Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a mountain resort located in central Idaho. Located at the foot of Bald Mountain, Sun Valley was the first ski area to be developed in the United States and has a glamorous past, being the favourite of movie stars like Gary Cooper and the writer Ernest Hemingway.
It continues to be an extremely popular ski destination, with 13 chair-lifts and a host of other cold-weather activities such as snowboarding and ice skating.
For beginners, nearby Dollar Mountain offers gentler slopes. While in the area, don’t miss the Sun Valley Centre for the Arts (in Ketchum) or the lovely Hemingway Memorial, a wooded area that is particularly beautiful in autumn. In summer, Sun Valley can be used as a convenient base for exploring the magnificent Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. We invite you to explore this "weird and scenic landscape" where yesterday's volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
Craters of the Moon formed during eight major eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2000 years ago. Lava erupted from the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks that start near the visitor center and stretch 52 miles (84 km.) to the southeast.
During this time the Craters of the Moon lava field grew to cover 618 square miles (1600 square km.).
The smaller Wapi and Kings Bowl lava fields also formed along the Great Rift during the most recent eruptive period (approximately 2000 years ago.
Sawtooth National Forest
Spread over more than two million acres, from south-central Idaho down into northern Utah, the Sawtooth National Forest is an astoundingly beautiful natural area offering a wealth of activities within pristine surrounds.
The scale of the Sawtooth National Forest is phenomenal: it includes the areas of Twin Falls, Ketchum and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and contains more than 1000 lakes, 81 campgrounds, over 1000 miles of hiking trails and challenging peaks to explore, numerous fishing spots, four ski areas (for the winter months) and whitewater rafting opportunities.
The area around Redfish Lake is particularly scenic and well-stocked with tourist amenities, while Rock Creek Canyon is best for bird watching.
Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is located in northwest Idaho near the United States’ border with Canada.
This city (called CDA by locals) is beautifully situated, facing Lake Coeur d’Alene and backing onto thick forests, and is a premier retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights include the long beach beside the lake, as well as the range of excellent water sports available in the vicinity (visit ROW Adventure Centre to organise kayaking trips); awesome hiking trails in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area and the Coeur d’Alene Natural Forest; and the trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a cycle route that spans the state of Idaho.
For those travelling with children, Silverwood Theme Park is the largest amusement park in the Northwest. Finally, Coeur d’Alene features lovely waterfront restaurants, and is home to the popular CDA Brewing Company.
Twin Falls
The city of Twin Falls is located in southern Idaho. Home to the College of Southern Idaho - which boasts the excellent Herrett Center for Arts and Science - Twin Falls is best known as the gateway to some wonderful nearby natural attractions.
The Shoshone Falls Park, dubbed the ‘Niagara of the west’, contains a photogenic complex of waterfalls on the Snake River, while the plunging Perrine Coulee Falls form an equally dramatic sight.
Active travellers will relish the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, which offers hiking and mountain biking routes with raking views over the canyon, as well as world-famous opportunities for BASE jumping from Perrine Bridge.
Boise
Located on the Boise River in the Rocky Mountain foothills in southwestern Idaho, the state capital of Boise is known for its many recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and rafting.
The Boise River Greenbelt is a series of tree-dotted trails and parks along the water’s edge and is one of the top attractions of the city.
Other attractions include the Boise Art Museum, with contemporary artworks and an outdoor sculpture garden; Idaho State Capitol building, a grand sandstone structure; and the Old Idaho Penitentiary containing 19-century prison cells, gallows and historic military weaponry.
Zoo Boise, Idaho Aquarium and the World Centre for Birds of Prey present visitors with the opportunity to see animals, ocean life and birds from around the world.
