Be a Boise Insider

Receive weekly updates, luxury listings, and insider tips on Boise real estate right to your inbox.

* indicates required
  • Summer in Idaho: Sawtooth Wilderness Spotlight ,Lysi Bishop Real Estate

    Summer in Idaho: Sawtooth Wilderness Spotlight

      Photo Credit: Pxfuel.com Summer is here, bringing with it those long sunny days. There is no better time to get outside and explore the nature Idaho has to offer, and there is no better place to do it than the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Sawtooths are a mountain range in Central Idaho and are legendary for rugged, sharp peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and spectacular vistas. Start planning your Sawtooth trip this summer using this guide! Redfish Lake: Redfish Lake is a stunning alpine lake that sits right outside of Stanley, Idaho. It has been a popular destination to relax and unwind since the 1800s, and was inhabited by the Sheepeaters tribe much earlier than that. Redfish gets its name from the bright red Sockeye Salmon which swim upstream to spawn at the lake each summer. It is said that back before dams and overfishing reduced the Sockeye numbers dramatically, there used to be so many spawning fish returning to Redfish that you could walk on their backs across the lake. Nowadays, visitors flock to enjoy the camping, hiking, boating, and fishing that surround this remarkable lake. Whether it be a day trip or a weekend getaway, Redfish Lake is a staple of the Sawtooths and a must-see! Photo Credit: Unsplash Hiking: Hiking in the Sawtooths can include some serious elevation gain, but the views at the top make the trek very rewarding. Since the sheer number of trails can seem overwhelming, here are our top 3 choices that are worth the effort: Goat Lake:  This trail is an ~8 mile out-and-back hike that leads to a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by impressive mountains. This trail is challenging with a lot of elevation gain, but jumping in the cold lake at the top helps to refresh and cool off for the hike down. Fishhook Creek Trail: A family-friendly option, this 5 mile out-and-back trail has minimal elevation gain and ends up with views of the Sawtooth mountains sprawl beyond a gorgeous meadow. Bench Lakes: A nice intermediate-advanced option is the Bench Lakes trail, which starts near Redfish Lake and goes 8 miles out and back to five different alpine lakes. From the tranquil lakes, you can see craggy peaks of the Sawtooths and even spend the night in one of the countless campgrounds at the 5 Bench lakes. Photo Credit: Kaija Zoller Camping: The Sawtooths are a part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky reserve and once the sun sets on the sharp peaks and vast wilderness of this mountain range, the real show begins. When it comes to camping in the Sawtooths, there are two main options: campgrounds and dispersed camping. Campgrounds will typically have much more amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, and trash; reservations are recommended and can be tricky to secure. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the Sawtooth National Forest outside of designated campgrounds, meaning you could sleep right next to alpine lake and under the tall peaks of the Sawtooths. This is very popular among backpackers and although it can require more gear, it is useful in splitting long hikes into multi-day trips. Remember when camping to Leave No Trace, and pack out or throw away everything you bring in. Whether you're driving up to a campsite for a night or backpacking into an alpine lake, camping is an amazing way to experience the Sawtooths both at day and night!  Photo Credit: Kaija Zoller Wildlife:  The Sawtooths are home to countless species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects and it is almost impossible to enter this National Forest without seeing wildlife. At lower elevations, you might see elk and mule deer, coyotes, snowshoe hares, chipmunks, pine martens, and even the rare black bear. At high elevations, you may be able to spot a mountain goat or a bighorn sheep, which are more common than you would think. Birds you might see include golden and bald eagles, a variety of sparrows, meadowlarks, and red winged blackbirds among many others. Photo Credit: Kaija Zoller        

    View more

  • 24 Hours In Boise,Lysi Bishop Real Estate

    24 Hours In Boise

    Credit:  Brett Sayles - Pexels  Boise has so many different attractions and activities available that it seems impossible to fit all the best things into only one day. Luckily, we’ve done the work and condensed all the must-do things for you to make the best of your 24 hours in Boise, Idaho!   Start your day with breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Boise has no lack of options to get your day started. A local favorite is Java, where the confetti eggs and huevos rancheros are a must have. Java also has assorted freshly baked pastries and coffee. Its signature drink is the Bowl of Soul, a Mexican hot chocolate mocha with decadent, thick homemade whipped cream on top (pro tip: ask for a Blended Bowl of Soul when it’s too warm for hot drinks). Other breakfast options include Big City Cafe, the Griddle, and Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro. For a higher-end breakfast spot, try Bacon or Wild Root Cafe.  Photo Credit to Tripadvisor   Take a walk or bike ride along the Greenbelt (and see some 8-foot Sturgeon fish!): The Greenbelt is an iconic paved path that follows the Boise River all through Boise. While the heat of the day has yet to arrive, take some time to walk along the flowing river and enjoy the scenery. You can start walking from Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park , or any other access point along the 25 miles of path. While you’re at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, stop by the MK Nature Center stream walk. The Stream Walk is a short path that has views of over 8 foot long sturgeon swimming in a clear pond, multiple fish viewing windows for trout, and even a giant bald eagle nest you can climb in! This path is free, open from sunrise to sundown, and interesting for both kids and adults. Photo Credit: Kaija Zoller   Visit the Idaho State Capitol: The Capitol sits right next to downtown Boise and is surrounded by extremely well maintained grounds. The interior is equally beautiful, and visitors are welcome in most areas inside, depending on official activities at the time. Photo Credit: Brett Sayles - Pexels    Stop for some lunch: There are a plethora of lunch options to refuel after your morning adventures. Boise has a large basque population and even has a basque block in downtown Boise. Explore the block and try the Basque Market for an authentic basque meal. If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Friday, they have Paella on the Patio at noon. Be there on time as it sells out before you know it! Other local favorites include The Wylder, The Owyhee Tavern, and for a quick burger, try Boise Fry Company (they have blueberry ketchup!). Photo Credit: The Basque Market   Float the Boise River: Floating the Boise river is a classic Boise summer tradition. Start in Barber Park, where you can rent everything needed including rafts, paddles, and life jackets. The float takes about 2-3 hours as you pass through Boise and enjoy the sun. You will end up at Ann Morrison Park, where you leave your gear and there is a convenient and very affordable shuttle to bring you back to your car in Barber Park. Floating the river is the perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon in Boise and you will not regret it! Photo Credit: Thrive in Idaho   Sit down for dinner: Boise is filled with countless dinner options for any craving you might be having. For some high end Mexican food, try Coa de Jima. Fork is in the heart of downtown and has a spacious patio for dinner on a warm summer night. Check out our Top 5 Restaurants in Boise here! Photo Credit: Coa de Jima   Enjoy a nightcap: A favorite of locals is Western Proper, serving fun cocktails and beers with an arcade atmosphere including air hockey, bowling, skee ball, and basketball hoops! To get a full tour of Boise bars and clubs, start on 11th and Main in downtown Boise and work your way towards 5th and Main. Speakeasys have been all the rage, with Boise hosting a few secret spots like Thick as Thieves and the Suite 104. There is an array of bars and pubs with any atmosphere that fits your style. Photo Credit: Western Proper

    View more

  • 6 Best Sightseeing Spots in Idaho,Lysi Bishop Real Estate

    6 Best Sightseeing Spots in Idaho

      Credit: Perry Kibler on Unsplash Idaho’s natural beauty is the state’s biggest draw and never ceases to amaze even lifelong residents. The vast contrast from breathtaking mountain peaks, expansive valleys with rugged rivers running through, and every landscape in between makes sightseeing in Idaho a worthy undertaking. With the summer just beginning, now is the perfect time to explore this great state and check out these 6 best sightseeing spots!   Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Photo Attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash The Sawtooths are an iconic Idaho mountain range, known for sharp peaks and stunning alpine lakes. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has over 700 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and length. Trails often lead to campgrounds and alpine lakes, making this area very popular for backpacking. Perfect for a 5 mile hike or an overnight trip, the Sawtooths are sure to deliver stunning views!   Redfish Lake: Photo Attribution: Photo by Jay Miller on Unsplash Redfish Lake is the largest alpine lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and sits near Stanley, Idaho. With crystal clear water and inspiring views of the Sawtooths, Redfish is the perfect setting for recreational activities including boating, fishing, camping, kayaking, and swimming. Redfish Lake Lodge also sits on this lake, offering a laid back resort atmosphere with cabins available to rent. With the hot summer weather and the cold lake water, now is the perfect time to head up to Stanley and take in the views lakeside!   Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area: Photo by Kaija Zoller As the deepest river gorge in North America, Hell’s Canyon is an incredible place to hike, fish, and boat. Hell’s Canyon sits in western Idaho and the Snake River runs through it. A hiking trail that follows the river offers views of the bigger-than-life vistas of surrounding mountains and the river, as well as lush foliage and wildlife including elk, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep (with an occasional sighting of bears and bobcats). Hell’s Canyon offers a remote break from civilization, a chance to reconnect with nature and take in remarkable views.   City of Rocks National Reserve: Photo by Kaija Zoller Full of unique rock structures jutting out of the earth, the City of Rocks National Reserve is popular with recreationalists participating in activities such as rock climbing, hunting, and hiking. The scenery here is unlike anything else in Idaho with towering granite structures and arches that were slowly eroded over millions of years. Remnants from previous civilizations still remain in this other-wordly landscape, including names of emigrants from the California wagon train still engraved in rock. This unique landscape is an Idaho must-see!   Bruneau Dunes State Park: Photo attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash Located a little over an hour away from Boise, the Bruneau Dunes are sand dunes that reach a height of 450 feet and are a popular camping and daytrip area for Boiseans. A family favorite activity at the Bruneau Dunes is sand boarding, which is similar to snowboarding but involves sliding down the sand instead of snow. This State Park also has the Bruneau Observatory, which is the largest telescope available for public viewing in Idaho. Campsites are plentiful but must be reserved ahead of time. These expansive sand dunes offer a unique experience unlike anything else in Idaho!   Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: Photo attribution: Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash Created from a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a unique landscape of hardened lava rocks and sagebrush in Southern Idaho. This Preserve offers a variety of exploration options, which range from exploring lava caves, hiking up to the volcanic cone or to a crater, or even a short hike that highlights an ancient tree encased in lava. This rocky, post-apocalyptic landscape is an one of a kind sightseeing adventure that is begging to be explored!    

    View more

Categories