With National forests occupying nearly 40% of Idaho’s landmass,– more than any other state, over  20.2 million acres of national forests there is solitude, tranquility, thrill, speed, adventure, exercise, inspiration, stimulation, really, whatever the mood strikes it can be found in Idaho’s vast forests, rivers, lakes mountains and streams.

Activities:

White water raft/kayaking on the Payette, Salmon or Snake River

Camp in the Payette or Boise National Forest

Geo cache

Hot Springs, hike in with a picnic

Canoe, paddle, hike at Red Fish Lake,

Boat/water ski on the Snake River (near Hagerman)/ Payette Lake/ Lucky Peak/Cascade Reservoir

Hike everywhere

Mountain Bike at ski resorts… Bogus, Sun Valley, Brundage

Fish: Lakes, Rivers, Streams…from kid friendly Penny Lake near Ketchum to master fishermen of the mighty Steelhead at Riggings

A few of my favorites:

Whitewater Thrills

Idaho has over 3100 miles of whitewater and 570 designated National, Wild, Scenic or Recreational Rivers

If you have never been white water rafting you are missing out! Thrill seekers from all over the world travel to Idaho for the best white water experience available anywhere. It’s all right here in our backyard!

For a truly memorable experience call a reputable rafting company and ask lots of questions. They take safety seriously and provide all the necessary equipment and training to get you down the river safely.

Decide how long you want to go, a few hours or a several days? What is your budget? Consider everyone in your group and make sure of the capabilities of each person.

Pack for a day trip: disposable water camera, water shoes, sunscreen, towels, sunglass straps and quick drying clothes. Remember, everything gets wet, so leave your wallet, phone etc locked up.

Depending on your experience the ‘best’ rafting in Idaho varies greatly. Although everyone has their favorite based on their ability, the Cabarton on the Payette is top pick for groups of most ages and ability.  Staircase on the South Fork of the Payette is my favorite so far, but there is so much I have yet to experience.

With names like Bronco Billy, Tight ‘n Right, Grim Reaper and Bodacious Bounce, there is surely a thrill awaiting you on one of Idaho’s amazing rivers!

There is a scale of difficulty for rafting/kayaking that ranges from 1, being the easiest to navigate to 6, which indicates the water is impassable and the boat should be carried. These pertain to particular rapids on a river. So any given river can have many different classifications within it.

If you don’t want to hit the water there are great places along the Payette soak up some sun and watch the action from a great river beach. Many are fee areas and cost $5 per day or $40 per year. To purchase online go to: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/annualpassportpurchase.aspx

Or call 334-4199

Rapids Classifications

Although the determination of class is subjective these descriptions are generally accepted.

Class I

Easy: Moving water with small riffles and waves. Risk is slight; most can do this on their own with little instruction. Self-rescue is easy.

Class II

Novice: Rapids are straightforward with wide, clear channels. Rocks or obstructions are easily missed with minimum maneuvering by trained paddlers.

Class III

Intermediate: Rapids are moderate with irregular waves which are difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvering is required to avoid capsizing. Experienced paddlers can avoid most danger. Large waves and/or strainers may appear. Strong currents can make self-rescue difficult. Scouting is advised for inexperienced paddlers.

This is where true whitewater begins.

Class IV

Advance: Powerful but predictable rapids. Precise handling in turbulent waters. May have large unavoidable waves or rapids. Constricted passage may demand very quick maneuvering. Rapids may flip a raft. Swims may be long and violent. Risk to injury is a great possibility. Assistance is usually required if capsized.

Class V

Expert: Extreme conditions; long, difficult, violent rapids. Unavoidable waves and obstructions. Steep holes and/or drops. Demanding maneuvers that come quickly before difficult passageways. Risks are high for injury and even death. Note: there are different degrees of Class V rapids. AWA.org has added another layer of classification strictly for the Class 5 rapids and rivers. 5.1, 5.2 etc with each level becoming as difficult as going from Class 4 to 5.

Class VI

Exploratory: The river or route is one of extreme difficulty. Mostly exploratory where danger is unpredictable. Consequence of errors may result in severe injury, life-threatening situations or even death. Many past Class 6 routes have been changed to Class 5 due to technological advancements in equipment. Also, the level of expertise has evolved over the past 10 years where some rapids which were deemed to be un-runnable, are now run with regularity by experts.

Source: Raftwet.com

The water flow can affect the rating throughout the season.

FISH ON!

Idaho Fish and Game has an all-inclusive website with interactive tools to help you plan the perfect fishing trip.

Simply type the name of the water you are interested on fishing.

For instance when we typed in  ’Cascade’ that brought up all waters in Idaho with ‘Cascade’ in the name. From there, we chose; ‘Reservoir’ (locals know it’s not a lake!)

The site then shows details and links that include:

An interactive map with a key that lists everything you could ever need to know about the geography. From nearby towns, tribal lands, wilderness areas, elk zones…. The list goes on and on.

County: Valley

Access: Within a quarter mile of paved road

Stream flow/lake level information: 101%

(As of June 17^th)

General Rules and Seasons: Details of the rules and regulations and any exceptions to the rules.

Facilities: Boat Ramp, Docks, Toilets, Campground, ADA Access/no

Past 5 years stocking history: Over 100,000 in 2010 alone!

List of recommended target game fish species: Bullhead Catfish, Coho Salmon, Crappie, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Musky, Yellow Perch. Click on a species to see pictures and descriptions. From there follow the link to the Fisheries Society page to learn more about the species.

To buy a license:

From the main page click the link for licenses and tags. You can purchase your license online, by phone with a credit card  by calling 800-554-8685, or in Eagle at North Channel Chevron, 503 South Eagle Road, 939-3900

Fishing license cost for residents $25.75

Juniors 14-17 Years $13.75

Senior hunting/fishing combo $$11.75

CAMP

“That there’s an RV, Clark!”

There are about as many ways to camp as places to chose to camp.

Tent

Cabin/Yurt (rent)

RV (rent or buy)

Cabin (mooch)

Printable list of camping supplies can be found at:

www.Coleman.com or www.camping.about.com

We always look for a quiet place away from the road, close by river access, potties (since we tent camp) and trails. Most campgrounds have a picnic table and grill onsite. Buying firewood is expensive so pack it in or bring a saw/hatchet.

Resources:

Fishing resources, maps and regulations http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/

http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/index.aspx

For maps of campgrounds, cabin, yurt and campground online reservations

http://gorptravel.away.com/rafting-guide/idaho/payette-river.html

Follow this link for a great tool to plan your trip

http://www.recreation.gov

To search nationwide campgrounds in National Forests, online maps, booking availabilities and facilities.