Here is our family's top ten list of places to see in beautiful Southwestern Idaho. In our opinion, these ten spots are a must see! Whether you want to pack a picnic and take a scenic drive while learning some interesting state history, or you just want to spend some quality time boating, hiking, camping or fishing, these Idaho destinations will inspire the whole family.
1. Jump creek: We have lived in Idaho our whole lives, and just recently found this small oasis in the desert. Jump creek is an impressive canyon with beautiful scenery and a surprise waterfall that you will find after a short, easy hike from the parking area. This is a day use only area and it is free. From Boise, take I-84 west to Nampa Exit 33A. Follow Hwy. 55 through Marsing and on to the junction with US-95. Turn left onto Cemetery Road. Then, turn left at the intersection with a stop sign which turns into Jump Creek road. Stay left through the curves.
2. Cleo's Ferry Museum: Here is another hidden gem that our whole family loves. This is the perfect place for an easy walk nature trail that is filled with inspirational quotes, statues, botanical gardens, and even some animals! Located just south of Nampa on Hwy. 45, you will find it below the ferry service convenience store. It is free, but donations are welcome. Nearby, just southwest of Melba, is another favorite place of ours.
Celebration Park is Idaho's only archaeological park. It used to be a wintering ground for Paiute Indians along the Snake River. You will find petroglyphs dating 12,000 years ago, an old train trestle, and lots of hiking. There is a day use fee of .00 for this area.
3. Bruneau Sand Dunes: We love to pack a lunch and take a day trip to this fun Idaho destination! You will find North America's tallest, free standing sand dune here. There are hiking trails, fishing, camping and even an observatory for viewing the stars at night. We have had fun playing in the sand, burying our feet, and sliding down the dune. No vehicles are allowed on these dunes. Located 15 miles south of Mountain Home on Hwy.51 and then east on Hwy. 78, you will need .00 per vehicle per day to get in. Nearby, don't miss Owyhee Canyon, just south of Grandview. Here, you will see grand, towering cliffs that you must see to believe! They took our breath away!
4. Silver City: Take Hwy. 78 to Silver City Road when there is no snow. During the winter months, this historic mining/ghost town is snowed in. Silver was discovered here in the 1860's. Many historic buildings are still standing. Don't forget to visit the old cemetery and the school house museum. Take your camera!
5. Idaho City: This is another mining town located on Hwy. 21, north of Boise. As you near the city, you can still see piles of rocks along the side of the road which was part of a gold mining process known as dredging. This is a beautiful place to hike, fish, camp, and picnic. On the way up, take a side trip to Arrow Rock Dam where many people like to wind-surf, or just do a little fishing.
6. Bonneville Point: At this Idaho destination, you can still see the Oregon Trail ruts from the pioneer wagon trains. You can also see the whole Boise valley. French trappers came to this point and uttered the phrase, Les Bois, which came to be known as Boise, the city of trees. This spot is for day use and is free. Take Black Creek exit off of I-84 and go north to Bonneville Point.
7. Swan Falls: Idaho Power built a dam at this location to provide power for the valley. The original dam is still there and can be toured. We love this Idaho location because it is a nice place to visit in the colder months, as the canyon is warmer than the surrounding areas. Take I-84 west from Boise to the Meridian exit and turn south on Idaho 69 to Kuna. Then, take Swan Falls Road to the dam. Here, you also find The Snake River Birds of Prey area, where you can see wild birds in their natural environment.
8. Owyhee Reservoir: We love this place. It is beautiful. Be careful of the narrow, steep roads that take you there. This reservoir is 52 miles long! When the water is high, you can see the glory hole. Our kids just loved that. The dam was built in 1928 and at the time, was the tallest dam of its kind in the world. It can be reached from Hwy. 201 between Adrian and Nyssa. For a neat side trip, visit Succor Creek! This is an amazing deep, rocky canyon that has lots of picnic areas. This is the perfect place to pack a lunch and take a drive.
9. Hells Canyon: Carved by the Snake River, this is the deepest river gorge in North America! You will find lots of things to do here such as jet-boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
10. Payette Lake: Oh, how we love our beautiful Idaho mountains! This place, which is approximately 100 miles north of Boise via Hwy. 55, is a beautiful alpine lake. Drive the loop around the whole lake and enjoy fun all year round, including white-water rafting, water skiing and sail-boating. The film, "Northwest Passage" with Spencer Tracy and Robert Young was filmed on the shores of Payette Lake.
The only left to do now is to jump in the car and go! Enjoy any one of our top ten favorite Southwestern Idaho destinations that we have treasured for many years. It is so much fun to get outside and explore such beautiful places. Take your whole family on an Idaho adventure today!
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