Idaho's state parks have been called the "jewels" of the Gem State. The story of how those jewels came to be involves political intrigue, much resistance, some philanthropy, and a touch of irony. Sen. Weldon B. Heyburn famously said that state parks were "always a political embarrassment." Idaho's first state park was named after him. Today, Idaho's 30 state parks host five million people a year. Visitors come to boat, camp, bike, climb, hike, fish, and make memories in the great outdoors. This book tells the story of Idaho's diverse state parks--from Priest Lake in Idaho's panhandle to Bear Lake in the southeast corner of the state--through a wealth of historical photographs. A variety of parks are featured, including ones that were lost, found, or never came to fruition.

Best Easy Day Hikes Boise includes concise descriptions of the best short hikes in the area, with detailed maps of the routes. The 17 hikes in this guide are generally short, easy to follow, and guaranteed to please.

Since the dawn of aviation, Idahoans have employed aircraft to carry people, groceries, mail, freight, and livestock over inhospitable terrain. Idaho's airstrips are the stuff of dreams, offering pilots, anglers, hikers, and river-rafters access to deep wilderness less than an hour from the city. Aerial firefighting was born--and is based--in Idaho. Flight instructors in Idaho prepared thousands of pilots to fight in World War II. As the birthplace of United Airlines, with its famed "friendly skies," Idaho is one of the country's most aviation-friendly states. Government officials, private landowners, and volunteers have worked together to create and then preserve an infrastructure of big-city, small-town, and backcountry airstrips that are the envy of pilots worldwide.

Provides detailed information and camping fees at county and city parks in the Western United States.

Discover Idaho with Moon Travel Guides! Whether you're hitting the slopes, paddling glacial lakes, or sipping your way through the Snake River Valley, explore the best of the Gem State with Moon Idaho. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries for any timeline or budget, including the best scenic road trips, a wine country weekend, and a winter sports getaway Activities and ideas for every traveler: Spend a day sipping local vintages in the Snake River Valley wine country, or relax at a ritzy Sun Valley lodge after a day of skiing and snowboarding some of the best slopes in the country. Hike through the Rockies to alpine lakes and waterfalls, marvel at the bizarre landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument, or go white-water rafting on the Salmon River. Explore Boise's hip downtown area, browse unique antique shops and used bookstores in historic Nampa, or grab a drink at a rustic saloon in a Victorian-era mining town Where to find the best outdoor recreation, including cross-country and alpine skiing, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, rock climbing, and hiking, plus essential health and safety tips Expert insight from Boise local James Patrick Kelly Detailed maps and handy reference photos throughout Honest advice on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, from historic inns and B&Bs to budget motels and campgrounds Thorough information including background on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and local culture With Moon Idaho's expert advice, myriad activities, and local insight on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of the West? Check out Moon Montana & Wyoming. Headed to the parks? Try Moon Yellowstone & Grand Teton.

Yellowstone: A Natural and Human History, Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming This colorful and profusely illustrated official Handbook from the National Park Service explores the exciting home of steaming geysers, hot springs, grizzly bears, wolves, elk, buffalo, big horn sheep, moose and other wildlife. This book also includes a travel guide and detailed reference material for touring the parks.

In this Idaho State Parks Bucket Journal, you will find individual pages for 59 state parks, historic districts, hot springs, and historic sites in the beautiful state. Most parks allow camping and all destinations are great for day use trips. The State of Idaho is mountainous and has many fertile high elevation plains, large lakes, and deep canyons. Idaho is home to Hells Canyon that was carved out by the Snake River. It is the deepest canyon in North America and one of the best places to find whitewater rafting opportunities.