 |
Northern Idaho, known as Idaho’s Panhandle, is an area of dense forests, sapphire lakes and beautiful mountain ranges. Outdoor recreation is ample in this region with spectacular golf courses, water sports, fishing, nordic and alpine skiing, plus wonderful hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Some of the most rugged and diverse landscape in the state is found in North Central Idaho. Lewis and Clark spent significant time here crossing the Bitterroot Mountains seeking the Northwest Passage to the Pacific. The land of Chief Joseph in many ways remains as it did when the Nez Perce reigned over the territory that today is still rich in wildlife and trout filled streams.
From the rugged Owyhee Desert to the sun drenched pastoral valleys upward to tree-clad forests down into Idaho’s bustling capital city, Boise, this region bestows great diversity. Outdoor recreation offered throughout embodies: national parks, golf courses, roaring rivers with class 1-5 rapids, mountain lakes and impressive ski resorts.
|
|
The Snake River carves through south-central and easter Idaho over countless falls that burst gloriously from the canyon walls spilling 250 feet in many areas to the river and parklands below where abundant wildlife and waterfowl prosper. The state has preserved tracts of land to protect the ecosystems along the rich canyon floor allowing visitors the opportunity to explore, bird-watch, canoe, hike, fish and picnic in natural surroundings. The eastern part of Idaho is well known for its rich farmland, vast open range, lava fields and desert garden landscape.
Central Idaho is home to the United State’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley – a winter wonderland designed in the 1903’s for high society and Hollywood stars who were whisked away from Ketchum’s train depot by horse-drawn sleighs to the stylish mountain lodge where their vacations were filled with thrill and pampering. Today, Sun Valley continues to emanate its grand-style with state of the art
facilities that only those of yesteryear could imagine. It is now an extremely popular year-round resort hosting so much more in beauty, adventure and history with hiking and horseback ventures right out the back door, tranquil mountain lakes, long-distance bike routes to bike paths and skate parks. Towns offer galleries, boutiques and fines restaurants, some compare with the best in the world, and there is a wide range of lodgings to choose from. The region leads to rarely traveled wilderness, nationally preserved Silver Creek (Hemingway’s favorite fishing escape) nationally preserved volcanic lava fields and ice caves, captivating mountain towns rich in mining history with sheep herds still very much a part of its landscape.
|
