Idaho

McGowan Peak in the Sawtooths is breathtaking and the Stanley Lake Overlook is by far one of the best locations to photograph it at sunrise in the summer. The Stanley Lake Overlook is located inside the Stanley Lake Campground. There is a separate parking lot (with bathrooms) at the overlook and two...

It's always (for me anyway) a good sign when the parking area at a trailhead is devoid of any other vehicles. Such was the case at the Sherman Creek Trailhead in the Clearwater National Forest in west-central Idaho. This trail begins just north of US-12, where Sherman Creek starts emptying into the ...

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...

The trailhead for this hike starts in a city park, so if you have dogs, they'll need to be on leash to start out. You won't have to walk very far before reaching a gate that separates the city park from US Forest Service area. Past this gate, leashes are not required for your four-legged friends (bu...

From the intersection of Highways 75 and 20 drive east on Highway 20 for 7.3 miles. Turn right onto Kilpatrick Bridge Road and drive another 1.5 miles to the Silver Creek Preserve Visitor Center. Stop at the Visitor's Center to take in the desert landscape and snap a few pictures. Exit on the far si...

This is one of the easiest, yet scenically rewarding, hikes in the Lost River Range. Traveling only 1.2 miles (3.4 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of about 200 ft. You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho. Mt. McCaleb is the giant 11,682 ft peak on the lef...

Big Springs is the headwaters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Producing 120 million gallons of water per day, the spring forms wide and crystal-clear pools filled with trout (no fishing allowed). A paved trail leads to historic Johnny Sack's cabin, which is open for tours during the summer. ...

Located at 6,100 feet above sea level, Harriman State Park (also called "the Ranch") is renown for it's fly fishing along the Henry's Fork. Whether you bring a fly rod or not, this scenic loop through the park is a delight for hikers of all abilities. Make a stop at park headquarters to pay the entr...

Because of the Owyhee Wilderness isolation, there are very few access points that would not require a 4x4 vehicle to reach it's flanks. In addition, motorized vehicles are not allowed within the boundaries of the wilderness area, therefore you must hike (or float) into the area's boundaries. There a...

Indian Cave is the largest cave or tube, measuring 30 feet tall and 800 feet long with several massive skylights. The skylights provide so much sunlight, a flashlight isn’t necessary, but is helpful in some areas. In order to enter the caves you will need to acquire a free permit at the visitor’s ce...

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 t...

Southern Idaho offers a lot of unique places to go photograph, but not all places have as good of a spot for astrophotography as Balanced Rock State Park does. Because this spot is quite a ways out from the towns, you don't have a lot of light pollution which allows you to see all of the stars in th...

The Selway is one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers designated in 1968. This section of water is run by both private boaters as well as commercial outfitters, and is regulated by a strict permit system that only allows one group to launch per day. This leads to a feeling of solitude for y...

This alley is a Boise must-see. Local street artists regularly change up the gallery, so there's always something new to see! You can park anywhere you can find a spot! If you're luck you can find a spot on the side of the street along the shops, but if not, you can park further down past the capito...

The Priest Lakes of Northern Idaho are perfect for a summer retreat into the Selkirk mountains, less than thirty miles from the border with Canada. Priest lake is separated from Upper Priest Lake by a short, two-mile waterway. Launch your canoe from the Lionhead Beach in Priest Lake State Park and p...

Boise has plenty of trails to choose from when it comes to short accessible hikes. If you're looking for panoramic views of the treasure valley then this is a great place to start. Table Rock Quarry has 4 different trails to choose from ranging all skill levels and distances. There are a mix of out ...