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Brian McCord 2010
Outdoor Splendor
A cyclist rides past the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. Southern Idaho is a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts with it's many trails, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. JCI PHOTO - Brian McCord
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Jeff Adkins 2009
Outdoor Recreation
Betsy Wiesmore paddles up the Snake River towards the Perrine Bridge as the sun rises in Twin Falls, Idaho. There are an unlimited number of outdoor recreational opportunities in Southern Idaho including base jumping, heli-skiing, canoeing, white water rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking JCI PHOTO- Jeff Adkins
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By Perry Mack [Photos courtesy Southern Idaho Tourism (unless otherwise credited)]
Idaho is a place where RV travelers can indulge themselves in just about every sort of luxury, adventure, climate and geography they could possibly desire. We asked some of Idaho’s RV enthusiasts what their favourite attraction and events were for June and July. Let’s look at what they recommend throughout Idaho’s seven unique regions.
Prehistoric glaciers carved across Northern Idaho creating hundreds of lakes including Priest Lake, Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. Kids (of every age) can’t get enough of Silverwood Theme Park, Boulder Beach Water Park and Triple Play Family Fun Park, an indoor water park complete with a wave pool. Anne Blackwell of Island RV Resort (idahorvpark.com) couldn’t decide on just three but said, “bike trails, amusement parks, fishing, hiking, boating, casino's, theater, art gallery's, 10 winery's, 6 breweries, boat rentals, mountain biking, rock hunting, historic towns, mining tours” were on the top of her list.
North central Idaho is famous for the Lewis and Clark Trail, which parallels Highway 12, allowing easy access to several historic sites. Bob Crump owns and operates Riverside RV (riversidervidaho.com) in Riggins, ID. His favourites are the Big Water Blowout River Festival in City Park on June 7th, white water rafting the Main Salmon River with licensed outfitters in June and July, fishing for ocean running Chinook Salmon on both the Main Salmon River and the Little Salmon River during the whole month of June and the Hot Summer Nights talent contest, with dancing to live band, kid games and activities, and concessions on July 25th and 26th.
In Southwestern Idaho, RV travelers can visit the rocky canyon of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area or climb a sand dune, soak in a natural hot spring, tour a few wineries or visit a multitude of museums. The folks at Killgore Adventures (www.killgoreadventures.com) said that in June through September, Hells Canyon Jet Boat Trips & Lodging/RV Park will be offering Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tours through North Americas' deepest gorge. The six hour tour will take you through the deepest most rugged part of Hells Canyon, seeing wildlife, running all the biggest rapids in Hells Canyon and making a few sight-seeing stops along the way.
Southeast Idaho is known as the land of pioneer history. Ann Yearsley, who works with southeast Idaho tourism and lives in Pocatello, ID says her favourite events are June 26 – 28 for Idaho Days And Pageant In Franklin (the oldest town in Idaho), June 26 – 29, for the Malad Welsh Festival in Malad, ID; July 4 for the Biggest Show in Idaho Music Festival and Extravaganza with fireworks, parade, Music Festival, golf tournament & a bicycle race at the Bannock County Fair Grounds.
Eastern Idaho is a neighbor to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks and enjoys much of the same spectacular beauty. Island Park is a mecca for hiking and fishing. We asked Lynette Coonce of Buffalo Run RV Park & Cabins for her favourites and she said, “We have an Antique Collectable & Craft Show at Buffalo Run RV Park & Cabins on July 25 & 26, the Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce does the All American Sawtelle Stampede Fun Run on July 5 and Henry's Fork Days is June 14.”
Shirley from the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground (www.wagonhammercampground.com) is in Central Idaho and chose ‘The Salmon River of No Return’ for history buffs or water lovers looking for a thrilling white water experience or a leisurely float; exploring back country trails - by foot, horseback, ATV, bike, or from the river in your kayak; or just sitting next by the riverside to rejuvenate your soul. Tam Ambrose from The Village at North Fork (thevillageatnorthfork.com) had some different ideas including the Lewis & Clark Trail, Sacajawea Byway and historical sightseeing including old mining towns as well as the Bighole National Battlefield.
South Central Idaho has its own feature this issue; so continue reading to see what this exciting region has to offer.