Where in ID for nature, river swimming, being lazy

Recommendations please for a trip to Idaho. We have a flight on hold to Idaho Falls but could change it to either Boise or Lewiston (by this evening). I want to sit by a river reading a book-preferably near my lodging (like out the back door), do some river swimming, maybe rafting, and a little hiking. I especially want to get into a river!

Which airport would be best to fly into and then drive no more than a couple of hours for some rest and relaxation in beautiful Idaho? Have only been in the north part of the state and have read on forums of The Sawtooths. Also, recommend any place to stay for my husband and I. We like to camp but want a bit of luxury on this trip plus too much work! Cabin or tent cabin may be ok.

Hope this is not sounding too high maintenance! Leaving the kids behind and my only possibility of a real relaxing vacation in a while.

thank you for any help and advice,

Susan

Where in ID for nature, river swimming, being lazy

Dear Susan, I LOVE the Sawtooths and the Stanley area. Here is the Stanley Chamber of Commerce website with area lodging:

stanleycc.org/pages_service_dir/lodging.html

You can land in Boise, drive up Highway 21 for about 120 miles, and be in Stanley. Beautiful drive!

You might also look at Island Park. It%26#39;s closer to Yellowstone, not as beautiful as the Sawtooths but you have a view of the Tetons and it%26#39;s not far from Idaho Falls.

Have a great trip!!

Pug

Where in ID for nature, river swimming, being lazy

I would second the Sawtooths. If you stay in Stanley you%26#39;ll have a great view of the mountains, and there are places right on the river as well.

Thanks both of you. My husband booked the flight into Idaho Falls before I could do enough research and now wishing we could have flown in Boise. The Stanley area and Sawtooths look outstanding and every river I research to find some nice swimming seems to be more near McCall or at least closer to that part of Utah.

I do not want to do a lot of driving but if it pretty could manage up to 4 hours. Do you think it is feasible to head over that way or should we stick to another area? I see that Ketchum area is not as far or even perhaps W. Yellowstone?

I just want to find a meandering river/creek to sit next to, do a little reading, sunning, and listen to the water go by.

We are going tomorrow for 5 nights.

thanks again,

Susan

Susie, you%26#39;re looking at somewhat of a drive, but if you%26#39;re adventurous and have a car with good air conditioning, you could take Highway 20 through Craters of the Moon, then turn north on Highway 75 to Ketchum. The Sun Valley area is pretty built up, but the Sawtooths are not too far from there. It would probably take you 5 hours or so to get to Stanley from Idaho Falls. You can go on the freeway but it%26#39;s not as scenic.

On the other hand, if you turn east from Idaho Falls you%26#39;ll come to the Yellowstone region in a lot less time. I can%26#39;t recall any rivers running through West Yellowstone, but Island Park is famous for them -- think A River Runs Through It!

One more suggestion, though I have not been there myself, is to drive northwest from Idaho Falls to Salmon. Check out the website http://salmonidaho.com/ I have heard that the 100 Acre Wood bed and breakfast is wonderful!

Have a great trip, whatever you decide!

Pug

Thanks again Pug,

That 100 Acre Wood does look nice. I think we will not attempt the long driving and either head up towards Salmon or possibly to that Island Park area. I see some nice pictures of a river on that 100 Acre web site so even if they are booked, perhaps I will ask them where that is.

Getting excited to see this part of the country. I am sure it will be different than little %26#39;ol San Luis Obispo. Going to try for some hot springs too.

Pretty last minute trip so will try to wing it and enjoy what comes even though I am a girl scout at heart.

ciao,

Susan

Island Park is a beautiful place this time of the year. I would recommend that you visit Mesa Falls, just an hour north of IF on hwy 20, also visit Harriman State Park and take a trail ride. They have a 2-hour ride that is just perfect.

An hour drive east of IF on hwy 26 will take you to Swan Valley. From there you have a couple of choices, you can head north on hwy 31 and enjoy a scenic drive to Victor or continue through Palisades Reservoir and go to Jackson, WY.

There are many cabins for rent on either location and both would be very relaxing.

to late now, but the Orofino area is the place you want to be. We have the best of every thing you wanted. Bobcats Bed and Breakfast is right on the Clearwater River. not to take away from the Sawtooths, they are it for what they are, but not what you described you wanted. Try it next time.

Forgot to include a phone number for Bobcats Bed %26amp; Breakfast,. It is brand new log cabins right on the river. Jon is very colorful. Jon Stewart 208-476-3719.

If I could draw this out a bit...

...yes, I can think of the lodging options near Stanley where having the river run by it is possible. How cold%26#39;s the water up there?

I know a couple ';swimming holes'; not near any lodging, though one between Boise and Idaho City barely has room to manuever... except maybe this year, if the rivers are still running high.

I know one along the Payette River, north of Horseshoe Bend. I forget the name of the beach, and there%26#39;s usually more than a handful of people there. There%26#39;s pools along the side for the kids, some rocks to jump from, etc. You know the drill.

I want to piggyback on this because I want to know of other good swimming holes around the state. You never know when my daughter needs to cool off, be thrown in (j/k), etc.

acne