Idaho’s history is rich in texture, from the early pre-eminence of American Indians to the pioneer fur trappers, miners, loggers, railroad builders and farmers who later settled the territory. Sitting on the western side of the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains, it boasts 22 state parks, 15 national forests, over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 2,000 reservoirs and natural lakes. The northern third of Idaho has the greatest concentration of lakes in the west, including Hells Canyon which is North America’s deepest river gorge.
Along with over 3,000 miles of white-water, Idaho also has the largest and the best of nature’s offerings, ideal for the outdoor enthusiast. The world-renowned ski resort of Sun Valley is located in the heart of the state and the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Park, where astronauts trained for their moon walk, are an experience for everyone. After a day of adventuring and enjoying the great outdoors, Idaho provides an abundance of natural hot springs in which to soak and relax, the perfect antidote after a day’s activity.
Idaho is also rich with Indian heritage. Five tribes call Idaho home and work hard to keep their native traditions alive. If you time your visit right, you can take in one of many pow-wows held throughout the summer, and even dance in one.
The Nez Perce National Historical Park was established in 1965 to tell the story of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people. Spread out over four states, following the route of the 1877 conflict this park offers something for everyone.
The history and culture of the Nez Perce surrounds the park. Discover how the Nimiipu adapted and today continue to make the land their own. The Nez Perce National Historical Park’s Visitor Center is located in Spalding.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) consists of 756,000 acres of scenic mountain country. The SNRA has over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and more than 300 high mountain lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas.
Recreational pursuits include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photographing and bicycling.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a mammoth ocean of lava flows located in Central Idaho. Hike through caves and craters and experience scenery unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Explore this unique volcanic landscape by car or by foot and enjoy unique treks through remote parts of the expansive lava field.
Plan to stay as the sun goes down and check out the out of this world night skies at Craters of the Moon. The area is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means there will be no shortage of stars to observe.
Walkers, hikers, and cyclists of all ages love Coeur d’Alene Lake Parkway State Park. Spend the day on foot, on a bike or on the half-mile long beach. The paved parkway lies along the north shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene and has 5.7 miles of non-motorized fun.
The parkway is part of the nationally famous North Idaho Centennial Trail, a multi-use recreational trail system that meanders for 24 miles from the Idaho/Washington state line. Along the parkway is Higgens Point where there is a boat launch facility and group picnic area overlooking the lake.
The City of Rocks National Reserve is easily one of southern Idaho’s most accessible adventures. Journey here and check out towering granite pinnacles, fins, and domes stretched out over 14,407 acres of pure Idaho wilderness. Climbers trek here from around the world to scale rock climbing routes. You’ll also find amazing trails here for hiking, mountain biking and bird watching opportunities.
There’s a good variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels, and many of the trails intersect around the central area of the granite formations known as the Inner City. Some of the most popular routes are Bath Rock, Creekside Towers, South Fork Circle Creek, and Window Arch trails.
Hells Gate sits on river bottom exposed after the great ice age floods about 15,000 years ago. At the south end of the park are basaltic columns from the Pomona flows 14 million years ago. Hells Gate State Park was also the site of a Nez Perce village.
Little is left of the village now, but depressions south of the campground are the remnants of pit houses used for years by the Nez Perce as they fished for lamprey near Asotin Creek.
| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
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| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
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| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
