I honestly never knew this place existed, but I love a national park, so we drove a few hours to…read moreget here. We came at the perfect time, late in the day in September when the park had emptied out and the weather was cooler. It was almost like a ghost town. There are lots of paths to walk, and I think this place would even be great for someone in a wheelchair since the paths were so nice and smooth. The welcome ranger was a doll and the gift shop was decent. I do wish they had a little movie screening room that shared some history about the place. That would have made the visit even better!! Bathrooms were nice and clean.

Stopped by here when we were driving by to check out this National Monument. They have a small…read morevisitor center and gift store that was open for off season hours and part of the driving loop was closed for the season, but we were still able to experience part of the park. We had a great experience.

**As with all my hot spring reviews, I'm starting this out with a plea/admonition: I get a lot of…read moreguff from hot springs regulars for my "irresponsible" compulsion to share hot springs info with the world -- I guess the old-timers are afraid that the more people know about these places, the worse condition they will end up in. I steadfastly maintain that sharing is caring, and that to hoard these locations is greedy and selfish...so I'm sharing this info here with the request that, if you visit these springs, PLEASE be respectful and PACK OUT YOUR TRASH!!! I've see so many hot springs strewn with gross litter (including human and pet waste) that it really turns my stomach.** Not a bad place to soak after a summer hike at nearby Craters of the Moon Nat'l Monument. The water isn't really hot -- just warm, maybe around 100 -- but it feels good on a hot day! This small, all-natural rock-lined sandy bottomed pool is a little oasis in midst of all the lava beds-- lush vegetation all around, but no trees. You could probably camp here (there are a couple small flat areas by the pools), but it's right next to the highway, so might be kind of noisy. At the time of my visit (mid-July 2015) there was no litter or anything, but apparently this place is heavily used. And because it's right by the highway, swimsuits are recommended.........altho my sister and I did go nekkid, much to the chagrin of the two nice Mormon guys who were also soaking, and who pretty much tucked tail and ran away the minute we got there. Well...that's Idaho for ya!

This is a great trail loop for beginners on mountain bikes and a really nice hiking trail as well…read more There is a map at the trailhead and it is conveniently located by the sun valley lodge center. For more info check out this link: http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/4228687 Lots of deer trotting around when I went which was awesome!! Great trail for families with kids or maybe older people. I will be coming back here again soon!!

In 1961, Ernest Hemingway died at 61 in Sun Valley. In 1991 it was confirmed that Hemingway was…read morediagnosed with hemochromatosis. His heath was further compromised with his heavy drinking .His father, sister Ursula & brother Leicester also killed themselves. In 1991 neuro psychiatrist identified lewd body dementia as the cause of Hemingway's death., The monument says "best of all he loved the fall. The leaves yellow on the cottonwoods leaves, floating on the trout streams and above the hills the high blue windless skies now he will be a part of them forever Ernest Hemingway, Idaho 1939."

This little hidden gem off your hike or bike ride is worth a stop especially if you are an Earnest…read moreHemingway fan. I think it really represents who he was quite well. It is really a lovely and quiet place to reflect or meditate. The memorial is a short walk from the bike path and there is a bench to relax on and enjoy the stream and the beautiful views. If you look on-line you can read about the memorial and what it's about. http://www.allsunvalley.com/history_museums/ernest_hemingway_memorial.php Below the memorial is a trail that leads you to a stream. Just a really nice place to stop and enjoy by yourself or with the family. I had no idea this was here when I went for a bike ride but I am so glad that I stopped and checked it out!! All I could think was why has no one yelped about this beautiful lookout yet?? Okay...well I guess I will be the first!! :-)

Did a full day trip with Guide Adam Pennington that took us to Silver creek in Bellevue. This was…read moremy first experience and it was out of this world. Adam met us at the shop On SV road. Drove to Silver creek and spend 6 hours of fun, learning all things Fly fishing, caught many fish, had a provided great sandwich with drinks. The experience was one of a kind... Book our guy Adam and enjoy!

We recently visited from Santa Barbara and spent and afternoon fly fishing with Justin and DJ…read more While the water levels were apparently low due to the time of year we all (4 of us) had a great time and learned a lot. 3 of us were novices and 1 had experience. Justin and DJ spent the time going through the basics for the novices while my husband went ahead and started. All equipment and necessary clothing were provided and made the experience so relaxing. I hate being cold so while possible personally I can't imagine standing in the river without the waterproof waders and shoes/booties. Both Justin and DJ were full of helpful tips. I think we all left feeling successful at the end of our 1/2 day excursion and all are looking forward to the next time we can go.

UPDATE: We have actually used this company several times since writing this post. And its an A+…read moreeach time. Best time. Staff was so much fun, informative and just gave our family the best experience! We had Gusty and Miles as our guides and they were beyond wonderful. The lunch was great (amazing cookies) and the photos after were perfect- captured some amazing shots of us on the river. No one got hurt, no one fell over (in any of the rafts). Just a perfect experience. Thank you!!!

Did a river raft trip with Scarlet. She was AMAZING. Scarlet was great and so were all the staff…read moreincluding the bus driver. The whole trip was about 2 hours plus a 25 minute bus ride to the river. We love you Scarlet! Highly recommend this company for any outdoor adventure.

Great style in women's and men's d clothing/ mixed with wonderful local fishing knowledge and…read moreguiding

Great selection of outdoor gear and woman's clothing. Haven't tried their outfitters but I'm…read morereliably informed they are first class

Took the Middle Fork of the Salmon trip in early July. It was amazing. Guides were top notch and…read morethe boating, camping, food and everything was perfection. Highly recommend.

Seriously, "As good as it gets!". You're likely reading…read morethis in preparation for a Middle Fork of the Salmon River adventure. You may also be reading about Rocky Mountain River Tours for the Main Salmon trip, I cannot speak to that, but I know you'll be in good hands there too! Not a river-rat? No problem! But, there is something in you that is drawn to the Middle Fork, as are thousands each year. I am here to tell you that the best crew to do it with is Rocky Mountain River Tours. I would highly recommend RMRT, they're organized, efficient, friendly and experts on the river and off the river with delicious food and comfy camps. I have done other over-night and day rafting trips in Idaho, and I will say that there is something truly magical about the Middle Fork. And, more importantly, there are many magical, fantastic things about Rocky Mountain River Tours. I don't want to give away too much about the Middle Fork itself, but I will tell you all about Rocky Mountain River Tours. First, your trip will begin in the ugly Stanley, Idaho (it's beautiful, but ssshhh, we want it to stay a secret). You will meet Jared, the owner of RMRT, he is one hell of a river-expert and is super organized. He will provide with all of the needed gear, dry bags, wetsuits, tent, etc. He is great at answering all of your questions because trust me, you will have a lot. Jared is also the best because the morning you leave for your trip, he'll let you load the bus 10 minutes before the Stanley Baking Company opens so you have plenty of time to get in line. Trust me, this is a must. Get fuel for your first day on the river! Okay, so you got your belly full of Stanley's finest, you're on the school bus and ready to go to the best classroom in the world, the Middle Fork! Jared will provide you with some of your first lessons of the trip, interpretive tidbits on the way. Forest fire information, plant identification, where to look for elk and wolves, the works. After a long bus ride through the beautiful, I mean ugly and horrible, backwoods of Idaho, you're at the famous, Boundary Creek, the put-in for the Middle Fork of the Salmon. YES! This is a busy place considering you're in the middle of nowhere. Boats, dogs, kayaks, people everywhere. Now, this is important, use the bathroom here! Then make your way to the lead guide for RMRT. Fritz was ours, and he was the best. The guide will give you all the necessary safety information and make sure you have what you need. Then, to the boats! I could on and on about the details, but for the sake of brevity, I will leave you with some important points. 1. Ride with different guides throughout the trip and day. Each guide has a specific set of skills and they all have different backgrounds that brought them to the river. Don't worry, they are all expert whitewater guides and will keep you safe. 2. Get on the paddle boat! It's a fun way to get immersed in the river, but not for a swim...maybe. 3. Hike above camp! 4. RMRT has the BEST food of any trip I've ever been on. Hot carrot cake on the Middle Fork? Yes. And it is best carrot cake you'll ever have, I promise! 5. Ask questions! The guides are all super nice, patient and want to share their information with you. With that said, dig into the library and learn more about where you are! 6. TIP THE GUIDES! These guys and gals work so hard and often live on their tips, so make sure to have some cash or a check with you at the end. 7. Have fun. Take hikes. Write. Take pictures and live it up! RMRT is your group, no need to look any farther. Enjoy the Middle Fork!

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful Campground. We found a pull through for our large rig right on…read morethe lake front for $14 a night, around 2:00 PM on a Tuesday. Breathtaking views of mountains, water, birds, and a lovely breeze on a warm day. Such a wonderful surprise to find a quiet place to spend the night. Full Hookups, clean bathrooms, picnic area with covered tables, paved road, clean gravel sites, such a delight! We camped at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site in a Travel Trailer.

I have floated the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with Idaho Wilderness Company 15 times in the…read morelast 17 years. After returning from my trip this year, I sent an email to Steve Zettel, owner of the company, wanting to discuss what I considered unsafe operations which occurred during my week long trip. His reply to my email stated I did not "conform to the Idaho Wilderness Company way" and I was not welcome to float the river with their company again. I sent another email asking exactly what I had done or not done. After 60 days, I have not received a reply. I personally was responsible for 7 others people coming on this trip. Two years ago I brought 12 members of my family on the trip. I express concern one time and I am told I am not welcome. You couldn't pay me to float the river with Idaho Wilderness Company.

I travelled with IWC last summer on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and while the trip was a nice…read moreexperience there was one issue. For the price of this trip you would expect well qualified guides with years of experience. This river is after all a challenging white run and for the most park they did with the exception of one guide . This guide had only been on two floats ( in his carrier ) and as you would expect his craft had numerous collisions with walls and rocks creating several unwanted whitewater swims. When the trip was finished our group leader sent an email to discuss what was an obvious safety issue. The response from management was that we no longer welcome with IWC and that there were several fine operators that we should consider for future trips. When considering a Middle Fork of the Salmon trip perhaps you should take their advice