valley, huge granite boulder fields, and the ...

Because of the altitude of the this lake, the road to it doesn't open up until mid to late July. You can still get to the lake, but it is a 6 mi round trip hike down a dusty dirt road. It gets old. When the road is open, you can drive right up to the lake.  To get there, right before the town of Featherville, turn left on to Trinity Mountain Road. This is a dirt road. From here it is about 20 m...

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...

The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The cost is $7.50 per person each way and is payable at the marina. The boat ride is approximately 7 minutes each way.Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish Lake Creek trail southwest for approximately 2 mile. At the junction, you're about 100 feet ...

There are plenty of camping spots all within walking distance of the lake or the outlet stream. There are also tons of hikes in the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range. The lake is known for its historic Sockeye Salmon runs. The lake is very close to Stanley Idaho and leads into the salmon river. The view from the lake rivals places like the Canadian rockies or the Dolomites. There are spots fo...

If you're looking for an all-around start-to-finish epic adventure, rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River arguably checks off more boxes than any other trip in the world. This adventure of a lifetime can be enjoyed two different ways: privately and commercially. We've been lucky enough to draw private permits the last two seasons, but if you're not as fortunate or aren't buddies with any ...