Take your RV on a great Idaho adventure to places of beauty, nature, and history
What does Idaho have to offer tourists? The better question is: What doesn’t Idaho have to offer tourists? You can find activities to thrill each member of your family in this great state, from falls taller than Niagara to towns lost in time that give us an intimate glimpse into our gold-crazed past. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a memorable trip through Idaho.
Volcanic rifts of unfathomable depths
If you plan on visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, be aware there’s no telling what the roads will be like, as the park peaks at almost 6,000 feet. It’s well worth the drive, though.
When you’re there, you’ll see rifts among the deepest our planet has to offer. There are over 24 volcanic cones that have been creating lava flows for as long as 15,000 years. While camping is allowed in the preserve, only book them if you love boondocking, as you won’t find any amenities or creature comforts. If you love the rugged outdoors and visiting places where history is in the making, then this is the spot for you.
Niagara of the West
If you’re visiting Craters of the Moon, then follow the Snake River down to Shoshone Falls Scenic Attraction. Shoshone Falls stands taller than Niagara Falls, and the falls glistening in the sun are a spectacle to see. The falls can go from raging to a trickle, depending on area snowfall. They are fed by snowmelt, so be aware that spring offers the best chance to see them in all their glory – they sometimes dry up by autumn, waiting to be recharged in the spring.
Fish, hike, and backpack Idaho
Sawtooth National Recreation Center is a wonderful place to explore your outdoorsy side. With peaks that reach 10,000 feet and 700 miles of trails, there’s more than enough for you to explore on bike, foot, or canoe. Fishing is allowed on the many lakes, and if you want to see more of nature, there’s an observation center for you to take advantage of.
Book lovers here’s your spot
Soon after his death in 1961, a sculpture of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway was erected in Sun Valley near the languid babble of Trail Creek. The only time you can’t visit Hemingway’s memorial is during the winter, when the roads close and you’re unable to get to it. While there’s not a lot to do at the attraction, the place is peaceful enough that you can relax for a while, read your favorite Hemingway, and remember the man who took his life well before his time.
Unparalleled bird-watching
The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is a great place to see the largest concentration of nesting birds in the U.S. It takes no more than gazing up at the sky to see eagles, hawks, and other raptors winging through the air. The area holds more than birds, though. Beautiful natural resources abound here, and the landscape is diverse in lifeforms and features as well.
Visit the ghostly remains of a mining town
During the gold rush days, Custer was a mining town that thrived after a nearby town was destroyed by fire. It was rich with minerals and saw many prosperous years, but natural resources dry up, as happened with those at Custer. The town was abandoned by 1910 and left to the mercy of the elements. In recent times it was declared a historical site, and now it bustles with tourists who want to see what life was like for miners in the 1800s. It’s a great window into our past that shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Idaho.
Whether you’re visiting towering mountain peaks or deserted towns rife with the ghosts of the past, you don’t want to be stranded because of mechanical issues. If you find yourself down on your luck with your RV refusing to move, make sure you have our virtual diagnostic service so we can help you figure out what’s going on and walk you through the repairs.
