Idaho Outdoors

Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Idaho Outdoors has an array of attractions and activities. Idaho is split into the following regions: Northern Idaho, Northern Central Idaho, Southwestern Idaho, South Central Idaho, Southeastern Idaho, Eastern Idaho and Central Idaho. Each region has its own special attractions. http://www.visitidaho.org/placestogo/regions.aspx

Northern Idaho includes mountains with Kellogg Peak and Wardner Peak, lakes and forests. Silverwood Theme park is near Coeur d’Alene. Set in a turn-of-the-century Victorian town, there are rides, shows, a museum and games for the family. Wild Waters Water Park offers something for the whole family. Eleven water slides include a tube ride, hot tubs, Kahuna Waterfall and landing pool. They also have movies and laser shows.

In Northern Central Idaho, you can trace Lewis & Clark’s Northwest Passage. This will take you through forests and rivers.

Southwestern Idaho offers Museums, Memorials and the natural beauty of high deserts and canyons. The Brundage Mountain Resort has a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. It offers skiing for both beginner and expert. The World Center for Birds of Prey and the Boise Zoo offer a look at birds and other animals native to Idaho and throughout the world.

In the South Central Idaho region, rock climbing and horseback riding are available at the national reserves and state parks. The City of Rocks contains granite column that can reach 60 stories tall and are some of the oldest in North America. These are popular with climbers. Balanced Rock is near the city of Buhl. This well-known rock weighs more then 40 tons and balances on a rock pedestal only 3 feet by 17 inches.

Southeastern Idaho holds hot springs at an ancient volcano and a 20-mile long turquoise blue lake. It also has the history of the pioneers and Native Americans.

Eastern Idaho offers mountain peaks, wildlife, a river gorge and Yellowstone National Park. At this park, you can see geysers, grizzly bear, black bear and gray wolves in their natural habitat.

Central Idaho contains Idaho’s tallest mountain peak. This region contains the Great Rift, the largest, deepest and most recent volcanic rift in the United States. You can see unusual geologic features at the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Wapi lava flows. The only other geologic area like this is in Africa. The Shoshone Ice Caves are large lava caves with year-round ice floors. There is also a museum with Indian artifacts, gems and minerals. On Bald Mountain in Sun Valley, you can mountain bike or hike. Trails range from easy to challenging hikes.http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/destination-hunter/north-america/united-states/west/idaho/idaho-landmarks-points-of-interest.html?utm_source=relatedarticles&utm_medium=internallink&utm_campaign=SmithMag&utm_content=Idaho%20-%20Landmarks%20and%20Points%20of%20Interest