Natural Attractions
So... yeah... in Southwest Idaho, natural attractions are our thing. There's beauty — a wide range of it! — everywhere you look. From deep canyons and tall sand dunes to misty mountains and crystal-clear mountain lakes, you can find it if you're willing to look.
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5 Hidden Hikes in SW Idaho
Get the rundown on five of our favorite hidden hikes in the region, from quick hikes with the kids to challenging day-long adventures.
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5 Reasons to Explore Idaho’s Owyhee Desert
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey from the Owyhee desert’s southernmost, wildest landscapes all the way to the northern edge of the region
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Birds of Prey
The owl perches on his falconer’s shoulder, like an athlete preparing for the first steps of a race.
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Wild Times in the Sawtooth Mountains
People all over the world visit the Sawtooth National Forest. As amazing as the Sawtooths are, it turns out that the journey to the Sawtooths is as much fun as the destination.
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Three Mountains in Three Days
Whether you’re gliding through pockets of pristine powder, snowshoeing through frozen forests, or curling up in a cozy lodge, these three mountains deliver the ultimate winter adventure.
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Steamy Mountain Getaways
Soak in a warm pool of ancient mineral water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the rugged wilderness.
When To Go
Here, exploring the great outdoors is a year-round event. But natural attractions can vary greatly in their accessibility depending on the season. Please consult the weather and conditions before heading out.
Accommodations, Activities & More
Lake Cascade State Park
Lake Cascade State Park is a public recreation area consisting of multiple units totaling 500 acres around Lake Cascade.
Creekside Campground & Event Center
This private campground is tucked away in the Boise National Forest along highway 21, just a 45 minute drive north of Boise.
Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, located just 35 minutes from downtown Boise, offers a host of activities for individuals of all ages and ability levels in both winter and summer.
Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce
Garden Valley is nestled along Idaho State Highway 17, which is a National Scenic Byway.
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce
The Idaho City Chamber of Commerce is actively committed to supporting and promoting businesses and tourism in the Boise Basin.
Cascade Raft and Kayak
At Cascade Raft and Kayak, bring your spirit of adventure — and we'll provide the rest.
Desert Mountain Visitor Center
Peer into Mountain Home’s rugged history and rich heritage as a military base, farming community and import railway stop during the Wild West.
Hells Canyon Adventures
Experience the most remote region of the canyon where you will find the deepest elevations, the biggest rapids and the most stunning scenery.
North Shore Lodge & Resort
North Shore Lodge is located on the shores of beautiful Warm Lake where nature awaits to guide you to your next adventure — just 26 miles east of Cascade, near Trail Creek hot springs and just a quick detour on the way to McCall.
Hells Canyon Raft
Travel with the leaders in guided rafting trips in Idaho. This is our home.
Horseshoe Bend Valley Chamber of Commerce
Facilitation and support of community fundraising & activities in the Horseshoe Bend Valley.
Roystone Hot Spring RV & Event Center
Each of the 10 RV sites include full hookups, a fire pit, picnic table, and large section of turf.
SISCRA Willow Creek Campground
Our campground features 190 campsites with picnic tables for RVs and tents, most with electric hookups and campfire pits.
Longhorn Guest Ranch
The Longhorn Guest Ranch is a working guest ranch and event venue located in the scenic mountains of SW Idaho.
Bear Valley Rafting
Bear Valley River Company is the ideal place to fulfill your dreams of a true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. Bear Valley Rafting is a small town raft company with an unbelievable staff, who love to come to work each day.
