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State Nickname: Gem of the Mountains |
Six Native American tribes called Idaho home for centuries before Lewis & Clark entered Idaho in 1805 on their historic trek to find a northwest passage. Oregon Trail emigrants, gold miners, and fur trappers them left their mark on the state. Most were temporary residents. Idaho's first permanent settlement, Franklin, was established on April 14, 1860, by Mormon farmers pushing north from Utah. The Idaho Territory was designated in March of 1863. Idaho became the 43rd state on July 3, 1890. Idahoans are proud of their abundant natural resources that enhance the quality of life for all residents. River rafting, skiing, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting are just a few of the outdoor activities that residents and visitors enjoy. *
A pretty good list of Idaho State Parks can be found at this site.
Idaho has a fascinating geological history that can be read by viewing her massive mountain ranges, great lava flows, thousands of lakes, deepest of canyons, desert, prairies, and hot and cold flowing springs. Idaho, shaped like and 'h', and covering 83,557 square miles, has 93,000 miles of rivers and more than 2,000 natural lakes. Forty percent of its 53 million acres is covered by trees. Idaho's nickname, the "Gem State", is well deserved due to the 80 varieties of gemstones found within her borders. From Craters of the Moon National Monument to Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, the "Gem State" has vast and diverse landscapes to discover. *
Idaho is a four-season destination. Summertime nightly lows average from 45º to 60º F, and daily highs range from 75º to 95ºF. Winter are shorter and milder, and summers are cooler and longer than other locations east of the Continental Divide. Idaho experiences long periods of no rain between late June and the first powder snows of November. A mountain state with a high percentage of sunshine, Idaho is a reliable place to play outdoors. *
Not known just for spuds, Idaho is an outdoor adventurers paradise with more whitewater river miles than any other state in the lower 48, nine "wild and scenic rivers", 5 wilderness areas, including the largest in the continental United States, "The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness". There are over 2,000 lakes, 93,000 miles of rivers, and 239,000 acres of reservoirs, offering sporting and outdoor opportunities for people seeking a unique outdoor experience.
Summer activities are abundant in Idaho. Idaho has been called the whitewater capital of the United States, with over 3,000 whitewater river miles in the state. The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, established in 1954, licenses the outfitters and guides of Idaho, requiring outfitters to hire and trains its guides on the river sections they operate in. Winter activities include snowmobiling, downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, as well as a host of other activities. ** Try searching our database of outfitters in Idaho.
No matter in what part of Idaho you find yourself, you'll find Idahoans who are genuinely glad to see you. You'll feel welcome from Priest Lake to Bear Lake and everywhere in-between. Much of the land you see is open to the public. No state in the lower 48, except Nevada, has more public land than Idaho. So all the spectacular mountains, the evergreen forests and wide open lands are accessible to the public. So come and enjoy!
Under the Stars
Idaho's open lands are actively managed by state and federal land management agencies, all of which have open door policies for visitors. In fact, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management maintain public campgrounds. many put you in the middle of the wilderness for easy enjoyment of hiking, hunting and fishing and horseback riding or mountain biking. Some sites are undeveloped. Others are outfitted with tent and RV spaces, drinking water, boat ramps, trails, picnic tables and fireplaces.
Campgrounds and Cabins
Idaho abounds in spectacular, well-kept and inexpensive campgrounds. There are private campgrounds throughout the state offering all the amenities: large cabins, restaurants, grocery stores, swimming pools, saunas and laundry facilities. Many have lake or river access for fishing and boating. You can get a complete list of them from the Idaho RV & Campground Owners Association by calling 1-800-784-3246.
Jewels of the Gem State
Idaho is proud of its 26 state parks and when you visit one of them you'll understand why. They are located in some of the most scenic areas of the state. Some are located in spectacular natural settings. Some are at sites of historical significance. Others are located in prime, Grade A recreation sites near rivers and lakes where you and your family can play in a safe, clean environment. Rock climbing Mecca's, sand dunes, ghost towns or historic trails, Idaho State Parks have something for everyone.
Over half of the state parks allow overnight camping and have very good facilities for both tent and RV use. Several parks have snack bars and grocery facilities. Many parks have group facilities with lodges, kitchens, and cabins to make your retreat, reunion, or other special event extra special. If you find yourself near a state park with an interpretive center, be sure to stop. You'll find the centers' educational and informative and they'll give you a hands-on experience about a natural or historic site. The Idaho State park rangers are friendly and knowledgeable and have been recognized as some of the best in the West.
Wildlife Watching
The early fur traders knew Idaho had an abundance of wildlife. And to a lesser degree, Idaho is still a haven for a wide range of animal life. The diversity of the state's landscape provides a rich array of ecosystems for numerous species in their wild and natural habitat. There are many guided trips that specialize in observation of the local flora and fauna.
Idaho has also become part of the national Watchable Wildlife Program through a partnership between public agenda and private conservation groups. Part of this initiative is a placement of signs along highways pointing to designated wildlife viewing areas. Look for the signs with the binoculars.
To view on your own, get a copy of the Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide from a local bookstore. It lists the 94 best and most accessible wildlife viewing sites.
Forest Lands
Idaho is home to vast stretches of emerald green forest lands. The verdant landscape of Central and North Idaho has some of the nation's most abundant forests with 2 dozen species. Some forest land is privately owned, other forest lands are one of 11 national forests managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Private Lands
Idaho's public land is often mixed with private land. Some private land owners allow access, others do not, and their land is posted as private. Always ask permission first before entering or crossing private land.
Access to Public Lands
Even though public lands are open, sometimes the roads are closed to access. In forestlands or in rangelands you might come across an access road that is closed. Such areas are occasionally closed to protect sensitive environments or during mating seasons of some animal species. There are forest and rangeland access maps available and local land managers are good sources of information on road closures.
Check our ever increasing list of accommodations in the state of Idaho
More information about Idaho Rivers can be found on the Idaho Rivers Homepage
State of Idaho Home Page
Idaho State Travel Department 800-VISIT-ID (847-4843)
For a listing of Idaho Colleges & Universities, visit this site
* Text from the Idaho 2001 Official Highway map, available free of charge from the Idaho Department of Transportation
** Text from the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association
