Idaho

Located in the Pacific Northwest and straddling the Rocky Mountains, Idaho - also known as the Gem State - is a big state. It covers two time zones, extends from Canada to Nevada and encompasses the western side of the Continental Divide.

River canyons, mountains, lakes and farmland dominate the state’s landscape. Idaho’s panhandle is made up of green hillsides, timbered mountains and glacial lakes of all sizes. Central Idaho is covered with the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The Snake River Plain, with wide open vistas, irrigated farmlands and vibrant cities, forms the character of southern Idaho until the river turns north along the western border and carves the deepest Canyon in North America, Hell’s Canyon. World-class resorts such as Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene and Tamarack coexist with nature and offer an abundance of outdoor adventures.

Today Idaho offers up the same forests, mountains, rivers and lakes that challenged the early-day tribes, trappers and wagon-train pioneers. Now camping, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and fishing in Idaho are considered exceptional forms of recreation.

The state enjoys a four-season climate with most of the state’s precipitation occurring in the form of snow in the mountains. This snow-pack melts in the summer into a myriad of streams and rivers tumbling down the mountains of Idaho to produce the greatest variety and quality of river rafting in the United States.

Idaho is both cosmopolitan and small-town friendly. Boise, Idaho’s capital and largest city, was developed near Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail but is now much more easily accessed with excellent air service.

Whichever part of this state visitors choose to discover, they will find spectacular scenery, fun things to do and friendly, helpful people. Idaho is a place that’s unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming. It truly is an adventure in living.