Forum Discussion

Busskipper's avatar
Busskipper
Explorer
May 24, 2013

Idaho, what’s the story? What are the secrets?

Idaho, what’s the story? What are the secrets?

Idaho, what’s the story – when I was a kid I can remember traveling in Idaho often with the family – as I remember it was really neat – Seems as if it gets very little ink – are people keeping a secret, or is it just because it has no National Parks?

Yellowstone in in it a little, Craters of the Moon is one unusual area, the Sawtooth Wilderness area is as wild as anywhere in the US, Coeur d’ Alene is a strong retirement area, if I remember correctly it is very similar to Colorado which is one of my favorite spot’s.

So the question is, “Who’s got the inside story on Idaho – can someone (or lots of someone’s) give me a travel itinerary that would keep me busy for a few weeks – what are the secret spots – not the places everyone goes – (I really am not a fan of the Estes Parks and the Ketchum’s more the Lake City, Silverton, Ouray and Crested Butte) – Hikes, like lost, hidden, or hanging Lake – where are the great fishing spots? – White water rafting or just a float trip -- is there a special little Bar or eating spot that you never miss when you are in the area – Is there a drive that is really special, like 128 or 12 in Utah or Wind River Valley in Wyoming – do you have a 4x4 trail that rivals those in Colorado, like the Alpine loop?

Having not been in a long while I would really like to see some discussion on the area, any chance you all can share your travel knowledge?

Thanks,

Busskipper
  • Do you like to Bike ride? Some great bike paths all along I-90 where they have converted old rail lines to bike trails. Check out the Route of the Hiawatha.
  • Stay away! I want Idaho all to myself! Just kidding. The route up highway 75 through Sun Valley to Stanley and on towards Salmon is some of the best scenery in the world. Red Fish lake gets crowded in the summer, but there are many camp grounds that are easy to get into along the highway. There are many boondock opportunities also. Stop at the national forest HQ just north of Ketchum and get maps and info. Northern Idaho has woods, trees, lakes as well as mountains and offers great areas to camp, boat, bike, and fish. Mountain Home AFB has a nice fam camp for military families.
  • We also went to Idaho as a kid and I remembered it as fun and full of adventure. Part of that was due to staying at my Mom's cousins farm. He grew potatos, alfalfa, as well as other crops...mostly potatos. So we got to drive farm equipment and help out with chores around the farm. In addition, there was camping,hunting and fishing plus some sight seeing.

    As an adult and married we went back up to Idaho on our way to oregon and Washington. We went to Craters of the Moon, Sawtooth and a few other areas. My adult impression of Idaho is unless you like to fish or hunt, there's not much to see that is different than the deserts, farmland and mountains of other states.

    We are not in to hiking, fishing or hunting... we do like to visit old towns, museums, unique shops. Idaho has all of this.

    I did enjoy stopping along the roadside and picking fresh wild aspargus. It was abundant in the Gooding area and very flavorful. There is a bridge spanning a gorge near Twin Falls that we walked across, the view down into the gorge is great. Also Thousand Springs is impressive.

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,716 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 15, 2013