Idaho

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Idaho [1] is one of the Rocky Mountains states of the United States of America. Idaho is a rugged state, with 10,000 - 12,500 ft (3000 - 3800m) snow-capped mountains, whitewater rivers (one running through the deepest river canyon in the U.S.), forests, high desert, and plenty of wilderness. Most of the land north of Boise is National or State Forest.

Volcanic landscape in Idaho

[edit] Regions

North Idaho is sometimes considered part of the Pacific Northwest. It's where the rolling grain-covered hills of the Palouse give way to the Bitterroot (Rocky) Mountains. South Idaho is usually considered part of the Intermountain West, and is in the Mountain timezone.

• North Idaho -- Forested and mountainous, with "dry land" grain farming
• South Idaho -- Mountainous, with arid basins to the south, irrigated farming and the state capitol, Boise

[edit] Cities

All of the following cities are good bases for outdoor activities within their regions.

• Boise— Capitol and largest city in Idaho, some high tech employment
• Coeur d'Alene— Northern Idaho city nestled by mountains and excellent recreational lakes
• Idaho Falls— The commercial and agricultural center of Eastern Idaho, home of the Idaho National Engineering Labs
• Moscow— Home of the University of Idaho, combination agricultural and college town
• Shelley— Home of the Spud Day celebration
• Buhl— Home of the Sage Brush Day's celebration, Snake River Canyon, and Balanced Rock.
• Pocatello

[edit] Other destinations

• Sun Valley -- the first great ski resort in the U.S.
• Craters of the Moon National Monument -- volcanic park with vast fields of seemingly lifeless lava, fun lava tubes to explore
• Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness -- follows the Snake River through Hells Canyon (as deep as 9,300 feet, much deeper than the Grand Canyon) north towards Lewiston, where the Clearwater and Snake River meet
• Yellowstone National Park -- Second only to Yosemite as the most majestic National Park in the lower 48 states, but weirder, more colorful, and more spectacular, filled with hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. Mostly within Wyoming, but the most notable feature, Old Faithful is probably most easily reached from Idaho Falls via West Yellowstone, Montana - though the park road is only open in summer (May to early November).
• The Nez Perce Indian Reservation, home to Native Americans whose forebears helped Lewis and Clark through the winter during their expedition, is just East of Lewiston.
• City of Rocks National Reserve -- Located on the southern edge of the state. Popular with hikers and rock climbers for its maze of massive boulders (some over 100 meters in height).
• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

[edit] Understand

Idaho's nickname is "The Gem State," although the motto on the license plates is "Famous Potatoes," with the unfortunate result that anyone who has heard of Idaho imagines the state as a vast expanse of potato farms, with grizzled inhabitants living in cabins with no running water. In reality, the cabins mostly have running water.

The other common misconception is that Idaho is somehow a racist or Neo-Nazi state. Around 1980, a Neo-Nazi and White Separatist brought a band of followers to Hayden Lake, Idaho and began regularly making the local and national news with his racist provocations. Although the local residents vigorously disapproved and regularly held much bigger counter-demonstrations, the Neo-Nazi image has stuck. Idahoans breathed a collective sigh of relief in 2001 when the 20 acre compound owned by the "church" was handed over to a woman who had filed a lawsuit against them after being assaulted by their guards, and many of the racists left the state.

Southeastern Idaho, with its sparse topsoil, was greatly affected by the rising water level of prehistoric Lake Bonneville to the south, a lake which covered most of what is now the states of Utah and Nevada. At a point roughly near Twin Falls, the rising waters broke through into the region in an ancient, massive flood, channeling the floodwater westward for what is estimated to have lasted for approximately seven weeks, almost completely draining the ancient lake and creating the massive, lengthy, and spectacular Snake River Canyon that we know today. The massive flood stripped the region's topsoil down to bedrock, tumbling huge, multi-story high boulders downstream, where eventually the boulders and other heavier materials dropped out and were deposited in and along the Snake River streambed. The stripped topsoil, a much lighter material, eventually was deposited well to the west, creating fertile farming regions well adapted to growing potatoes. Because of the great flood and the stripping of the region's topsoil, much of the agriculture in southeastern Idaho's thin layer of topsoil must be supported by fertilization and irrigation.

[edit] Talk

It's all English, except that potatoes are called "spuds" and there's a bit of a rural twang as you get out to the logging and farming areas.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Flights come in to all cities, plus some of the towns. Alaska Airlines and its subsidiary Horizon Airlines are the best, but United, America West, and Southwest Airlines serve Idaho as well.

• For South Idaho, you might fly in to Boise, or drive in from Salt Lake City.
• If you're going to Yellowstone, you'd probably want to fly in to Idaho Falls then drive up to the West Yellowstone park entrance.
• If you are going to Northern Idaho Coeur D Alene book a flight to Spokane,Washington.

[edit] By car

You could also drive to North Idaho from Seattle or more easily from Spokane.

[edit] Get around

It's all driving or flying.

[edit] By car

There are two segments of freeway that cross the state, I-90 for roughly 60 miles across the panhandle in the North, and I-84 for a couple hundred miles in the South (ok, someone pointed out a few miles of I-15 in far Eastern Idaho). The rest of the roads are two lanes, and often curvy and hilly (but scenic!). A few "highways" aren't even paved. You know you're from Idaho when your elderly grandparents think it's normal to arrive at Christmas (or even just for a weekend visit) after driving 400 miles through blizzards and along winding two lane river roads.

To the East, the Continental Divide (West of which rivers flow to the Pacific, East of which rivers flow to the Atlantic) meanders down the spine of the Rockies, and defines the border with Montana. A handful of passes cross the Divide. In the winter, check with the highway department for pass conditions -- many passes are closed from the first snow until mid-April.

There is no convenient way to get from North Idaho (Moscow) to Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls), since there are no roads that go directly through the rugged mountains (and the "Idaho Primitive Area.") Instead, you would have to drive 300 miles to Boise, then another 300 miles East to Idaho Falls. Or you could drive North to I-90, East through Montana, then South to Eastern Idaho. Either way, you'll drive 600 - 700 miles when it's something like 300 miles as the crow might fly.

[edit] By plane

Flying is an expensive but wonderful way to get around and see the majestic scenery. Backcountry flights are available from many airports in the state, and you get to fly through canyons and into remote airstrips that are nearly unreachable any other way. Examples are McCall Aviation and Selway Aviation in Central Idaho. If you just want to go city-to-city, call Horizon Airlines.

[edit] See

Northern ID: There are many bald eagles in the North. A good place to see them is Lake Coeur d' Alene. Take I-90 East and exit at the Harrison exit. Lake Coeur d'Alene is 25 miles long with more than 135 miles of shoreline. The lake is an average of 120 feet deep.

Coeur d'Alene (pop. 38,388 in 2004 census) has become known as the playground of the Pacific Northwest for luxury accommodations and a wealth of recreation and attractions in a stunning natural setting.. "The towering, lavish Coeur d'Alene Resort draws thousands annually to be prepared by its Mobile four-star accommodations and to play its posh golf course with a one-of-a-kind floating green" (Arizona Republic press). The floating green on the 14th hole measures 15,000 square feet and weighs nearly 5 million pounds. It can be moved on the water's surface via a set of cables attached to the lake bottom to change the distance to the hole from 75 yards to 175 and greater. Coeur d'Alene also has the world's longest floating boardwalk, located at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. It was built in 1986 and required 1,600 float logs (each 32 feet long) 28,000 pounds of spikes, and 8,000 pounds of bolts to complete. The boardwalk is anchored by 150 tons of concrete along with strategically placed pilings. More than a million lights enliven the holiday displays that stretch along the water near the Coeur d'Alene Resort for the Holiday Light Show held during the Holiday season. North Idaho is a haven for the arts. With over 40 art dealers, galleries and consultants to choose from, you're sure to find a piece of art that suits your style.

Finished in 1853, the Cataldo Mission, located east of Coeur d'Alene on i-90 is the oldest standing building in Idaho. The Old Mission (built 1848-1853) was a combined effort of the missionaries and over 300 native Catholics. Fr. Ravalli, an Italian born Jesuit, designed the building to resemble the elegant cathedrals of his homeland, using local materials. Wood was milled on the site, and wattle and daub construction used to make the walls both durable and light. The decorations of the interior illustrate both the piety of the workers and their ingenuity. Chandeliers were constructed from old tin cans, the altar was faux-painted to resemble marble.

Silver Mountain Ski and Summer Resort, located 30 miles east of Coeur d'Alene, is home to the world's longest single-stage gondola. Enjoy a scenic ride and take in the great views along the 20-minute ride to the top.

The town of Wallace, on I-90, is known for the fact that every downtown building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wallace is also famous for its mining history and included in that history is the Oasis Bordello Museum.When the final occupants of the Oasis Rooms left in January 1988 (the last recorded date in the "hotel" registry), they seemed to have left in a hurry. Clothing, makeup, toiletries, food and personal items were all left behind. An accurate and tastefully-presented twenty-minute tour of the upper rooms explains the mystery of the ladies' hasty departure and gives a glimpse into the town's bawdy past with details that range from poignant to hilarious. The main floor is an unusual gift shop adorned with Robert Thomas murals that depict the realities of mining in an earlier era. The two-story brick building began its existence in 1895 as a hotel and saloon, and is one of the few structures in Wallace to survive the famous 1910 fire. At that time, Wallace men outnumbered women by nearly 200 to 1. The Oasis was one of FIVE brothels operating without hinderance on Wallace's main street until 1973. Wallace used to be famous as the home of the Only Stoplight on I-90, until uncaring road builders finished the overpass around town, and finished the town's claim to fame.

Also of interest in the Wallace area is the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. This is the only tour of its kind in the Northwest. It offers a rare and exciting opportunity to personally experience the underground world of mining in the richest silver district on earth. The tour begins by boarding a sixteen passenger trolley. On the short trip to and from the mine portal, a narrated tour is given of Historic Wallace. Hard hats are issued at the portal and an experienced miner is your guide as you walk through the main drift of the mine. Displays and exhibits are explained so people of all ages may safely observe equipment in operation and see modern and historical techniques used to mine silver, lead and zinc.

Not far from Wallace, Kellogg has metal sculptures of a dragon and knight, a gold panner, an elk (in front of the local chapter of the ELKS), a big panther (which is the high school's mascot) in front of the local pool, a miner and donkey, and the best was the Red Baron. All seemed to be made of scraps of metal from different things, but they are large! Mine tours (approx. 30 min.) are given at Crystal Gold Mine. Kellogg was the site of one of the worst U.S. mining accidents; a statue of a miner holding high a rock drill guards dozens of impromptu headstones at the Sunshine Mine Disaster Memorial.

Miner's Hat Realty, a building shaped like a big miner's hard hat, complete with giant carbide lamp can be seen from I-90 on the north side of the road.

Central ID: A giant dog created in Cottonwood, ID (Dog Bark Park) is one of America's latest additions to the type of roadside architecture popular in the early days of automobile vacation travel when travelers would often buy gas, eat meals or stay overnight in a building that looked like something else. Dog Bark Park Inn offers an expansive continental self-serve breakfast featuring their family's secret recipe for The Prairie's Best Fruited Granola. Breakfast also includes a variety of teas, coffees, juices, fresh fruits, boxed cereals, milk, yogurts, cheeses, hard-boiled eggs, bagels, locally made pastries & breads. It sleeps four with a queen bed and two twin foldout futon mattresses in loft.

Southern ID:

Craters of the Moon National Monument, 18 mi W of Arco on Hwy 20, is an amazing part of the natural landscape. The visitors center and the opportunity to climb a cinder cone make this a worthwhile stop on an otherwise uneventful road. Be sure to bring water, especially in spring and summer.

Idaho Potato Expo: 130 NW Main St., Blackfoot, ID. Hours: Nov-Mar, M-F, 9:30am-3p; Apr-Oct, M-Sat, 9:30am-5p Perhaps most amazing: the world's largest potato chip, a 25x14-inch Pringle created in 1991 by Proctor & Gamble engineers. This pizza-sized potato snack is in its own display case.

[edit] Do

In the winter, skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even camping are popular outdoor activities, both with tourists and residents. In the summer, Idaho has world-class boating (try a jet boat leaving from Lewiston), whitewater rafting, camping, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. Rodeo is also popular in the more rural areas.

The Lewis and Clark Trail runs through North Idaho, through the twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington.

• Calling all bikers!

There is now a bike trail running through the North. It goes from the east all the way to Montana. For more information go to http://www.harrisonidaho.com

• Other trails that are popular include:

The Route of the Hiawatha trail, Latah Trail, Bill Chipman Trail of the Palouse, Trail of The Couer D'Alenes. The trails range anywhere from 7 miles to 80 miles long. The rails-to-trails project is responsible for transforming abandoned train routes to hiking, biking, and walking trails. One of the longest trails in the nation is being worked on in Northern Idaho.

Gateway to Recreation

• Idaho has more whitewater rivers than any other state excluding Alaska.
• Top-destination ski resorts
• Saint Anthony Sand Dunes, Brunaeu Sand Dunes
• Pristine Wilderness areas including one of the largest continuous wilderness areas in the lower 48 states:

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

• Destination resort towns
• Thousands of lakes
• Rugged mountains including Mount Borah, Idahos tallest at 12,662 feet.
• back-country vistas

• Raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Stanley. Raft Idaho's majestic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. This trip is usually six days long and includes world class fishing, hot springs, and class III - IV rapids.

• Ski the uncrowded slopes of Idaho. The newest and least crowded is Tamarack Resort

[edit] Eat

The food is pretty much middle American. There are a few ingredients that are Idaho specialties, like Idaho Rainbow Trout, and of course the Famous Potatoes. Moscow proclaims itself the "Dried Pea and Lentil Capitol of the World," so I guess those are Idahoan too. In the college towns (Moscow, Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls), it's pretty easy to find organic and vegetarian food, but in the rural areas you might have a hard time finding a meal without beef.

[edit] Drink

The college towns have a good selection of bars, including the occasional microbrewery. You'll have to look hard to find any sort of interesting music scene in any but the largest cities, where there is a wide variety of types of bars from which to choose. In the more rural areas, you'll be stuck drinking at a country western bar or...well, that's about it. You might come across a place that will play classic rock, but even those are hard to find, unless you know where to look. Ask a local, because podunk and nice are usually synonyms out there.

On the plus side, almost every bar but the very swankiest has drink specials at least 3 nights a week. $1.50 wells, $2 pints, doubles for single prices...

[edit] Stay safe

The weather in Idaho can be fickle and extreme compared to other parts of the world. Mountains make their own weather, and it can be sunny one moment and stormy the next. If you are taking part in some outdoor activity, be prepared. For example, if you are hiking in the backcountry, take The 10 Essentials. Most importantly, use your common sense.

WikiPedia:Idaho

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