Sometimes a getaway trip is the cure you never knew you needed. Whether you’re looking for an escape during summer, fall, or winter, the good news is, Boise has multiple close getaway towns that will leave you feeling refreshed year-round.
McCall
A quick 2-hour drive north of Boise will lead you to McCall, a town located on the western edge of Valley County, Idaho. McCall offers year-round activities, with snow-filled fun in the winter and water sports in the Summer. For over 50 years, McCall has hosted the Winter Carnival recognized for famous snow sculptures, live music, snow bike races and much more. While in the summer, visitors take over the Payette Lake with swimming and enjoy sunshine filled hikes on the surrounding trails.
Totally Boise recommendation:
- On your way down the mountain, stop in the small town of Donnelly, Idaho to visit Gold Fork Hot Springs.
Sun Valley
Photo Credit: Oliver GuyAmerica’s first destination ski resort, a little short of a three-hour drive from Boise, is Sun Valley. Two mountains, extensive terrain, and state-of-the-art snowmaking guns have deemed Sun Valley the reputation as being one of the world’s finest ski mountains. Sun Valley offers year-round activities with bountiful hikes, fall festivals, whitewater rafting, and of course, amazing skiing. Sun Valley is located near Ketchum, in the greater Wood River Valley area.
Something to keep in mind:
- No car is needed around Sun Valley, anything to see, do, or eat is a quick walk. Plus, you can enjoy a complimentary bus ride on Mountain Rides taking you all over the area.
Cascade
Photo Credit: Harvin, @boise_spartan_17On the way to McCall, drive through Cascade or stay and enjoy the many amenities offered in the area. In the summer, this rustic lake town turns into an adventure for all with kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, and ATVing. As for the winter, you’ve got options to enjoy a peaceful and quiet trip or a wild adventure with ice fishing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Fun Fact:
- Lake Cascade Recreation Area (LCRA) was rated one of the top 10 “Places to Snowmobile” in the Northwest by SnoWest Magazine.
Shoshone Falls
Photo Credit: Hannah HendricksonRecognized as the “Niagara of the West”, Shoshone Falls is a must see in Twin Falls, Idaho. Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the U.S. at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, even bigger than the Niagara Falls! The park surrounding the falls offers boat ramps, a playground, and areas for picnicking, hiking, and swimming.
Get the most out of your visit:
- The falls are at their fullest between April and July.
Stanley
Photo Credit: @where_is_uncle_ricoStanley tops the lists with some of Idahos most jaw-dropping scenery. Three hours northeast of Boise, up the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 21), is Stanley. Offering nothing short of adventure, Stanley is home to remote wilderness experiences, trout-stocked alpine lakes, whitewater rafting, and a variety of trails.
Experience Stanley:
- By exploring the natural hot springs, including the private springs at Mountain Village or the range of rugged riverside pools.