Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park: a good place to enjoy the lake and avoid the crowds

Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park: a good place to enjoy the lake and avoid the crowds

If you visit Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the summertime and are looking for a place away from the crowds, head to Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park. You will find a lakeside trail with lovely views and few people. State Park Overview About 15 minutes south 

Three Island Crossing State Park: history, Oregon Trail, views

Three Island Crossing State Park: history, Oregon Trail, views

Three defining characteristics of southern Idaho are sagebrush, the Snake River and the Oregon Trail. These things combine near Glenns Ferry, Idaho, at Three Island Crossing State Park. Imagine you were a pioneer headed to Oregon. You’ve made it past the Great Plains and the 

Lake Walcott State Park: fishing, frisbee golf, picnicking

Lake Walcott State Park: fishing, frisbee golf, picnicking

I’ve talked to several people about Lake Walcott State Park and the response was the same. “I’ve seen the sign on the freeway, but have never been there.” Now that we have ventured off the freeway to visit, I would summarize it as a nice 

Harriman State Park of Idaho: ranching history and horseback riding

Harriman State Park of Idaho: ranching history and horseback riding

If you enjoy ranching history, beautiful views and/or recreational activities, Harriman State Park in Idaho will not disappoint. State Park Overview Harriman State Park can be credited with helping to launch Idaho’s official state park system. There is a lot of history at this park. 

City of Rocks National Reserve: rocking climbing and rock formations

City of Rocks National Reserve: rocking climbing and rock formations

If you love rock climbing, you are probably already very familiar with City of Rocks National Reserve. If you are not a rock climber, City of Rocks still has a lot to offer for those who love to explore and hike. State Park Overview City 

Castle Rocks State Park: rocking climbing and trails in Idaho

Castle Rocks State Park: rocking climbing and trails in Idaho

Off the beaten path in southern Idaho is a playground of rock formations. Castle Rocks State Park is weird and wonderful. Go here to explore Idaho geology at its finest. State Park Overview In addition to very cool geology, you can see remnants of Native 

Bear Lake State Park: sun, sand and swimming

Bear Lake State Park: sun, sand and swimming

Utah and Idaho share a lot in common, one thing being the beautiful turquoise blue waters of Bear Lake. Bear Lake State Park is on Idaho’s side of the lake and boasts one of the finest beaches in the admittedly land-locked Idaho. Bear Lake State 

Henrys Lake State Park: camping, fishing and bears, oh my!

Henrys Lake State Park: camping, fishing and bears, oh my!

If you like camping in a campground and lake fishing, Henrys Lake State Park is the park for you. State Park Overview There is a lot to recommend Henrys Lake State Park. However, if I am being perfectly honest, this park was not my exact 

Ashton to Tetonia Trail: walking, biking, soaking in the scenery

Ashton to Tetonia Trail: walking, biking, soaking in the scenery

In between two small towns in Eastern Idaho, a no-longer-needed path has a new lease on life. Ride/bike/walk between two towns and enjoy epic scenery consisting of farms, creeks and the impressive Teton Mountain Range.  The Ashton to Tetonia Trail covers the 30 miles between, 

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park: mining and ghost towns galore

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park: mining and ghost towns galore

Head to Land of the Yankee Fork State Park for a taste of Idaho’s mining history and a chance to explore some cool ghost towns. State Park Overview If you enjoy history, mining, the great outdoors, or all of the above, this is the park